Hands-On With Hope: Reflections From Volunteering With Young Women In Tanzania

Not all life-changing moments are loud. Some unfold quietly – in rooms filled with connection, in stories shared over tea, in the steady rise of self-belief.

By Kristy Thai, eCommerce Specialist

August 13, 2025

At MESHKI, we believe in empowering women and championing confidence – not just in how we dress, but in how we show up in the world. Recently, I took the opportunity to live out this value in a new and meaningful way.

Join me as I reflect on my week spent in Arusha, Tanzania, working directly with a group of young women as I listened to their stories, discovered their dreams, and supported them with lifelong skills to shape brighter futures.

I was reminded that while the courage to dream is powerful, the decision to act is what truly transforms lives.

It all began about six months ago when my boyfriend and I were dreaming up our next adventure. This year, we longed for more than a holiday. We wanted an experience that would connect, challenge, and inspire us. A little research later, East Africa was calling – and it felt like the perfect answer. We locked in a few volunteer programs and lined up some bucket-list experiences, unaware that this journey would soon become one of our most treasured to date.

About The Tupendane Foundation 

A highlight from our trip was the week I spent in Arusha, volunteering with the Tupendane Foundation alongside its remarkable founder, Rosaline Mushi. From our very first meeting, I was deeply inspired by Rosaline’s calm strength and unwavering commitment to her purpose.

Tupendane — Swahili for "let's love one another" — perfectly captures the essence of what she has created: a safe, uplifting space for young women to learn, grow and reclaim their futures. What began as one woman’s vision has quickly grown into a community-led movement, grounded in compassion, equality and resilience. At its heart is a simple yet powerful belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Through its programs, Tupendane equips women with essential life skills that foster confidence and independence — from health and wellbeing to English literacy, entrepreneurship, and financial education.

Throughout the week, I had the privilege of working with 25 young women — each carrying her own story of challenges, yet each radiating strength in her own way. Together, we delved into the importance of mental wellbeing, practised their English skills, and uncovered approaches to navigating life’s challenges with intention and purpose.

We also brought their business ideas to life — from beauty salons and tailoring services to mini markets and small farms — building out simple plans to help them take their first steps. To spark creativity, we designed posters that captured their visions in vivid form. Beyond the practical skills, we spoke about self-worth, the power of community, and the importance of setting goals that feel true to who they are.

Despite limited access to resources, many of the girls shared dreams of building something meaningful — not just for themselves, but for their families and wider communities. It was humbling to witness such optimism in the face of adversity.

Their curiosity and openness stayed with me — as did their ability to find joy in the smallest, most ordinary moments.

As I left Arusha, I felt deeply grateful to have shared not only time and knowledge, but also to leave behind resources and supplies — small yet meaningful gestures to support these incredible women as they continue building on the progress we made together.

If you're interested in learning more about the Tupendane Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit tupendaneafricafoundation.com.