The centre re-opened after the Christmas break on the 8th of January, beginning the sixth enrolment of students since the centre began. This is the first year the programme will run for 12 months. In 2024 enrolments have been extended from 6 months to 12 months to give students an opportunity to refine and develop the skills being taught.

Written and oral interviews with prospective students were conducted, and 20 were selected for 2024 programs.

As well as the core Syllabus including Cooking, Tailoring and Beauty, supplementary courses such as English, entrepreneurship education, reproductive health, mental health education and counselling, human rights and food nutrition are taught.

In 2024 a field study placement and report will be part of the programme. During this time, Inuka Tusonge will continue to supervise and support the students.

It’s official: charity donations $2 or more to Nina Imani Ltd are now tax-deductible in Australia.

Nina Imani is also now registered with Containers for Change recycling schemes in Queensland and Victoria. Please consider donating your can and bottle recycling money!

Our 2-day Blue Mountains Hike fundraiser will be in late October.

Every year:

• Inuka Tusonge cultivates a vegetable garden so students can learn to grow, prepare and cook their own food, providing immediate and long-term benefit to themselves, their families and the environment. As the climate changes and rainfall becomes more unpredictable, this is even more important.

• Reusable menstrual underwear is given to students. These are made by a local seamstress who has worked with Inuka Tusonge to refine the design. One set lasts for up to five years and they empower young women who otherwise may have to forgo their education and work.

JULY

Trivia Night raised more than $6000! Extra special thanks to Newport Surf Club, Kathy & Alex’s family and friends, and all the businesses who donated.

July 28: Settling into the new Inuka Tusonge centre premises! A new fridge was purchased, and food and soft-drink for an opening celebration was donated by our visitor, Hanbin Cho, from Korea. He was introduced to Inuka Tusonge by Alika Afrika.

SEPT-OCT

Student field research placements (observation and mentoring, maximum 25% workload of a full-time employee), with report due at the end of the two-month period. Students were placed in their preference of hotel/resort, bakery, or hair/beauty salon, with a total of 14 placements across 8 host employers. They gained valuable practical learning to bolster their knowledge and confidence and this helped them gain full-time employment after graduating.

The Keniger family visited from Cairns, Australia for their first family safari and made a generous donation to support the ongoing work they saw on their visit to the Inuka Tusonge centre.

NOV

On Saturday 11 November 2023, 16 amazing supporters embarked on an overnight hike of the 16km Barigar Trail in the Grampians National Park, raising over $11,000 towards our programmes in Tanzania. A special thank you to everyone!

Inuka Tusonge students did their practical and theory exams.

DEC

Inuka Tusonge purchased a new corn tank!

The graduation ceremony on 14th of December 2023 awarded 14 students their certificates of recognition. Students designed and made their own dresses, and the ceremony was a joyous occasion enriched by the support of family and friends who bought products the girls made with profits used to buy a sack of maize for new enrolments.

The students and staff received a Christmas gift of 2.5kg of rice 2kg of sugar and 1litre of cooking oil.

Thank you to everyone for all their support throughout 2023.

JAN

Graduation ceremony - attended by Honourable Ward councillor of Maji Ya Chai, on behalf of ward councillor of Seela Sing'isi. Awards, fashion show of self-designed outfits and braided hairstyles, and products sold to raise funds.

JAN-MARCH

New students visited food markets and stores to learn more about vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini, leeks, radishes, and broccoli, and different cuts of meat and fish.

Australian supporter Cindy James visited to swap recipes and take part in a hair and beauty class. Supporter Marisa visited with friend Dale and enjoyed a lovely meal. Both visitors brought gifts which were very much appreciated.

Through a local youth NGO and SDDO (Social Development Driven Organisation), students learned about business skills and how to make liquid detergent they can sell for a profit.

Dr Rehema from Tengeru Hospital presented important reproductive health information.

MAY

Students visited SIDO (the Small Industries Development Organization of Tanzania) to learn about creating businesses based on products such as sugar cane juice, peanut butter, or ground spices.

