✂️ Empowering Through Stitching: The Story of Our Sewing Academy

At Australia for Cedar Tanzania, we believe in creating opportunities that last. Since 2019, our Sewing Academy has been quietly transforming lives—one stitch at a time. What began as a modest tailoring initiative has blossomed into a community-renowned program, providing practical skills and economic hope for young women who had limited options for the future.

🧵 Why Sewing? Why Now?

In rural Tanzania, many girls aged 16 to 25 are unable to return to formal education due to early pregnancy, financial hardship, or systemic gender inequality. These young women often fall through the cracks—excluded from school, employment, and economic independence.

Our Sewing Academy bridges that gap.

The program offers a one-year hands-on curriculum in sewing, tailoring, basic business management, and mobile banking. It’s more than vocational training—it’s a path to self-reliance. By the end of the program, each participant is equipped to either establish their own sewing business or join a local tailoring cooperative.

👩‍🎓 A Life-Changing Education

Each participant receives:

• Practical sewing training from skilled local instructors.

• Business literacy training covering bookkeeping, savings, and banking.

• Ongoing mentoring and group support.

💡 The Broader Impact

The economic ripple effect is undeniable. These women reinvest their income in their families—boosting access to healthcare, education, and household stability. Empowered women become role models, reshaping perceptions of gender roles in the community.

The Sewing Academy contributes directly to:

• SDG 1: No Poverty

• SDG 4: Quality Education

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The Sewing Academy is one of our ready-to-launch CSR product offerings and can be tailored to align with any private sector company’s social impact goals. Whether you operate in Tanzania or simply believe in equitable access to education and economic opportunity, this project offers a meaningful and measurable way to empower women and reduce poverty. We handle all aspects of implementation—from training and mentoring to impact reporting—ensuring your investment delivers lasting value to both your brand and the communities you support.

Thank you for your support,

Nina and the Cedar Team

SMILE: A New Chapter in Community-Based Maternal Health

Every 47 minutes, a mother dies giving birth in Tanzania.

We believe this is not just a statistic - it’s a call to action.

This month, we proudly launched SMILE: Sustainable Maternal and Infant Lifesaving Endeavours. This is a new, community-driven initiative designed to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Nyamatongo Ward, where the need is urgent and the opportunity for change is immense.

Why SMILE?

In our corner of rural north-western Tanzania, too many mothers and newborns remain outside the reach of formal health systems. Cultural norms, long distances, and limited transport often mean that by the time a woman arrives at a clinic, it’s already too late.

SMILE brings midwifery care directly to mothers’ doorsteps, ensuring no woman is left behind in her most vulnerable moments. The project is rooted in Kamanga Health Centre, our locally trusted hub for maternal health, and builds on years of experience, trust, and community collaboration.

Led by trained Tanzanian midwives and supported by Community Health Workers, SMILE provides:

• Timely home visits in the critical postpartum period—within 3 days, again after 7 days, and ongoing up to six weeks

• Family planning and reproductive health counselling

• Education on breastfeeding, newborn care, nutrition, and hygiene

• Emergency referrals and follow-ups

• Ongoing phone-based support, even in remote areas

It’s holistic. It’s personalised. And it’s powered by women, for women.

What We Aim to Achieve

• Lower maternal and neonatal mortality

• Earlier detection of complications

• Increased uptake of postnatal care and family planning

• Stronger community health systems through training and collaboration

• Empowered mothers and healthier babies

What makes SMILE truly special is that it’s community-led and locally anchored. The midwives and health workers delivering care are part of the same communities they serve - trusted faces providing comfort, connection, and competence. This is not an intervention flown in. This is a movement grown from within.

What Comes Next?

As SMILE rolls out across Nyamatongo, we’ll be tracking our progress closely. Collecting data, listening to mothers, and refining our delivery. Because every mother deserves a safe birth. Every baby deserves a healthy start. And every smile we protect is a reminder of what’s possible when development is done with dignity.

This is just the beginning. SMILE has the potential to scale, but we need your support to get there. Whether you're a donor, a medical volunteer, or a company seeking impactful CSR, you can help bring critical care to where it’s needed most.

📩 To learn more or support the project, reach out to us at nina@cedarfoundation.org
🌐 Visit: www.australiaforcedartanzania.org

Together, let’s make sure no mother is left behind—and every child begins life with a chance to thrive.

