With an unwavering commitment to others and refusal to be defined by his own hardships, Rashidi Sumaili recently started a new humanitarian project, promising to provide not just health but hope to the east African city of Kigoma.
And he wants your support to bring this vision to life for regional Tanzanian communities.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rashidi was forced to flee his home at a young age and spent nine long years in a refugee camp in western Tanzania before arriving in Australia in 2005.
Now, Rashidi and his team are leading a life-changing initiative: the Victorian Hospital Medical Foundation Tanzania.
Launched on January 11, 2026, Rashidi’s approach aims to deliver long-term, large-scale objectives designed to improve the quality of life and social wellbeing of people living in Kigoma.
“I started this humanitarian project because I have a passion to help people,” he said.
He is working in partnership with Project C.U.R.E, a United States charity, to deliver all supplies and equipment that will make patient care possible in regional Tanzania.
With support from partners in Australia and the US, the first hospital building is complete, already fostering inclusive, holistic livelihoods for marginalised groups.
“There are a number of people in regional Tanzania with not so many hospitals,” he said.
“My hope is to help them get health services, but also establish a stronger partnership, which can help get more resource sharing between Africa, especially Tanzania and Australia.”
Kigoma faces critical healthcare challenges, including one of the highest maternal death rates in Tanzania, and has limited access to essential medical services.
“Women don’t have a place where they can give birth, so I was motivated to give something back,” he said.
“Connecting people to people, there is opportunity for people to share knowledge, to share their culture.”
Now, Rashidi and his team are asking for your support to help transport crucial materials from the US to Kigoma.
They’ve set a goal of $35,000, and every contribution, big or small, brings them one step closer to delivering life-changing support to communities that urgently need it.
“Your donation is more than just a contribution,” he said.
“It will help provide critical healthcare services to some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.” Shepparton News