JUNE

Visitors Stephanie, Chihaki, and Angelica from America Through Women Adventures Africa Company donated money to buy a refrigerator, and bring other gifts for the students.

Dr Simba from Tengeru Hospital provided information and support to help students build confidence and coping skills.

We rented a larger property in Tengeru with space for a garden, close to transport.

JULY

A visit to the World Vegetable Centre - Southern and Eastern Africa (learn more about growing local traditional vegetables for family nutrition and as a cash crop).

Graduation ceremony - attended by more than 80 guests including the Honourable District Commissioner of Arumeru. Two graduates were sponsored for further college training. Nina Imani represented by Dianna Snape and her son Jeremiah Urio. Students sell products to raise funds for the centre.

AUG

Graduation shop opens - drought-related closure of local nearby brickworks created unexpected problems. However graduates were able to find work in a local dressmaking business. Some created their own small businesses such as selling snacks and sewn goods.

SEPT

Dr Rehema from Tengeru Hospital presented a women’s health and family planning seminar.

Inuka Tusonge welcomed volunteers Stefano and Reina with a Kiswahili lesson, a delicious meal, and a demonstration of Kanga style dressing.

OCT

A new student cohort visited the World Vegetable Centre – Southern and Eastern Africa, to learn about seed selection, natural pest control, grafting plants and more.

NOV

Our Wilson’s Prom fundraising hike raised more than $8000 thanks to our wonderful supporters!

The Nadia & Alf Taylor Foundation delegation visited Inuka Tusonge to observe programs and activities, discuss opportunities for a future daycare centre, and make a very generous donation.

Tengeru Hospital’s Dr Simba’s presentations on psychology and mental health helped students understand the impacts of trauma and poverty and how to build coping skills and resilience.

Inuka Tusonge director Beatrice Lyimo attended a two-day seminar for local NGOs on project management and funding proposals.

NOV-DEC

Students visited the MS-TCDC (Training Centre for Development Cooperation) to build knowledge and skills in a commercial kitchen and hotel environment.

MAY

With funding from Nina Imani a freestanding hairdryer and shelf for kitchen utensils were purchased.

The Directors found a shop to rent so that the graduates can be transitioned and supported in how to start and run a small business once they complete their 6 months of vocational training.

Preparations began for the graduation ceremony in July.

The students shared ideas for items they can sew and sell to help the centre begin sustainable practice and work towards generating income to support the expenses of the centre. They began sewing wallets and bags.

JUNE

Students prepared and sat their practical exams putting to the test all they learnt over the past 6 months.

Work began preparing the premises for the graduate shop with a repaint and preparations continued for the graduation party scheduled for 2/7.

Nina Imani Director Kathy Hofmann and her family organised and ran a Trivia Night raising over $10,000 AUD for Nina Imani initiatives. A HUGE thank you the Newport Surf Life Saving Club who contributed the fantastic premises and the Newport business community who donated amazing items for the silent auction.

Alika Africa joined Nina Imani as a supporter and project partner for the Inuka Tusonge vocational centre and donated $4000 USD toward the operating expenses and graduates shop.

JAN

The Inuka Tusonge Foundation vocational centre began their third enrolment of students on January 10 with 14 young women from the Arumeru district. All students were provided with reusable period underwear made by a local Tanzanian small business woman.

Dr Rehema presented at the start of the course to teach the girls about sexual and reproductive health.

Through our collaboration with safari operator Alika Africa, Inuka Tusonge graduate Diana hiked as a porter up Mt Kilimanjaro on the Machame route and successfully completed the 7 day hike as part of a supportive team of guides and porters.

FEB

KPAP kindly lent their support to the students at Inuka Tusonge by sending two experienced female porters to give a talk about the challenges and rewards of being a female porter on Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The session was a huge success leaving the girls inspired and motivated.

