Amka Sasa

Amka Sasa has been operating in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania as a Civil Society organization called “Lalafofofo” since 2015. Registration in Tanzania was initiated in 2018, and the name “Amka Sasa” has been approved by the government. 

In Swahili, Amka Sasa means to “wake up now.” 

The name Amka Sasa was chosen because we believe it is possible for the lives of Tanzanian women and children to be better; we want to help wake up their belief in opportunity. We believe that it is possible to wake up each day knowing that life can be better. Girls can wake up and know they don’t have to get married; they can wake up and get an education, and be a voice for other girls. Women can be models for their daughters. Youth in Tanzania can and are waking up to the hope of the future. 

Gaudencia Mtunga is the Country Director of Amka Sasa. Growing up in Tanzania, and raising her three daughters with her husband Justin in Moshi, Gaudencia has a deep understanding of social issues of children and women in Tanzania.

Gaudencia has a certificate in sociology and experience working with orphans and children in need, including girls and women involved with sex trafficking.

In Tanzanian culture it is uncommon for women to be leaders, and even more so for one that works successfully and long-term with a male-dominated tribe such as the Maasai. When Gaudencia interacts with women in the local community, she uniquely transcends any barriers. 

We are all women helping women with a common goal of wanting our children to have a better life.

Amka Sasa’s website is in progress.