Success Story
One Year Later at Igoma C
Returning to Igoma C revealed a thriving ecosystem. Students are happy, and crucially, 9 out of 10 sewing machines are still in perfect working order...
Latest Report: Mwanza 2026
Empower Girls.
Transform Futures.
Breaking the silence on menstrual health and building sustainable futures through education and skill-building in Tanzania.
A Year of Tangible Impact
Data from our latest visit to Igoma C and Shamaliwa Secondary School demonstrates the sustainability and effectiveness of our model.
Machine Sustainability
Igoma C
90% of machines fully operational. Local repair model confirmed.
Student Knowledge
Post-Workshop
High retention of cycle phases and hygiene practices.
The Economic Hurdle
Why We Need You
Machine cost vs median monthly wage (in EUR, 2025)
3,000+
Students
60
Teachers
90%
Survival Rate
4
Days Action
Mission Log: Mwanza Trip
A day-by-day account of our recent activities.
1
Day 1: Arrival
Shamaliwa & Igoma C
Arrival in Mwanza and immediate visits to Shamaliwa Secondary and Igoma C. Met with 60 dedicated teachers serving 3,000 students.
- Shamaliwa Visit: Inspected sewing room. Classes average 70-100 students.
- Igoma C Check-in: Students still using machines from last year! New funds provided for repairs/materials.
- Logistics: Navigated heavy traffic and ATM fees to buy supplies.
2
Day 2: Launch
Workshops Begin
Workshops begin at 8:30 AM. Approval granted for MHH and Sewing workshops.
- MHH Workshop: Separation of boys and girls. Boys focused on support; Girls on hygiene.
- Engagement: Interactive "Yes/No" quiz. Discussions on career goals and importance of education.
- Sewing: First 20 students started. Teachers approved new pad design.
- Cultural: High curiosity about life outside Tanzania.
3
Day 3: Deepening
Translation & Trust
Expanded to three classrooms. Strong support from teachers acting as translators. Focus on First Aid and deepening sewing skills.
- Sewing: New cohort began basic skills.
- Health: Mixed classes led by Lenox, Dula, Francesca, and Daria.
- Context: Learned about student lives (large families, poor uniforms).
- First Aid: Practical step-by-step sessions.
4
Day 4: Wrap-Up
Retention & Gratitude
Finalizing workshops with impressive knowledge retention. Commitment to continue project.
- Recall: Students remembered scientific cycle phases.
- Fun: Volleyball and Football matches. Traditional dances.
- Commitment: Teachers committed to continuing the sewing and pad-making lessons.
- Exchange: Sharing cultural traditions from Tanzania, Germany, Philippines and Romania.
Project Updates
Strategy
What Happens Next?
At Shamaliwa, we are implementing a "Train the Trainer" model. Older students who learned under SIMpowering leadership will support teachers...
Call to Action
We Need Sponsors
The project is not yet fully financed. With the price of a single sewing machine equaling a local monthly wage, company donations are vital...
Education
Breaking Taboos
Menstrual health issues often lead to students dropping out. Our workshops in Mwanza tackled cultural taboos head-on, creating a safe space...
Summary
Visit Summary
A heartfelt thank you to our donors. This trip was a testament to what we can achieve together, leaving a lasting impact on 3,000+ students...