Thank you for your support,

Nina and the Cedar Team

Sources:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality

Regional data from Lake Zone and Sengerema District often cite much higher ratios, supporting the figure of 1 maternal death every 47–50 minutes in rural and high-risk areas.

Powering Up Change

Digital Skills for All

This month marks a pivotal milestone: the launch of our PC Literacy Classes at the Kamanga Community Centre!

In a world where access to technology opens doors to opportunity, digital skills are no longer optional - they are essential. Even in the most rural village in Tanzania. Yet in rural Kamanga, most residents have had little or no access to computers.

Through these classes, we are bridging the digital divide, offering students - primarily young women - the chance to build critical skills that can transform their futures. From learning the basics of computer operation to understanding online resources and digital communication, students will gain the tools needed to engage, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Each keystroke promotes empowerment, equity, and a more resilient community.

Why It Matters

🔹 Empowerment: Access to digital literacy means better education, more employment opportunities, and a stronger voice in community and societal issues.

🔹 Sustainable Impact: By investing in skills development, we are enabling long-term self-reliance and growth across generations.

🔹 Global Connection: Bridging the digital divide means opening Kamanga to the world—and the world to Kamanga.

You Can Be Part of the Solution

Got a used or refurbished computer gathering dust?
Put it to life-changing use!

📢 We urgently need more devices to meet the overwhelming interest in the classes. Every computer donated helps us teach more students, expand opportunities, and accelerate community-led change.

Let’s build a future where no one is left behind because they lack access to technology.

➡️ To donate a computer or find out more, email us at nina@cedarfoundation.org

Introducing SMILE – Sustainable Maternal and Infant Lifesaving Endeavours

In the remote rural areas of Tanzania where we work, pregnancy and childbirth remain perilous journeys. Despite national efforts to provide pre- and postnatal care through hospitals and clinics, many women continue to face insurmountable barriers that prevent them from accessing these essential services.

That’s why we are proud to introduce our newest initiative: SMILE – Sustainable Maternal and Infant Lifesaving Endevours. This project brings compassionate, high-quality pre- and postnatal care directly into the homes of pregnant women and new mothers across rural communities — bridging the gap between policy and reality.

Why Home-Based Maternal Care Matters

For many women in the region, travelling to a hospital or clinic is not simply a matter of choice — it’s a question of feasibility. Distance, lack of transport, cost, gender dynamics, cultural norms, and competing responsibilities at home all contribute to low attendance at antenatal check-ups and a continued reliance on unassisted home births.

Even when facilities are available, the perception and past experiences of health services can be significant deterrents. Some women report feeling judged or ignored at traditional clinics, or they worry about giving birth in an unfamiliar environment without the support of family or community. As a result, many still give birth at home — often in unsanitary conditions and without skilled assistance — putting both their lives and those of their babies at risk.

What SMILE Offers

The SMILE project provides:

• Home visits by a trained maternal health worker before and after birth.

• Monitoring maternal and newborn health, including those not delivered at our hospital.

• Support with breastfeeding and nutrition, addressing challenges that arise when mothers must return to labour-intensive work shortly after birth.

• Problem-solving for high-risk cases, including providing infant formula where breastfeeding is not possible and supporting the establishment of alternative caregiving strategies.

• Culturally sensitive, non-judgemental care, with trust built through local community engagement.

We’ve already witnessed the profound impact of these home visits. In some households, our team has encountered dangerously malnourished infants, where the mother must work up to 12 hours a day to feed her other children. In such cases, SMILE steps in with medical support and practical, compassionate solutions: arranging for family members to bring the baby to the mother during work breaks or supplying formula where necessary to ensure the child’s survival.

Empowering Families, One Visit at a Time

SMILE is more than a health service — it’s a lifeline. By meeting women where they are, we offer care on their terms, without judgment or conditions. We believe no woman should have to choose between feeding her children and caring for her newborn.

We are grateful to our dedicated local team and our supporters for making SMILE possible. Together, we’re delivering more than maternal health care — we’re delivering dignity, hope, and opportunity for the future.

From Healthcare to Technology

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity at Australia for Cedar Tanzania! We are thrilled to share that no fewer than five new projects are launching between March and June, all designed to bring sustainable change and improve health and wellbeing in our communities. Here’s a look at some of our newest initiatives:

SMILE: Bringing Pre- and Postnatal Care to Women’s Doorsteps

Pregnancy and childbirth should be a time of joy, but for many women in rural Tanzania, accessing essential healthcare remains a challenge. While expectant mothers are entitled to four antenatal visits, research shows that attendance rates are low due to barriers such as distance, cost, and lack of awareness. In response, we are launching SMILE, a project that delivers pre- and postnatal care directly to women in their homes.

