With Thanksgiving here, there could not be a more relevant time to reflect on the name and guiding principle of our organization, SHUKURU.
Translated from Swahili, Shukuru means ‘Gratitude.’ It was a name chosen by Shukuru’s founder, Jo Longanilla, because it encapsulates her experience of the people in Tanzania and of the girls that Shukuru works with. That is, a profound appreciation for the smallest things.
Rozy Goodluck, 13 yrs, Shukuru Girl
Aspirant doctor, avid netballer & lover of science
Why is gratitude so important to Shukuru?
From the frequent motor-bike rides through the dust and heat to visit the girls, to the constant negotiation of varying stakeholder expectations and cross-cultural differences, Shukuru’s work can be both physically and mentally exhausting.
Despite the taxing nature of Shukuru’s work, Gratitude has empowered all of us involved in the organization to continue to orient ourselves in service of girls like Rozy Goodluck in Tanzania. It has infused our program with the innovative spirit, compassion and dedication to girls’ ability to do for themselves.
Gratitude is the incalculable capital needed to keep the spirit of Shukuru’s program alive.
With it, we open up the fullness of life for ourselves and for the 38 Shukuru girls.
