Hadija: from dawn-baked donuts to leading her community’s farms

Hadija Said Mwangu, at the age of 45, stands as a remarkable testament to the transformative impact of the African Reflections Foundation. Our encounter with Hadija dates back to her early twenties, a time when the seeds of our foundation were just beginning to sprout. Hadija resided in the humble village of Kisele, where her story unfolded as one of unwavering strength and determination, especially as a brave single mother of four, battling against the odds to provide for her family.

Each day, Hadija would rise at the break of dawn, around 5 am, to prepare donuts for sale, a means to gather funds for her children’s education. Her passion for development and her remarkable resilience did not go unnoticed by our Founder, Maryvonne Pool. Maryvonne initiated conversations within Hadija’s community, focusing on water and agricultural projects, and in doing so, unlocked the potential for impactful change.

It became evident, through numerous interactions with Hadija and her fellow villagers, that she possessed natural leadership qualities. Her character exuded strength, and her charisma served as a beacon of hope to many. Hadija commanded respect and garnered the trust of her community, a testament to her leadership abilities.

The African Reflections Foundation took a significant step by establishing two commercial small-scale farms, with Hadija at the helm of two out-grower groups formed to cultivate and market organic produce. Hadija took on the leadership of the Matokeo group comprising 22 women and the Jipemoyo group consisting of 18 women. Through these farming initiatives, our foundation collaborated with local landowners who generously offered their land to our out-grower groups, allowing the women to reap the benefits of their labor.

Hadija’s commitment to helping others, particularly the women in her community, has been unwavering. To this day, decades later, she continues to be a beacon of inspiration. In her own words, “My experience working with the African Reflections Foundation and Tanzpro through the livelihood initiatives, I have managed to receive networking with local government officials and mobilize my fellow community members positively. I have also received training in farming management, especially in the organic farming sector, and, last but not least, I have

grown socially and economically, able to provide for my kids and build a house. I am truly thankful for receiving empowerment in leadership, decent work, and economic advancement.” – Hadija.

Hadija’s journey exemplifies the foundation’s mission to empower women, uplift communities, and create lasting positive change. Her story is a testament to the strength of individuals and the transformative power of collective efforts in the pursuit of a better future.

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From The Village Heart, 2016

The Foundation’s 2016 publication records how this work began. Maryvonne Pool met Hadija during one of many visits to the Mkuranga district. Hadija was raising four children on her own in the small village of Kisele, rising at five in the morning to prepare doughnuts to sell so that she could pay school fees.

A meeting was arranged with the women of her village to discuss building a well and starting an agricultural project. Hadija’s standing in the community was immediately obvious — people listened to her — and she became the head of two women’s groups appointed to grow and sell crops on a small commercial scale.

• Matokayo — “results” — 22 women
• Jipemoyo — “take courage” — 18 women

Permission was obtained from local landowners so that the groups could cultivate land for the women’s own benefit.

Hadija’s love for helping others, especially the women in her community, continues to this day and will never cease to amaze me.