Postnatal care is equally crucial, as both mother and baby face heightened risks in the early weeks following birth. According to the WHO, nearly 50% of postnatal maternal deaths occur within the first 24 hours after childbirth, and timely postnatal visits can reduce neonatal mortality by up to 27% (WHO, 2022). Recognising this gap, SMILE extends support beyond delivery, ensuring that both mother and baby receive essential health check-ups and guidance during this critical period.

The project officially launches in April, with a dedicated nurse leading the initiative. Over the past two weeks, he has undergone intensive training, including off-road motorbike riding — an essential skill for reaching remote areas. As we monitor the impact of SMILE, we are hopeful that this initiative will expand over time, reaching even more mothers and babies in need. We are eager to see SMILE make a real difference in maternal and infant health!

Computer Literacy Classes: Bridging the Digital Divide

Technology is a powerful tool for education and economic empowerment, yet many people in our community have never had the opportunity to learn basic digital skills. To change this, we are launching computer literacy classes at our community centre in April.

Thanks to recent investments in securing a dedicated space for computers, we can now safely store our equipment and offer structured classes. Participants will learn essential skills, including:

• Conducting internet searches

• Using Microsoft Word and Excel

• Leveraging technology to improve literacy and numeracy skills

This initiative is particularly exciting because you can help! If you have an unused desktop, laptop, or tablet, we would love to put it to good use. Your contribution could make a world of difference for someone taking their first steps into the digital world.

Mental Health Training for Our Outreach Team

Our Outreach Team works closely with community members facing a range of challenges, including those struggling with mental health issues. Navigating these cases requires sensitivity, knowledge, and emotional resilience. That’s why we are delighted to announce that two of our team members, Jaqui and Steven, have been selected to take part in a 12-month psychology course.

This program, attended by representatives from five other local NGOs, will cover essential topics such as:

• Psychological self-care for frontline workers

• Psychological first aid techniques for supporting clients

• Strategies for handling trauma and crisis situations

Once trained, Jaqui and Steven will share their knowledge with the rest of the team, ensuring that our entire Outreach Team is better equipped to provide compassionate and effective support to those in need.

Preparing for a New 26-Bed Maternity Ward

We are thrilled to announce our plans for a 26-bed maternity ward, an extension to our current hospital. Construction will begin in July this year and be completed in the first half of 2026. This expansion will greatly enhance our ability to provide maternal healthcare to the community.

However, before the first brick is laid, a tremendous amount of groundwork needs to be completed, including:

• Architectural drawings and designs

• Budget planning and fundraising

• Permits and regulatory approvals

• Contractor selection and site preparation

This is a monumental step in ensuring safe childbirth for women in our region. The ward will also have facilities to perform caesarean sections and provide safer assistance in case of complications. We will keep you updated on our progress.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: A Fundraising Adventure!

For those seeking a challenge with a purpose, we are in the early stages of planning a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb as a fundraising initiative. More details will be shared soon, but if you have ever dreamed of summiting Africa’s highest peak while supporting a great cause, keep an eye out for updates!

Ongoing Projects and Community Initiatives

While these new projects are incredibly exciting, we remain deeply committed to our ongoing work, including:

• Our Outreach Team provides essential medical care to people with disabilities in their own homes. We currently have approximately 350 families on our schedule, all of whom receive at least one visit per week—some many more—depending on their individual needs.

• Our Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy clinic is open for business twice a week, providing essential rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges. Our dedicated team works closely with patients to improve their independence, mobility, and overall quality of life through tailored therapy sessions.,

• Our hospital serves 30,000 residents, providing maternity services, vaccinations, under-5 health checks, HIV/AIDS counselling and ARV distribution, general medical care, and overnight observation when necessary.

• Six savings clubs, where groups of up to 20 people meet regularly to save money and access small loans to improve their financial security. Savings groups are a powerful tool for economic empowerment, helping members build resilience and invest in their futures.

• Our tailoring project continues to thrive. The first group of 2025 has just graduated, equipping participants with valuable skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

• Landscaping and water drainage improvements following our new perimeter wall's completion, ensuring our facilities' sustainability and safety.
  

