Uhuru Mama: From isolation to community builders
The Uhuru Mama Collective, based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is a vibrant and dynamic initiative bringing together mothers of children with disabilities. Established in July 2023, the collective supports these women economically, socially, and emotionally – helping them move from isolation to empowerment.
What the Collective Does
• 34 mothers of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, all linked to a primary school in Dar es Salaam, form the core of the collective.
• While their children attend school, the mothers engage in meaningful work: weaving with natural grasses, sewing, and designing products for local and international markets.
• The group has become a strong social community, where women who once faced stigma and hardship now find friendship, confidence, and mutual support.
• At the outset, most caregivers showed signs of depression. Today, they report improved mental health, stronger social ties, a renewed sense of agency, and tangible economic progress through their shared work.
Why It Matters
• In Tanzania, caregivers of children with disabilities often face heavy stigma, limited inclusive services, and severe economic challenges.
• The Uhuru Mama model tackles these barriers through economic empowerment, emotional support, and public advocacy – using craft and culture to promote inclusion and dignity.
• By buying their products, you provide real value: you’re not giving charity, but investing in hope, pride, and sustainable income.
The Uhuru Mama Collective in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, completed its first year with significant achievements. Established in July 2023, we quickly engaged in various activities, including handcrafting beautiful products, research, and photo shoots. We participated in the Arusha conference, launched a Facebook group, and initiated sales exhibitions both locally and in Norway. We found a skilled weaving teacher, and collaborated with a professional designer on designing our logo. We received donations to support our work. We also hosted exchange students and international visitors and conducted workshops on nutrition, reproductive health, and digital learning. Throughout the year, we focused on togetherness, handcrafting, social media engagement, and product sales. Celebrating our one-year anniversary in June 2024, we continue to grow, preparing for future projects and further expanding our reach. Activity list 2023-24.
The second year of the Uhuru Mama Collective has been full of growth, creativity, and connection. With new skills, partnerships, and recognition, the mothers continue to prove that when women come together, change happens.
Building Strength and Recognition
In July 2024, the collective proudly received its official NGO registration certificate. Collaborations flourished – with jewelry designer Didi Isiah, Helen Park in California, and Equinor friends in Norway – helping Uhuru Mama products reach international markets. The collective was featured on TBC, presented at UNICEF’s Building Brighter Futures Conference in Zanzibar and the Deep Challenge Fund event in Dar es Salaam, and welcomed visitors from the Zanzibar government.
Learning and Creating Together
Mothers learned jewelry design, ukili weaving, tailoring, and financial literacy, gaining both confidence and independence. Structured profit-sharing began in mid-2025: members shared income, reinvested in materials, and supported children’s programs. By August 2025, Uhuru Mama had its own bank account, TIN number, and website – www.uhurumamacollective.or.tz – with online sales and international outreach.
Community and Care
The collective strengthened ties with Uhuru Mchanganyiko Primary School and celebrated children’s creativity through weaving demonstrations, storytelling, and the making of a tactile book for blind children. The Day of the African Child was marked with a joyful beach trip and zoo visit for children with disabilities, broadcast on national TV.
Workshops on reproductive health and disaster-risk awareness added new knowledge and confidence.
Looking Ahead
At the Annual General Meeting, members approved a transparent budget for 2025–2026 and celebrated two years of collective progress. Uhuru Mama stands stronger, but is still in need of investment to become stringer and sustainable. So that´s what we are working on: nurturing a community of mothers turning creativity into income, courage into change, and love into lasting impact.
Webpage
The Uhuru Mama Collective website is developing. Don’t worry if you’re unable to place an order there yet — the site is mainly intended for wholesale and for connecting with people and companies interested in larger orders from the Collective: Contact the mamas or me, and we can find out how to collaborate! https://www.uhurumamacollective.or.tz/
Media Highlights
Collaboration with Dønski VGS! (From September 2025)
ITV Habari, June 17, 2025: Uhuru Mamas celebrating the Day of the African Child
TBC live, June 16, 2025 – National TV coverage of Day of the African Child and Uhuru Mama’s two-year anniversary celebrations
Deep Challenge Conference, Arusha (11–13 June 2025) – Research presentation and product exhibition
Deep Challenge Conference, Dar es Salaam (18 March 2025) – Public presentation at Hyatt Hotel
Tanganyika International School Visit, 3 April 2025 – Cultural exchange with 65 students and 8 teachers
Open University, May 29 2024 – Video interview
TBC Tanzania, May 3 2024 – TV feature
Blog by Vincent Mpepo, April 8 2024 – Mazingira Wezeshi Yavutia Wenye Mahitaji Maalumu
Romsdals Budstikke, April 9 2024 – Article
Rotary Recruitment Article, March 24 2024 – Mention of Uhuru Mama
Rotary Norden, March 3 2024 – (No. 2), pp. 20–22 – Read here
Rotary Norge (District Møre og Romsdal), Jan 20 2024 – News post
Midsundingen, Nov 10 2023 – Humanitarian fair at Myratun
