Our story begins long before Jumuiya was founded. In 2008, our co-founder, Moisa Morrison Saidu, participated in a life-changing six-week leadership training with Initiatives of Change International in South Africa. Alongside young change agents from across the continent, Moisa traveled to schools, universities, and communities, sharing his lived experience of civil war and post-conflict recovery in Sierra Leone.
During this journey, he facilitated dialogues and field sessions with students, teachers, prison administrators, political leaders, and community members. Together, they explored some of the most urgent challenges facing young people and societies — HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, xenophobia, youth unemployment, and social exclusion. These conversations explored problems about responsibility, leadership, and the power of personal change.
Out of this experience, Workshop for Africa (W4A) was born — a Pan-African movement grounded in ethical leadership, accountable citizenship, and community ownership. Moisa carried this vision back home to Sierra Leone, where W4A grew into a platform for co-creating solutions with communities and partners. Over time, it became a "showroom" for collaborative projects, where local voices guide planning, implementation, and learning.
In 2020, building on this growing network and shared expertise, W4A expanded its work internationally by founding STEM Global Inc in the United States — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support African immigrants in navigating and thriving in their new society. Through STEM education, workforce development, and leadership training, the initiative focuses on creating employment pathways while nurturing a culture of service and community transformation.
Each of these chapters — from South Africa to Sierra Leone to the United States — has shaped who we are today. Jumuiya Development Foundation (JDF) was born from this journey. Rooted in lived experience, guided by community partnership, and driven by a commitment to ethical leadership, Jumuiya brings together lessons from across continents to support young people, families, and communities in Uganda and beyond.
Led by scholar and community development practitioner Irene Oroma, JDF's promise to the Uganda community is to learn together, build together, and place communities at the heart of development.
Our Journey
The Beginning
Co-founder Moisa Morrison Saidu participates in a six-week leadership training with Initiatives of Change International in South Africa. Alongside young change agents from across the continent, the foundations of a Pan-African movement take shape.
Workshop for Africa (W4A) Founded
W4A is born — a Pan-African movement grounded in ethical leadership, accountable citizenship, and community ownership. The initiative grows into a platform for co-creating solutions with communities in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Recognised by the AGDA
W4A is formally recognised for its community-led approach to development. The organisation grows to over 100 volunteers committed to driving change across communities.
Women's Rights & International Expansion
Building on its growing network, W4A expands internationally, founding STEM Global Inc in the United States — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting African immigrants through STEM education, workforce development, and leadership training. The foundation deepens its work on women's rights and gender empowerment.
Jumuiya Development Foundation Established in Uganda
JDF is formally established in Uganda under the leadership of Irene Oroma, bringing together lessons from South Africa, Sierra Leone, and the United States. The foundation begins operating at the humanitarian-community-development nexus across Uganda.
Global Volunteer Network
JDF becomes part of a global volunteer movement, expanding its reach and deepening its six core programme areas: Education, Psychosocial Support, WASH & Nutrition, Gender Empowerment, Community Enterprise, and Environmental Sustainability.
The Beginning
Co-founder Moisa Morrison Saidu participates in a six-week leadership training with Initiatives of Change International in South Africa. Alongside young change agents from across the continent, the foundations of a Pan-African movement take shape.
Workshop for Africa (W4A) Founded
W4A is born — a Pan-African movement grounded in ethical leadership, accountable citizenship, and community ownership. The initiative grows into a platform for co-creating solutions with communities in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Recognised by the AGDA
W4A is formally recognised for its community-led approach to development. The organisation grows to over 100 volunteers committed to driving change across communities.
Women's Rights & International Expansion
Building on its growing network, W4A expands internationally, founding STEM Global Inc in the United States — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting African immigrants through STEM education, workforce development, and leadership training. The foundation deepens its work on women's rights and gender empowerment.
Jumuiya Development Foundation Established in Uganda
JDF is formally established in Uganda under the leadership of Irene Oroma, bringing together lessons from South Africa, Sierra Leone, and the United States. The foundation begins operating at the humanitarian-community-development nexus across Uganda.
Global Volunteer Network
JDF becomes part of a global volunteer movement, expanding its reach and deepening its six core programme areas: Education, Psychosocial Support, WASH & Nutrition, Gender Empowerment, Community Enterprise, and Environmental Sustainability.