More on the Horizon…

As if all this wasn’t enough, we are currently negotiating for three additional projects, which we hope to announce soon! In addition, we have several grant applications under review and will be submitting two more this month.

Join Us in Creating Change!

We couldn’t be more excited about these new initiatives, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has made them possible. Whether through donating technology, spreading the word, or supporting us financially, every contribution helps drive positive change.

Stay tuned for more updates as these projects unfold. Together, we are making a tangible impact!

With gratitude,
Nina Hjortlund and the Cedar Tanzania Team

The Impact of USAID Cuts on Tanzania: Job Losses, Healthcare Disruptions, and the HIV/AIDS Crisis

The recent USAID funding cuts have had far-reaching consequences for Tanzania, severely impacting healthcare services, employment, and the supply chain of antiretroviral (ARV) medications crucial for HIV/AIDS treatment. These cuts have triggered widespread job losses in the healthcare sector, led to the shutdown of vital health organisations, and disrupted the ARV distribution system, putting millions of lives at risk.

For us at Cedar Tanzania, we immediately lost our three nurses dedicated to HIV/AIDS counselling and ARV distribution. These nurses were funded by ICAP, which saw their funding cut from one day to the next.

We are trying to re-hire one of the nurses by scraping funding from our other projects.

Of course, we are not the only ones. This is happening at every clinic across Tanzania.

Massive Job Losses in the Healthcare Sector

USAID has long been a key financial supporter of Tanzania’s healthcare workforce. However, the abrupt termination of funding has left thousands of health workers unemployed. As a result of the cuts to USAID, approximately 5,000 healthcare professionals, many directly involved in HIV and malaria prevention programs, lost their jobs without warning. These job losses have affected essential services, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where medical support is already scarce.

Adding to this crisis, ICAP at Columbia University, a leading organisation in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, has been forced to shut down operations in Tanzania due to the funding halt. ICAP has been instrumental in providing HIV testing, counseling, and ARV treatments. Its closure has left countless medical professionals jobless and has caused major disruptions in HIV/AIDS care.

Disruptions in HIV/AIDS Treatment and ARV Supply Chain

Tanzania has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with approximately 1.4 million people relying on ARVs to manage the disease. However, the USAID funding cuts have severely disrupted the ARV supply chain, creating significant obstacles in procurement, distribution, and patient access.

The Ripple Effect: Rising HIV Transmission and Drug Resistance

Interruptions in ARV treatment have severe consequences. When patients miss doses or stop treatment altogether, the virus can become resistant to medication, making it harder to treat in the future. This is a really scary scenario. Not only will future treatments of individual patients become harder, it will also increase the likelihood of new infections. Remember the AIDS pandemic in the 1980’s?

The Global Health Council has warned that the termination of USAID grants could result in millions of preventable deaths worldwide, particularly among populations dependent on HIV/AIDS treatments. Experts fear that Tanzania may see a resurgence of HIV infections, reversing years of progress in combating the epidemic.

The Future of Healthcare in Tanzania

The USAID funding cuts have already destabilised Tanzania’s healthcare sector, leaving thousands of health workers unemployed and millions of people without access to HIV/AIDS treatment. The country risks facing a major public health crisis unless alternative funding sources are secured.

International organisations, private donors, and global health agencies must step in to prevent further devastation. Without urgent intervention, Tanzania (and the rest of Africa) may experience a sharp increase in HIV-related deaths, a rise in new infections, and the collapse of critical healthcare infrastructure.

Conclusion

The USAID funding cuts have not only impacted Tanzania’s economy by causing mass job losses but have also placed the lives of over a million people living with HIV/AIDS at risk. The collapse of organisations like ICAP and the disruption of the ARV supply chain highlight the fragility of donor-dependent healthcare systems.

As Tanzania navigates this crisis, global health stakeholders must come together to find sustainable solutions. Whether through diversified funding sources, increased government investment, or private sector partnerships, action must be taken now to preserve the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensure that Tanzanians continue to receive the healthcare they need.

We want to continue serving our communities of 35,000 residents, but to do so, we need replacement funding for our three nurses and a steady supply of ARVs.

A Major Milestone Achieved

Over the last four years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on our community near Lake Victoria. Seasonal flooding has become increasingly severe, threatening the safety of our hospital and the lives of our patients, staff, and surrounding communities.

