Our Story
Our charity is named for Sr Adriana van den Berg, who was much loved by all whose lives she touched during a long life of service. As a religious Sister she spent 45 years with the Holy Union Community in Tanzania, working in education and welfare among the people she loved.
In 2010 Sr Adriana was approached by two local mothers struggling to care for their disabled children. Moved by their plight, she put a call out to the neighbourhood and discovered many other families in similar situations. This led to 40 women coming together to design a solution. Their wish was for a day care centre - somewhere they could come to connect with each other and access basics for their children, such as a meal, and medical care.
And so, Matumaini, or “hope is here” was born.
Adriana is no longer with us, but our charity was founded to make sure her legacy of love and care for vulnerable children continues.
Matumaini Today
Over the years Matumaini has helped well over a thousand families and extended the range of its services, answering the deeper family needs of the women who come. Services today include:
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extensive medical and physiotherapy resources
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an on site workshop for making bespoke prosthetics toys and exercise equipment
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visiting medical staff
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an onsite pre-school
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vocational training
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a microloan facility for the mothers
The project has stimulated a sense of empowerment among the mothers of Matumaini, and the success of the project has raised awareness in the population at large for those with disabilities.
