Huruma Women Group

The Huruma Women Group in rural Moshi, Tanzania, is a community-based organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged and vulnerable women and families in the community. Founded and directed by Mary Saria and Berther Mawenya, the group was named for the Swahili word "Huruma," which means "compassion." Its purpose is to provide care and support to vulnerable and disadvantaged families and HIV-infected individuals in Tella Mande, rural district of Moshi, a little town in northern Tanzania . Founded and run by women that are living in the target area, the group is a voluntary grassroots initiative. Today, Huruma supports 40 disadvantaged children and their families as well as 20 individuals infected by HIV/AIDS. The services offered include the provision of food, cloths and healthcare. Furthermore the group provides educational sponsorships to children and youth including the payment of school fees, school uniforms and materials. Finally, since July 2008, members of the Huruma Women Group run a small nursery school in the neighbourhood of the supported families in Tella Mande. Huruma's intention is to improve the living conditions of poor families and create a healthier community in Tella Mande. In the realization of this goal Huruma entirely depends on voluntary support.

ZARA has been a friend and supporter of the Huruma Women Group for several years. In July, Huruma Women group welcomed their first international volunteer. In three months with the Huruma Women's Group, Julia, a "World Unite!" volunteer from Germany and her friend, Jacek Jonczyk, created a webpage for the charitable group free of charge. The website is now online http://www.huruma.info.