The rising waters have claimed at least 200 meters of land, creeping closer to our hospital with every rainy season. As many of you know, our hospital’s proximity to Lake Victoria is crucial. We rely on the lake to provide a steady supply of clean, treated water for our operations - a vital resource in an area with no running water infrastructure. Yet, this closeness to the lake has made us vulnerable to the dangers of flooding.

The Dangers of Flooding

Floodwaters are not just an inconvenience; they bring serious threats:

Wildlife Encroachment: Floodwaters displace animals like snakes and crocodiles, bringing them dangerously close to our hospital and residential areas.

Parasites and Diseases: The stagnant water is a breeding ground for parasites such as schistosomiasis, while waterborne diseases like typhoid become rampant as long-drop toilets are washed out. With no sewage system in the area, the risk to public health is immense.

Infrastructure Damage: Without protection, the hospital's buildings and critical systems could be destroyed, jeopardizing our ability to provide essential care.

building a wall

To address these challenges, we undertook the monumental task of building a retaining wall to act as a protective barrier between the hospital and the lake. This major construction project, completed by local contractors, has been a remarkable achievement for our small team.

The retaining wall now safeguards our existing infrastructure and ensures the safety of everyone who relies on our hospital. It also paves the way for future growth, particularly the construction of our much-needed maternity ward, which we are thrilled to begin after the rainy season ends in April/May.

We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and excited to see how this protective measure will positively impact our hospital and community.

Grateful for the Support

This project would not have been possible without the generosity of our supporters, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to Capital Drilling for their significant contribution to the cost and their continued support of our work. Your commitment to improving lives in our community is deeply appreciated.

Together, we're still on the road to saving lives

Dear Friends,

December marked an incredible month of generosity, hope, and action. While we haven’t yet reached our ambitious goal of USD $55,000 to fund a life-saving ambulance for rural Tanzania, we’re not disheartened. Why? Because every single dollar raised is a step closer to saving lives – and that’s far from a failure.

Thanks to your support, we’ve laid a strong foundation for this vital project. The ambulance will be a beacon of hope for families in need of urgent medical care, providing critical access to hospitals for mothers, children, and others in emergencies.

We’ve decided to extend our campaign through the end of January to make this vision a reality. And we’re excited to take the next bold step!

How You Can Help

We’re calling on 5 companies to donate USD $10,000 each or 10 companies to contribute USD $5,000 each. By joining forces, we can ensure this ambulance hits the road and changes lives forever.

Whether you’re a business leader or know someone who might want to make a meaningful impact, this is an opportunity to transform lives in rural Tanzania.

The Ripple Effect

Your contribution doesn’t just fund an ambulance - it provides peace of mind for families, reduces preventable deaths, and strengthens entire communities. This is the kind of change that lasts a lifetime.

Let’s keep moving forward together. Every share, every conversation, and every donation counts.

Thank you for standing with us on this journey. We believe in the power of community, and with your help, we’ll make 2025 a year of transformative impact.

With gratitude and determination,
Nina

P.S. Share this newsletter with your network to help us reach those 5 or 10 companies who can make a difference. Let’s keep the momentum alive!

The time for action is now. It is never to late to do something.

Imagine not being able to take this cutie to the hospital? Imagine she would die in your arms as you couldn't walk the 10km to the hospital fast enough?

This is one of the consequences we see from not having a working ambulance.

This ambulance won’t just be a vehicle; it will be a lifeline. It will carry expectant mothers to safe deliveries, provide urgent care for critically ill patients, and make emergency healthcare accessible to thousands who have no other options.

The time for action is now. With your support, we can bring hope and health to those who need it most. Every contribution brings us closer to achieving this goal.

Here’s how you can help:

• Contribute today: https://donorbox.org/christmas-appeal-2024-5

• Share this newsletter: Spread the word to your friends and family.

Your generosity has already made a profound impact on the lives of so many. Let’s take one more step to ensure that no one is left behind when they need care the most.

Thank you for being part of this journey to create lasting change. Together, we can make this ambulance a reality.

Warm regards,
Nina
Founding Director & CEO
Australia for Cedar Tanzania

Help Us Deliver the Greatest Gift This Christmas: A Life-Saving Ambulance!

Dear Friends,

This Christmas, we’re asking for your help to deliver the best gift imaginable – the gift of life.

In rural Tanzania, when emergencies strike, the difference between life and death is often a matter of distance. Imagine going into labour, suffering a severe injury, or battling a life-threatening illness, and knowing there’s no ambulance to get you to the care you need. For too many in our community, this is a harsh reality.