MAR

The students worked hard developing their skills tailoring 27 items, cooking and baking 72 dishes and weaving and braiding 29 hairstyles. They baked and decorated a cake for Director Beatrice’s birthday and went on an excursion to see the operation of a commercial kitchen. A professional photographer was engaged for a photo shoot where the students were encouraged to dress up and celebrate themselves. This special shoot is arranged for all the students to help them value and celebrate themselves at the beginning of each enrolment.

Lilian started her driving lessons this month to further advance her skills for Tour Guiding.

APR

Students refined their skills learning to sew different styles of dresses and cook with pasta. The Tanzanian electricity company TANESCO attended in April to fix the electricity issues at the centre and the hairdryers can now be used without issue. Lilian sat her final exams for her Hotel Management Course at SILA College.

OCT

With funding from Nina Imani, the Inuka Tusonge Foundation purchased a pin board for notices.

The students went on an excursion to attend an exhibition of small collectives, showcasing female entrepreneurs. They saw demonstrations on how to print clothes, make labels and baskets, Maasai jewellery as well as making shampoo and soap.

The excursion was a great motivator and example for the girls as to what is possible. They were able to network and exchange numbers and even got a glimpse of Tanzania’s first female President, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The graduation party was held for these 10 amazing, resilient young women who successfully attended and completed their vocational training. Guests included Shedrack Joshua from the Red Cross, Ahadi Msangi (registrar of NGO’s) Pastor Lomayani and Judica Nsanya (Chairman of the village).

NOV
On November 20, 15 wonderful humans joined us on an overnight hike of Mt Bogong for Nina Imani’s annual fundraiser. The hike was a magical experience and enjoyed by all with an outstanding outcome raising over $17,000.

Inuka Tusonge chef Prisca, who has been with the centre since its inception, left to pursue a new opportunity in the Manyara Region. We wish Prisca well and are very thankful for all her hard work at the centre sharing her knowledge and skills. Inuka Tusonge welcomes Harrison Mbare who has worked at Ndanda Referral Hospital Canteen as Supervisor and Moshono Social Hall as Assistant Chief.

DEC
With funding from Nina Imani, the Inuka Tusonge Foundation purchased an iron, bin, 160 litre plastic storage and an aluminium sheet cover for the cooking table.

Thanks to a generous donation from Brett Boardman, the students were able to enjoy a Christmas Party. There was music and dance and a wonderful celebration was had by all.

AUG
With funding from Nina Imani, the Inuka Tusonge foundation purchased more plates, spoons and saucepans for the cooking course.

Dr Rehema ran a workshop at Inuka Tusonge teaching reproductive health, family planning and personal hygiene.

SEPT
With funding from Nina Imani, the Inuka Tusonge Foundation purchased an office table and shelves for files.

Inuka Tusonge was invited by TARI (Tanzanian Agricultural Research Institute) to host a 2 day Symposium teaching agricultural bean farming practices for both gardens and larger farms, covering seed choice, storage and nutritious meals. The Symposium was complimented by a small entrepreneur mentorship session covering establishing a small business on little captial, regulations, food handling and expiry dates and packaging. The students prepared food for the guest presenters.

MAY
With funding from Nina Imani Ltd, the Inuka Tusonge Foundation purchased 2 additional sewing machines.

With the support of our Monash Interns, Nina Imani lodged their DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) application with the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) and formalised Child Protection policies.

JUNE
With funding from Nina Imani Ltd, the Inuka Tusonge Foundation purchased an office table and note boards.

Sakina, a nutritionist, presented to the students about diet and nutrition.

Lilian (the recipient of the Nina Imani Study Grant) completed her 3-month work placement in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.Description goes here

JULY
With funding from Nina Imani, the Inuka Tusonge Foundation purchased a hair drier, mirror and rollers for the hairdressing course.

Lilian (the recipient of the Nina Imani Study Grant) returned to present to the Inuka Tusonge students about completing her study and her work placement. She shared the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned and how honesty and trustworthiness have guided her. She also talked about the friends she made and the community she built through her study, as well as the amazing National Parks she visited. Her talk built the girls confidence and gave them hope in overcoming their own personal challenges.

