Uzima Centre is registered as a CBO (Community Based Organization) in the District of Ilemela (ILE/CBO/A.50/166/2007) in Mwanza, Tanzania. Our services focus on two target groups: People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
History: In 1997, a group of women began meeting and soon realized that many of their struggles were related to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A support group for those who were HIV + was started. Later it was expanded to include assistance for the orphans and other vulnerable children. What started as a few women meeting under a tree has grown into what is now Uzima Centre. In 2005 a small building was constructed, consisting of an office, a meeting room, a storeroom and a room for medical services.
Staff: Currently our staff is made up of 3 Tanzanians and 3 Americans (most of whom are part time). There are also 6 volunteers to do home visiting of PLWHA. We also have a Board of Directors. The current director, Joanne Miya, is an American with over 27 years of experience in Tanzania.