We are committed to changing that. This year’s Christmas Campaign is dedicated to raising $60,000 to purchase a brand-new 4WD ambulance for our hospital in Tanzania. This isn’t just any vehicle; it’s a lifeline for people in remote villages, capable of navigating treacherous roads to deliver patients to the safety of our hospital.

A gift from you this Christmas means:

• 🚑 Safe and swift transport for mothers in labour and newborns needing urgent care.

• 🚑 Quick response for emergencies like accidents and severe illnesses.

• 🚑 A chance to save hundreds of lives every single year.

Your donation, big or small, will make a real difference. Here’s how you can help:

• $50 could help fuel the ambulance for a week.

• $200 could provide life-saving medical equipment for the vehicle.

• $1,000 could get us much closer to get this brand-new 4WD ambulance delivered to Tanzania!

Remember, whether your contribution is private or by a compnay, we have DGR status and any contribution over $2 is tax deductible!

This Christmas, let’s come together to ensure that no one is left without help when they need it most.

🎁 Donate Now and give the gift of hope, health, and life.

Thank you for being part of our mission to create a healthier, brighter future in Tanzania. Your support means the world to us.

My baby and I would have died....

… had the health centre not been there.

That is what Mama Karen stated on this video. She is speaking the reality of many other mothers in rural Tanzania.

In rural Tanzania, childbirth can be a perilous journey. With limited access to healthcare, many mothers give birth unassisted, facing immense risks for themselves and their newborns. But did you know that a lack of skilled assistance during labour can lead to life-altering consequences such as cerebral palsy, untreated epilepsy, or even maternal death?

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. It often occurs when a baby experiences a lack of oxygen during childbirth. This condition can lead to lifelong physical and developmental challenges, affecting not just the child but also their family. Similarly, epilepsy—a condition causing recurrent seizures—is another common outcome of unassisted births and frequently goes untreated in rural areas, leaving children vulnerable to stigma and further health complications.

For mothers, the stakes are equally high. Unassisted births often result in severe complications, including haemorrhage and infections, which tragically claim many lives. Yet, these outcomes are preventable.

Having skilled birth attendants is vital, but access to healthcare facilities can be nearly impossible for those living in remote areas. This is where a 4WD ambulance can be a literal lifesaver. Equipped to navigate rugged terrain, an ambulance ensures that women in labour can reach health centres quickly and safely, even from the most isolated villages.

By providing timely transport, a 4WD ambulance not only reduces the risk of complications for mothers but also prevents life-altering conditions for babies. This simple yet transformative resource could mean the difference between life and death for thousands of families.

At Australia for Cedar Tanzania, we’re committed to making safer births a reality. Your support enables us to equip health centres, train midwives, and provide resources like 4WD ambulances to bridge the gap between families and lifesaving care.

Together, we can ensure every mother and child has the chance to thrive. Thank you for being part of this mission.

Drive hope this Christmas: Help deliver a lifesaving ambulance to Tanzania

This Christmas, we’re asking for your help to put something incredible under the tree—a lifesaving 4WD ambulance for rural Tanzania. Now, before you think, “An ambulance? That’s not very Christmassy,” let us introduce you to Mama Farhad.

Mama Farhad is a true hero of her village. She’s a mother, a farmer, and the heart of her family. But one day, her life took a scary turn when she faced a medical emergency. Picture this: her village is miles away from the nearest clinic, and the road is more pothole than gravel. The only way to get her to care was a rickety motorbike ride that took hours and felt like days.

Thankfully, Mama Farhad made it — but the truth is, not everyone in her situation does. That’s why we’re stepping in to change the story.

Why a 4WD Ambulance?

In Tanzania, healthcare is often out of reach — not because of a lack of doctors but because of the literal distance to get there. Villages are scattered across rugged terrains, and when emergencies strike, every second counts. A 4WD ambulance can navigate those impossible roads, bringing people like Mama Farhad to safety.

With this ambulance, we can provide fast, reliable access to care, saving lives that would otherwise be lost. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a lifeline.

Your Gift = Real Impact

When you donate to our Christmas campaign, you’re giving more than just a ride to the hospital. You’re giving families a chance to stay whole, mothers a chance to raise their children, and communities a chance to thrive.

And the best part? You’ll see exactly how your generosity transforms lives. Mama Farhad’s story is just the beginning. With your help, we’ll share more smiles, more recoveries, and more hope.