JANUARY
With on-going funding from Nina Imani, The Inuka Tusonge foundation purchased 2 sewing machines, plastic chairs, a safe, a small gas stove, a whiteboard and more kitchen utensils, as well as supporting ongoing teaching salaries.

FEBRUARY
Lilian (the recipient of the Nina Imani Study Grant) presented to the Inuka Tusonge vocational centre students speaking about her life and how she has faced challenges of poverty and pursued her dreams and goals. Her talk motivated and inspired the girls.

MARCH
5 students graduated from Inuka Tusonge's first vocational course and a the second course began with 10 students enrolled.

APRIL
With funding from Nina Imani, the Inuka Tusonge Foundation purchased a desktop computer.

Nina Imani and the Inuka Tusonge Foundation signed a partnership agreement and formalised regular monthly reporting and lodgement of timesheets and bank statements.

Lilian (the recipient of the Nina Imani Study Grant) commenced her 3-month work placement in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

APRIL
The Inuka Tusonge vocational centre closed due to government COVID restrictions.

JULY
The Inuka Tusonge vocational centre re-opened.

SEPTEMBER
Lilian successfully passed her first mid-year exams at SILA College.

NOVEMBER
Nina Imani Ltd made its first donation to the Inuka Tusonge Foundation funding the purchase of a mini oven, learning tables and baking utensils. This donation also funded ongoing teaching salaries and rent.

DECEMBER
Nina Imani appointed its first intern as part of the Monash University's Arts Work Integrated Learning Program and provided further funding for the Inuka Tusonge Foundation.

JANUARY
Nina Imani’s first project began with a study grant for Lilian Kagaruki who was unable to complete her education due to the death of her father. Lilian’s dream was to study Tour Guiding. We asked her to research the course, including budgeting and timetabling to enable her to demonstrate she could manage study while still supporting herself as a ‘Dada’ for an Australian family living in Arusha.

By providing funding for tuition, safe transport and learning materials Nina Imani was able to support Lilian to undertake a 12-month tour guiding course at SILA College in Arusha.

The all female board of directors comprising Beatrice, Gudila and Levina self funded and registered The Inuka Tusonge Foundation as an NGO in Tanzania.

MARCH
The Inuka Tusonge Foundation signed a 6-month lease, purchased a charcoal oven and kitchen utensils/supplies and opened the vocational centre with 5 students enrolled, self-funded by a loan from a local women's association, local fundraising and financial support from Inuka Tusonge's directors.

AUGUST
Beatrice Lyimo (Inuka Tusonge Foundation founder) reached out to Dianna Snape (Nina Imani founder) with her vision to create a vocational centre for vulnerable Tanzanian women teaching practical skills including tailoring, baking and hairdressing, as well as entrepreneurial and social competencies.

Beatrice is a Swahili language teacher and holds a Bachelor of Education with a major in English from the University of Arusha and is a mother to two young children. Beatrice taught Dianna Swahili in Tanzania in 2012 and their friendship, respect and ideals have been shared ever since.

Dianna, Kathy and Dianne reviewed the proposal for the Inuka Tusonge Foundation vocational centre and agreed that the program matched with their ideals and aims and would provide a great start for supporting young women from poverty to financial independence.

DECEMBER
Thanks to a generous donation from Kathy & Alex Hofmann, Castle Legal was engaged to consult on the establishment and framework of the charity and Nina Imani Ltd was registered as a public company and with the ACNC as an overseas aid organisation.

MAY
Nina Imani founders, Kathy, Dianne and Dianna began researching and consulting industry professionals in the Australian charity sector to determine the best structure to adopt to realise their goal of supporting vulnerable Tanzanians toward economic empowerment.

As small businesses owners who have achieved their own financial independence, each spanning over 20 years in business, Nina Imani’s directors were motivated to share their experience and help educate and motivate vulnerable Tanzanian’s to build sustainable small businesses.