Congratulations Utulivu Women for your 20 years of positive impact in our communities. Utulivu is a Swahili word meaning ‘PATIENCE’. Utlulivu has lived and continues to live their name. The bigger vision for Utulivu has always been Empowerment & Inspiration for women &girls. We have remained a catalyst of social, and economic change through empowering women & Girls, seniors, the youth and with the support of men. This has always been through events & activities that strengthen family relationships, promote career progression, and enhance our resilience and voice in the community—all this is geared towards our Health & well-being.
We’ve simply lived the 20 years as a camera—Focusing on What Is Important, Capturing Live Good Times, Developing from Negatives, and Taking Another Shot When Things Have Not Worked Out. This has been the story of remaining devoted to what we sought to do, struggling with it and making it happen, overcoming our fears, keeping the smile alive, and not forgetting the dream. In the meandering 20yrs journey, we’ve never doubted that a small group of women dedicated, committed, thoughtful, inspired, capable, intelligent, beautiful inside out, hardworking, an example and role model to many can be the change they have continued to be and make in the community—THANK YOU to all the women who have been involved in this work in one way or another in making the 20yrs a reality of our vision.
On Sunday, July 28th, Utulivu’s long journey of inspiration and empowerment was experienced in a room at Reading Hilton Hotel full of women, men, young people and our seniors as they showed and shared what Utulivu means to them and what they hope to see in the phase of growth. The joy and the positive energy in the room said it all. Below we share some of the messages shared among many others.
‘’utulivu photographic journey was mind-blowing. To see the photos of those who were young then and the great men and women professionals they have become was very telling of the work Utulivu continue to do in the community—congratulations and I’m glad I came’’.
‘’ what a super special day that brought out so many emotions for me & wonderful memories for all to stake forward into the future. John has never experienced such an event before. It was great to hear & see the amazing events you have all been so tirelessly working on since I retired & I wish you all every success in the future, moving forward with ACRE, the Police & many other groups, the suggestion of a skilled database for Utulivu sounds perfect. Lots of love & best wishes to you Utulivu and all the women, keep in touch, please.🥰❤️🙏xxx
‘’thank you for honouring all the seniors in the room. That meant so much to us—we may be retired but not tired’’
‘’….I don’t have words to express my joyful gratitude you did to me on Sunday. I felt loved and appreciated. May God bless you and the work you are doing. I have learned a lot of things, you are a very humble and smart woman. Let’s keep in touch. Thank you again’’.
‘’Utulivu gave me an opportunity to prove myself when I was excluded from secondary school at 14. I now run my own business after leaving my legal practice—thank you for encouraging me to be the change I want to see in myself and my community’’
Our shared values below guided us through the 20 years since we officially launched Utulivu and for 23 years since inception, the name Utulivu has been alive in our communities, households and to all those involved.
- Commitment
- Persistence
- Compassion
- Respect
- Focus
Thanking our Deputy Mayor—Alice Cole-Mpofu who reminded us she is the product of Utulivu and ACRE among many others. We were privileged to have Alice with us the whole afternoon of the celebration.
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