Explore With Purpose | Non-Profit Organization Partner

About Widows Encouragement & HIV/AIDS Foundation (WEHAF)

The Widows Encouragement & HIV/AIDS Foundation (WEHAF) is a registered nonprofit organization based in Arusha, Tanzania. Founded in 2016 by Theresia Mollel, WEHAF exists to empower widows, children, and people living with HIV/AIDS through health, education, and economic initiatives. Since its founding, WEHAF has worked with more than 230 women, providing entrepreneurship training, counseling, health education, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The organization is guided by a core belief: to provide a hand up, not a hand out.

Breaking Barriers to Health and Education

Many widows and women living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania face stigma, economic hardship, and limited access to healthcare and education. These challenges not only affect women, but also their children—who often lack access to safe childcare, nutrition, and schooling. WEHAF addresses these barriers through its Mama Center and children’s daycare, creating a safe, supportive environment where women can gain skills and independence while their children receive quality care and education. Beyond Arusha, WEHAF reaches remote Maasai communities to provide menstrual health resources and education for girls, ensuring no one is left behind.

Empowering Generations

Explore with Purpose is joining hands with WEHAF to strengthen health and education programs at the Mama Center, ensuring women and children can thrive.

WEHAF empowers women by:

• Providing support – Delivering counseling, HIV/AIDS awareness sessions, and monthly food packages to support women’s physical and mental wellbeing.
• Sewing  & Soap Making Classes – Offering tailoring skills and start-up resources so women can launch their own businesses.
• Sustainable Women Business – Providing home visits, training, start-up capital, and long-term mentorship to help women run sustainable businesses.
• Nutrition & Health Support – Delivering counseling, HIV/AIDS awareness sessions, and monthly food packages for vulnerable families.
• Cooking & Jewelry Classes for Guests – Hosting hands-on experiences where visitors learn Tanzanian cooking or Maasai jewelry-making, directly supporting the Mama Center

At the same time, WEHAF invests in the next generation through:

• Daycare – Serving around 50 children daily, preparing them for primary school in a safe, playful environment.
• Sponsorship Program – Connecting children with sponsors to cover tuition, uniforms, meals, and materials, ensuring ongoing access to education.
• Shelter & Care – Offering vulnerable children a safe and nurturing space with supervision, meals, and support. 
• The Elimu Project – Visiting remote Maasai villages monthly to provide reusable sanitary pads, hygiene supplies, and sex education for adolescent girls.

Impact and Support

Through its Mama Center and community programs, WEHAF has already supported hundreds of women in starting businesses, accessing healthcare, and regaining confidence. Children at the daycare are thriving in early education, while sponsorships are opening doors to long-term schooling. Remote Maasai communities are receiving life-changing menstrual health education and supplies. Each program is designed not only to meet urgent needs, but to create lasting independence for families.

How to get involved

Donations received for WEHAF directly support their ongoing initiatives. Contributions to the Mama Center provide training materials, food packages, and healthcare support for women and their families.

To learn more about the Widows Encouragement & HIV/AIDS Foundation (WEHAF), please visit the organization’s website, Instagram and Facebook page.