How You Can Help

Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, every donation brings us closer to our goal. And what better way to celebrate the season of giving than by saving lives?

So, let’s make this Christmas unforgettable — for Mama Farhad, for countless others in Tanzania, and for you. Together, we can deliver the best gift of all: the gift of life.

Happy holidays, and thank you for making miracles happen!

Local City Council Praises Our Work In Tanzania

Below article was issued by Sengerema City Council - the local City Council our work falls under.

The original is in Swahili of course, so I have translated and provided necessary context where needed.

FINANCE COMMITTEE OF SENGEREMA PRAISES CEDAR TANZANIA FOR PROTECTING KAMANGA HEALTH CENTRE

The Finance, Administration, and Planning Committee of Sengerema District Council has commended Cedar Tanzania, an locally registered NGO, for its support in constructing a flood barrier wall to protect against Lake Victoria, and its ongoing efforts to strengthen Kamanga Health Centre.

The appreciation was expressed today, November 12, 2024, by committee members during a visit to inspect development projects implemented by Sengerema District Council from July to September 2024.

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The Chairman of Sengerema District Council, Hon. Yanga Makaga, who is also the councillor of Nyamatongo Ward, thanked the organisation for its consistent support and the construction of the barrier wall. He noted that the wall will help protect the health centre, which has been frequently affected by flooding from Lake Victoria, disrupting services and damaging staff housing.

"The construction of this wall will greatly help to protect this centre from frequent flooding caused by the lake. This is an expensive project, and without your support, the Council would not have been able to build this wall due to the high costs," said the Chairman.

Presenting the progress report on the construction of the barrier wall along the shores of Lake Victoria, the project supervisor from Cedar Tanzania, Musa Victor, stated that the project began in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in January 2025 at a cost of 266 million shillings (AUD $155,000). The project is being executed by SIMR Company from Mwanza City.

Nina’s Field Update from Tanzania 🌍

I’m writing to you with a full heart from Tanzania, where I’m currently on the ground with our Cedar Tanzania team. It’s been an inspiring and transformative experience, and I’m excited to share what we’re accomplishing here with your support.

In the next few days I will be working with our team, seeing our projects in action — from health initiatives to sustainable agriculture efforts. Meeting with local leaders and community members, I’m reminded of the strength and resilience that fuel our shared mission to reduce poverty and uplift these vibrant communities.

To bring you along on this journey, I’m recording a video diary that I’ll be sharing on our social media platforms. Through these videos, you’ll see the faces behind our mission, hear stories of impact directly from the community, and get a sense of the progress we’re achieving together.

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Thank you for standing with us and believing in the work we’re doing here in Tanzania. I can’t wait to share more updates in the coming days, so please join me on social media and follow along as I document this transformative trip.

Together, we’re creating lasting, meaningful change in Tanzania.

Warmest regards,
Nina

The Great Wall of.... Kamanga!

For the last three years, flooding has been a real hassle for our hospital in Tanzania, making it tough for patients to get the care they need and putting vital medical equipment at risk.

We're excited to share that we're taking action to tackle this ongoing issue and make healthcare more accessible for the community.

We're kicking off the construction of a retaining wall towards the lake, which will help protect it from future floods. This project is super important because it will not only keep the hospital safe but also help us move forward with building a new maternity ward — something that’s crucial for improving maternal healthcare in the area.

We're teaming up with local engineers and a trusted construction company to get this done using sustainable practices that respect both the environment and the local community. Together, we want to create a safe space for people to receive the care they deserve.

This project is all about hope and resilience for the community, ensuring that healthcare services keep running smoothly, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. With financial support from Capital Drilling, we can help build a brighter future for healthcare in Tanzania.

Join Us at Africa Down Under 2024 – Let's Connect and Collaborate!

I’m excited to share that Australia for Cedar Tanzania will be participating in this year’s Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference, taking place from 4th to 6th September 2024 in Perth. This event is one of the most significant forums for fostering relationships between Australia and Africa, particularly within the mining industry.

Africa Down Under is a unique platform where industry leaders, government officials, and various stakeholders gather to discuss opportunities and challenges in the African mining sector. As we continue our mission to reduce severe poverty and improve health outcomes in rural Tanzania, this conference offers us an invaluable opportunity to engage with current and potential partners who share our vision for sustainable development.

During the conference, we will be meeting with key players in the mining industry to explore how we can work together to achieve shared goals.

