In the heart of Iringa stands a small but powerful beacon of hope — The Matumaini Centre.
For more than three decades, this community-based organisation has opened its doors to vulnerable women and children—those who have been pushed to the margins, rejected by schools, families, and society, yet still yearning for a chance to rebuild their lives.

The story began in 1990, when Sister Ceni, a compassionate Filipino nun, met young girls facing unimaginable challenges — pregnant, alone, and without support. Moved by their courage and pain, she founded the Matumaini Centre—Matumaini meaning “hope” in Swahili—to give these women not just shelter but a future.

Since then, over 900 women and girls have passed through its doors. There, they’ve found counselling, education, food, accommodation, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. Some learn to read and write for the first time. Others discover new skills—and with them, the strength to stand tall again.

One of Matumaini’s most transformative programs is its tailoring and sewing training. Here, women learn practical skills that become lifelines—enabling them to earn an income, live independently, and create better lives for their children. Within the Centre, a small co-operative of 11 women produces handcrafted goods such as aprons, bags, and batik cloths. Each piece tells a story—of resilience, dignity, and possibility.

But in recent years, this hope has been tested.
A long-standing funding source from a church partner in Germany ended four years ago, and the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to sales from the co-operative. Although recognised as a Vocational Education Centre, Matumaini receives no government funding. Financial struggles have forced parts of the training program to slow — just when more women than ever need it most.

IQFA was contacted by two Irish teachers, who first worked there from 1999 to 2001 with the Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO), teaching English to young mothers. What began as two years abroad has grown into a lifelong friendship—one that continues through annual visits, fundraising, and constant communication. During the pandemic, they helped raise €8,500 in Ireland by selling the women’s handmade crafts—a small act with a big impact.

The Centre’s leadership—Helen Nkunda, Sarah Kihongo, and Rev. Robert Mukundane—are deeply committed to rebuilding and strengthening Matumaini’s work. Together, they have developed a new Strategic Plan (2025–2029) to guide the Centre into a sustainable future.

Now, Matumaini is ready to rise again—and it needs our help.

With IQFA’s support, the Centre can revive its tailoring and sewing program, offering women the skills, confidence, and tools to transform their lives. The funding will be used to:

• Purchase 20 sewing machines and materials
• Employ 3 skilled trainers
• Expand training opportunities for new participants
• Strengthen the women’s co-operative for long-term sustainability

Every stitch sewn at Matumaini carries a message — you are capable, you are worthy, you have hope.

By standing with the Matumaini Centre, you are not just funding a project.
You are helping a woman find her voice, earn her dignity, and shape a better future—for herself, her family, and her community.

Matumaini means hope.
And with support from IQFA, hope will continue to thrive.