MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Summer 2025

Joanne Miya, Tanzania

MWANZA, TANZANIA—Greetings from Uzima Centre. We hope that you are well and staying safe.

So much has happened since my last newsletter, I hardly know where to begin.

We have hired an Assistant Director. What a difference this has made! Abdon Daudi comes to us with a wealth of experience working for nonprofits. His energy and enthusiasm have given us all a boost. He has assisted me in writing grant proposals, overseeing programming, and networking with the local government (something I would have never gotten around to doing). I don’t know how I managed before Abdon, but I know things are much better now.

In March, our office moved! We bid a bittersweet farewell to the building that had been our home for over 20 years. We are no longer on the parish property and are now renting a lovely house not far away. We have converted the four bedrooms into office space. The living room and dining room areas are used as meeting rooms. The large windows make the rooms bright and sunny. The spacious yard allows space for the children to play. On May 23, we held an official opening of the new office, inviting local community leaders, friends, and neighbors to celebrate with us. It’s been a lot of work, but we are excited about this fresh start. None of this would have been possible without your support. We did not have a grant to cover the cost of rent, and of course, there were other expenses involved in relocating. We had avoided this decision for as long as we could because of the cost. But God can make a way, where there is no way. Your donations through Maryknoll Lay Missioners saved the day.

Our location has changed, but our programs remain the same. One of my favorite programs is Learn & Earn. Our staff works with community leaders to identify unemployed young people who lack any marketable skills. We meet with them and guide them through a discernment process. They explore their abilities, interests, and possible job opportunities. Next, they choose a skill they would like to learn. A local trainer is then found who is willing to offer an apprenticeship for a period of 3-4 months. During this period, the focus is on acquiring practical skills. Our staff monitors the students and their trainers to ensure they are progressing well. Each trainer receives a small monthly fee.

In May, 10 apprentices completed their training. Seven more will finish in June. Upon completion they receive supplies to help them get started. Three of the girls, who studied hair braiding, plan to start a hair salon together. Their trainer has worked with them on basic business skills and is confident that they will do well. They wisely asked for start-up supplies as a group – one requested a hair dryer, another a large mirror, etc… Together they will be all set. Others chose to pursue careers such as motorcycle mechanic, barber, welder, and restaurant cook.

Elenestina is being raised by a single mother who does her best to support the family by selling fruit at a roadside stand. After completing secondary school, Elenestina was unable to go on for advanced studies. For her apprenticeship, she chose baking. Cakes have become very popular here for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. We provided Elenestina with cake pans, a mixer, measuring cups, and other basic baking supplies.

These young people all come from difficult living situations. Prior to joining Learn & Earn, the young men were limited to work as day laborers. Most of the young women were helping with housework at home. Now they have a chance at becoming productive members of society.

We will continue to accompany the graduates of Learn & Earn over the next year, providing on-going guidance, encouragement, and business training. I will keep you posted on their progress. Please keep these young people in your prayers.

I’ll close with a quote by Malala Yousafzai, “One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.”

Know that you are helping to change the world. Thank you and God bless.

Peace, deep breaths and gratitude,
Joanne Miya
[email protected] or [email protected]

Please consider supporting my mission work at the Uzima Centre with a donation through the link below.

I invite you to walk with me as a “COMPANION IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!