Our discussions will centre around:

• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Services: Showcasing our expertise in helping companies meet their ESG obligations while creating positive social impact in local communities.

• Partnership Opportunities: Identifying new collaborations that align with our commitment to sustainable development in Tanzania.

• Impactful Projects: Highlighting the success stories from our ongoing projects and exploring how we can scale these initiatives with the support of the mining sector.

If you're attending ADU 2024, we'd love to connect and explore how we can support your company’s CSR and ESG goals. Our work is not just about compliance; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where you operate.

By partnering with us, you’re not just fulfilling regulatory requirements — you’re investing in the future of Tanzania.

If you’re attending the conference and would like to schedule a meeting with us, please reach out to me on nina@cedarfoundation.org

We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and create impact together.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you at Africa Down Under 2024!

Help Us Win the Kickstarter Challenge! Vote for Our Mushroom Farming Project!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you and to request your invaluable support.

Our Mushroom Farming project has been submitted to the Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge, and we are in the running to win a share of the $60,000 equity-free funding! This funding could significantly enhance our efforts and impact in Tanzania, enabling us to support even more women and uplift the communities we serve through Australia for Cedar Tanzania.

How You Can Help:

1. Vote for Our Project: Click on the link below and cast your vote for our Mushroom Farming project. Vote Here! (it is entered under Swahili Sensations - our retail shop)

2. Share with Your Network: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to vote as well. Every vote counts and brings us one step closer to making a bigger difference.

Why This Matters: Winning this challenge will provide essential funding to:

• Empower more women and artisans in East Africa by giving them access to larger markets.

• Enhance our capacity to create sustainable change in rural Tanzanian communities.

• Continue our mission of reducing severe poverty and improving health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

Your support has always been the backbone of our success, and now, more than ever, we need your vote to help us seize this incredible opportunity. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and create lasting impact.

Thank you for your continued dedication and belief in our mission. Let’s rally together and make this happen!

Do you have any questions?

The last newsletter contained a video. That video was the pitch I delivered in Perth a couple of months ago.

In the last year, I have been very fortunate to have taken part in a program called Scale Advisory, delivered by Emersyn. Emersyn focuses on female founders and helps women like me grow our businesses skillfully and successfully. It has been a fantastic journey.

At the end of the program, we had the opportunity to practice delivering a pitch. If you have had to do that before, you know how nerve-wracking it can be.

Having only 5 minutes to tell you about all the amazing things about what we do is incredibly hard. What parts do you leave out?

It is a great exercise in being concise and precise - although I always hope for some good follow up questions, and always enjoy a deeper conversation afterwards.

Did you have any questions after watching the video last newsletter? (You can watch it here if you missed it)

You can always send me a mail, or we can meet up for a coffee if you are in Perth.

Can you give me 5 minutes of your time?

Thank you! I know time is precious.

Today, instead of writing a newsletter I put it in a video for you.

Please watch the video below - and feel free to share it with your friends.

Thank you so much watching - your support means the world to us!

Do you struggle watching yourself on video?

I sure do…. :D

All I seem to be able to focus on is all the things I didn’t do right. Why did I not look at the camera? OMG, there are so many ‘ehhhms’ and ‘ahhhms’ and ‘sooo’… What happened to my hair? What did I forget to say? Didn’t I just mess up that sentence?

And then there’s my accent :D

I don’t notice my accent when I speak - but gosh, I can hear it when it is played back to me on video.

Oh, and I really should lose some weight too…

Does that sound like you, too?

But what I really wanted to focus on was none of this…

What did I want to focus on Instead?

Lance, from Ninja Digital, is also a Board Member for MCCC, my local Chamber of Commerce. He was very kind to invite me as the first guest on their new podcast, “The Chamber.”

We had a very candid conversation about how Australia for Cedar Tanzania started, what our day-to-day work looks like, and how it is to live without many of those things we take for granted. I wanted to tell you about the differences between living here in Australia and living in Tanzania.

You can watch or listen to the full interview here. It’s 20 minutes long, just about long enough for your commute home.

I also explain how we partner with companies here in Australia and internationally. It doesn’t even need to be a big commitment—$5,000 can make a huge difference.

Swahili Sensations

I share how Swahili Sensations works, how I curate every item, and how I meet the makers. Through Swahili Sensations, we have created a window to the international market that these makers wouldn’t have otherwise had access to.

With every purchase, you support the maker directly, and 10% of all profits are donated back to Australia for Cedar Tanzania.

Have a look here: