Unapendwa Tanzania Foundation
Unapendwa was founded in December 2022 and registered as a Tanzanian NGO in February 2023. Our journey began in a vibrant neighborhood of Arusha, a place marked by challenges but also full of potential and opportunities.
Our vision is to support people on their path to greater independence and personal growth. Through initiatives such as a sewing project, the Kuku project, and educational seminars, we nurture the development of practical skills and entrepreneurial ideas. Our goal is to create a welcoming community center – a place that empowers and inspires people and provides space for growth.
1
Mission
Unapendwa's mission is to empower people in Arusha through holistic support and empowerment. We promote the personal and professional development of women, children, and young people through practical skills, education, and self-help projects.
2
Vision
Unapendwa's vision is to create a strong, self-reliant community where young people in particular receive the support, education, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. We aspire to be a center of growth and inspiration where young people can develop their skills, actively shape their future, and realize their dreams.
3
Projects
Unapendwa implements projects that strengthen the community through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial development. These projects help people develop new skills, promote their independence, and build a sustainable future.
The faces behind Unapendwa
Director & Manager
Pendo V. Laizer
Pendo is the founder, chair, and manager of Unapendwa. She leads the organization, manages finances, is responsible for communications, coordinates projects such as the Kuku and Entrepreneurship group and the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP), and supports the team and volunteers. Her dedication ensures that Unapendwa effectively achieves its goals.
Sewing Team Leader
Elizabeth
Elizabeth leads the sewing team at Unapendwa and is responsible for coordinating sewing projects. She oversees the team, organizes materials, and supports the former sewing group. She also leads sewing classes for women and trains participants in the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) in making reusable sanitary pads and basic sewing techniques. Through her dedication, she empowers women and fosters their skills.
Volunteer Coordinator & Seamstress
Florentina
Florentina works as a seamstress at Unapendwa and is the main contact person for volunteers. She ensures that they receive proper support and training. In the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP), she leads the girls' groups together with Pendo, creating a supportive environment for their personal growth. She also sells sewn items at markets in Arusha, contributing to the financial sustainability of the organization.
seamstress
Dorcas
Dorcas works as a seamstress in the project house.
Projects
Bags & More
The "Bags & More" project was the starting point for Unapendwa and provides three seamstresses and a team leader with secure jobs and a steady income – the foundation for a self-determined life for them and their families. The sales revenue not only covers their salaries but also contributes to the organization's operating costs.
This project empowers and enables women through free business training and targeted support. Unapendwa supports specialized women's groups, in fields such as chicken-raising, shanga (beadwork), and sewing groups, providing them with knowledge, practical skills and necessary materials to promote their economic independence.
The Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) supports girls during the challenging transition to adulthood through education, practical skills, and personal mentoring. In small groups, key topics such as puberty, menstruation, mental health, protection from violence, and future planning are addressed. The program is complemented by activities like English lessons and sewing reusable sanitary pads. The GEP aims to break down taboos, build trust, and empower girls to lead self-determined, informed, and confident lives.
Future Music
We are constantly working to further develop and optimize our current projects. We also have no shortage of ideas for new projects. In the future, we would like to open a daycare center and further expand our focus on young people by opening a youth center. Mentoring programs are also on our agenda.