How we started
Tumaini Foundation is a non-governmental organisation founded 16 years ago by Tumaini Raymond Kivuyo, an orphan from a Maasai tribe, who had a difficult childhood. Having experienced myriad forms of humiliation and abuse, her mission now is to give hope to children in similar situations through Tumaini Foundation. "I never tire of supporting these beautiful children because I know and feel exactly what they are going through," says Kivuyo. "I have marks on my body. For example, I lost a tooth when I was almost killed by bad people who thought my blood would lead to wealth."
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Tumaini Foundation began in 2008 when it rescued 17 children sleeping on a rubbish dump near the local market in Babati Town in the Manyara region. The children sarcastically called this place, 'Jumba la Dhahabu,' which in Swahili means 'The House of Gold.' In response, Tumaini Foundation mobilised foster families, and some of the most vulnerable children were moved from the dump site.​
Many of the homeless children were employed to carry luggage, earning only 200 Tanzanian shillings or nothing at all. As a result, they did not have time to go to school. In an attempt to address this problem, Kivuyo started the 'Shule ya Tumaini' programme or Tumaini School, teaching the children to read and write under banana trees. In the beginning, there were 17 children. Unfortunately, three died, and four were already affected by drugs. The latter were eventually moved to rehabilitation centres in Dar es Salaam. The other 14 children continued with their education and went on to vocational training, which allowed them to work as mechanics, drivers and shopkeepers. This was the beginning of Tumaini Foundation and the orphanage, and this first group of children, now adults, continue to inspire children under the care of the foundation.
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Now in its second decade, the orphanage takes care of 150+ children in the Dodoma region of Tanzania. Much of its grassroots work has been carried out without donors or sponsors.
The foundation also serves widows as well as children with special needs in the community, and as part of this work, has built an inclusive pre-school and primary school for vulnerable children. Based in Gairo, Brays Crown Schools will eventually offer secondary education and boarding, which will allow it to serve children from all over Tanzania.​
Challenges we face
Cultural
Some families from tribes in the community hold the belief that disabled children are a symbol of bad luck and misfortune. The impact of this belief is that children with special needs are often hidden.
Funding
We do not always have sufficient or reliable funding for daily expenses at the orphanage such as electricity, food and clothing. In addition, the school-age children often require sponsorship to keep them in education. We also require funding for our community projects such as Brays Crown Schools and vocational training for widows.
Manpower
We require more people to join us in our efforts to support the community, especially through volunteering. We particularly need help with construction projects, teaching, taking care of children, and arts and craft projects with widows.