Mama Hope

10/06/2026

Board Desk

We are pleased to welcome Carla Sinatra to the MAMA HOPE Board of Directors. Carla brings decades of experience in business development, media, technology, and entrepreneurship, having spent her career supporting organizations in identifying new opportunities, navigating change, and building sustainable growth.

Today, she works closely with change-makers and founders in strengthening their organizations and turning bold ideas into lasting impact. We are excited to benefit from her strategic insight, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to supporting locally-led leaders across East Africa.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Katlyn Mingay as she concludes her service on the Board. During this transition, Jakob Rusinek will serve as Acting Board Secretary.

10/06/2026

Day Two of the GURD-Rwanda Organizational Retreat has successfully concluded. Building on the powerful discussions from day one, the team reflected on key lessons learned and conducted an in-depth review of GURD-Rwanda’s Theory of Change and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) System. These sessions have strengthened our strategic direction and reinforced our commitment to effective systems, accountability, and sustainable impact.

As we move forward, we are committed to implementing these frameworks and policies to ensure that GURD-Rwanda operates in line with national regulations while delivering meaningful and lasting change for girls, teen mothers, and vulnerable communities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our incredible partners Arthur B Schultz Foundation whose continued trust, support, and collaboration make this journey possible. Your investment in our mission enables us to remain strong, expand our reach, and positively impact the lives of the participants and communities we serve. Together, we are building a stronger organization and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

10/06/2026

Today, GURD-Rwanda officially launched its two-day Board Members’ Retreat, bringing together Board members, volunteers and facilitator for a time of reflection, learning, and strategic engagement.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director and Legal Representative warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of active participation, meaningful dialogue, and collective reflection throughout the retreat. He encouraged Board members to fully engage in the discussions to ensure productive outcomes and strengthen the organization’s governance and strategic direction.
Day One of the retreat was marked by focused on reviewing key organizational documents, including the Organization Pathway Report, the Strategic Plan, and other important policies that guide GURD-Rwanda’s work. These discussions provide an opportunity for Board members to deepen their understanding of the organization’s progress, challenges, priorities, and future aspirations.

GURD-Rwanda extends its sincere appreciation to Mama Hope and our valued partners, ABSF and Amplify Girls for their continued collaboration and support in strengthening our governance systems and institutional development.
We look forward to an equally productive Day Two as we continue building a stronger and more impactful organization.
Stay tuned for more highlights from the retreat!

25/05/2026

The wave across Africa isn’t coming; it’s already here.

We are seeing unprecedented momentum across the continent’s most critical sectors. Today, the campaign officially launched a pan-African alliance to celebrate and accelerate this progress.

As MAMA HOPE, we’re contributing by supporting the unseen heroes of global development in East Africa. We’re part of a growing movement and shaping Africa’s future.

How to get involved:
⏩ Showcase the Progress: Post your 'wave', the leaders, organizations, and programs moving the sector forward.
⏩ Tag a Partner: Mention a leader or organization who is making waves.
⏩ Use the Mark: Tag your posts with .
⏩ Mark your calendars for June 25 for the second wave.

Join the initiative: https://hubs.la/Q04hNdNV0

Notwaiting.africa

19/05/2026

The Collective | Practice of Care, Collaboration, and Co-creation

Once partners finish the 9-month LDA program, they join The Collective - a post-program alumni network. The goal of The Collective is for partners to stand independently: confident in their voice, connected in purpose, and grow as change champions.

During the 2025 in-person LDA workshop, Christine Ombima and Noella Luka met and struck an immediate connection. Their year-long friendship and partnership led to a successful gathering in Nairobi on World Bipolar Day 2026, under the theme "Still Here: Still Becoming".

The event brought together individuals with lived experience, caregivers, mental health professionals, and allies for a day of reflection, learning, and connection. Beyond the event itself, this gathering reflects something deeper: the sustained relationships built through the LDA program. What began as a peer learning journey between them has evolved into a continued practice of care, collaboration, and co-creation.

“Through the LDA, I met Noella as one of the partners and peers, and we were grouped to walk this journey. Beyond the program, we continue to hold space for each other.” Christine Ombima, Founder – Stand Out 4 Mental Health.

This is the LDA in action: Partners not only strengthening their organizations, but showing up for one another beyond the program to build communities of support and shared purpose.

15/05/2026

LDA Partner Stories | Maritime Empowerment Organization (MEO)

Learn how Eliyusta Haule rose from a small rural village in the southern highlands of Tanzania, studied Shipping and Logistics Management despite it not being her first choice. And how she went on to build a community platform for 1,000+ maritime students, graduates, seafarers, and professionals, benefiting young people like Yuster Mapunda.

Read: Charting a New Course for the Next Generation of Seafarers >>

by Yuster Mapunda, Former Volunteer & Eliyusta Haule, Founder Maritime Empowerment Organization (MEO) | A 2026 LDA Partner

13/05/2026

LDA Partner Stories | Agrinova & Ecohub

Learn how Jacques Rebero transitioned from studying Business Analytics to protecting Rwanda’s wetlands, while training and helping improve the livelihoods of more than 200 vulnerable women.

Read: Weaving a Greener Future | Our A Community-Driven Model for Wetland Restoration & Women’s Empowerment

by Jacques Rebero, Co-Founder, Communications & IT — Agrinova & Ecohub | A 2026 SEAL Program Partner.

11/05/2026

LDA Partner Stories | Sauti Salama

Learn how Sauti Salama began as a collective response shaped by shared experiences and conversations. Since then, it has walked alongside more than 300 young women and gender-diverse youth by creating safe, trusted spaces for those at risk of and/or surviving GBV.

Read Fragmentation to Connection | Reclaiming the Narrative and Navigating the Journey to Healing
>>

by Rosemary Nyambura Kanyi, Partnership and Fundraising Officer — Sauti Salama | A 2026 LDA Program Partner

06/05/2026

LDA Partner Stories | Samaki Mtaani

Learn how George Ikua responded to the challenge of building a lifeline for women returning to society after incarceration. And how this led him into creating a sustainable, plug-and-play business model that transforms sporadic daily income into 5X growth in livelihood earnings.

Read From Building a Vending System to Designing a Working Model >>

by George Ikua, Executive Director & Founder — Samaki Mtaani | A 2026 SEAL Program Partner

04/05/2026

LDA Partner Stories | Diversified Kenya

Learn how Gatwiri Koome is building a different community, leading it with care, and ensuring that those who come after don’t have to lose themselves to belong.

Read The Audacity of Care & Building Differently >>

by Gatwiri Koome, Executive Director — Diversified Kenya | A 2026 DEAL Program Partner