We are passionate about the training and equipping of our students. Sifa invests in women so they can become successful small business owners who, in turn, will invest in their communities. We are faith-based, gospel-centered, and driven by a desire to see the tools of Sifa used in the hands of women, churches, and businesses all throughout Tanzania.
Beautiful Things
All products and photography on this website were provided by Sifa Threads. Every product is not only beautiful, but is designed with purpose. Each and every product teaches a skill which can be an entire business platform for our graduated students. From the hand-stitching, fabric dying, screen printing and design work on clothing, each piece is a one-of-a-kind made by our students.
Style & Quality
We use Tanzanian textiles and up-cycled fabrics for each one-of-a-kind product which is designed together by our staff and students. We describe our designs as African style with a western twist. #clothedinstrength
100% Goes Back
100% of sales go directly back to Sifa Threads. Sifa Threads is a registered 501 (c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible. We are in affiliation with the mission organizations of the BBMT and ABWE.
100% Handmade
Each product sold by Sifa Threads is hand-made by the women in our two-year Sifa Threads program. Items will vary as each one is made by hand.
Launch A Sifa Center! For $3,00 you can join hands with local business women in growing their community through education, business and artisan training and sharing the hope of the gospel. Launch a center (or 2) today!
Change lives. Develop Communities. Be part of the story.
Mama Sule
Manager. Head Mama. Sifa Centers Director.
Mama Ramson
Assistant Manager. Runner-up Boss Mama. Our favorite comfort food chef.
Maryciana
Designer. Internship Teacher. Makes us look good.
Rehema
Year 1 Teacher. Inventory Boss. Makes everyone smile.
Meet Our Co-founders
Steph
Co-founder. Product Designer and Development. Counselor.
Beth
Co-founder. School Curriculum. Discipleship
Shantelle
Co-founder. Finance. Communications. Leadership Development.
Brittany
Founder of Dar Health Initiative
& Sifa’s Health Advocate
Meet our State-side Volunteer Support Team
Charlene
Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah
Advocacy Coordinator
Dina
Trip Coordinator
Martha
Events Coordinator
Whitney
Creative Director & Marketing
Sarah
Inventory Coordinator
Tiffani
Finance Administrator
This could be you!
Contact us today regarding volunteer services!
donate today :
100% of sales go directly back to Sifa Threads. Sifa Threads is a registered 501 (c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible.
We truly appreciate your support of Sifa Threads! Our program runs from generous donations and the purchases of our student's products.
100% of sales go directly back to Sifa Threads. Sifa Threads is a registered 501 (c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible.
Join hands with local women who are dreaming of seeing lasting change in their community. Find out more here and click below to adopt or launch your Sifa Center in Dar es Salaam. Change lives. Develop Communities. Be part of the story.
If you have questions, we have answers!
Q: How do young women become students at Sifa Threads?
A: Young women are recommended by their pastors, their families, former teachers, or people in their community to interview for a position in Sifa Threads. Our staff and leadership conduct interviews and the students are chosen based on their needs. We keep the classes small so that we can be devoted to each of our students and their specific needs and help them succeed in every way during their time in Sifa Threads.
Q: Can I visit Sifa Threads?
A: We gladly welcome guests! Because we are a training school, we do need to protect our student’s time. Kiswahili is spoken, but you will be gladly welcomed by our team and our students to come, learn, hear, and return as a voice!
Find out more about planning a trip to Dar es Salaam or bringing a group to our training center.
Q: How can I sponsor a student?
A: You can and it is a huge help. However, to protect our young women, we do not give out their information. Please contact beth@sifathreads.com for more information on supporting students and donations.
Q: Is giving to Sifa Threads tax deductible?
A: Yes. All donations to Sifa Threads are tax deductible.
Q: Why don’t you sell all of your items online?
A: Our students make each product during their training. Every design is chosen as a method for teaching our students a specific skill that can be used in their futures businesses here in Tanzania. All of our fabric and leather is locally sourced---meaning we buy it when it’s available. Because of this, every single product is one-of-a-kind therefore making it difficult to sell in the mass. We offer beautiful products which can be ordered through Mini Markets. Contact shantelle@sifathreads.com
Q: How much of the profit goes back to Sifa Threads?
A: 100% of the profit returns to Sifa Threads.
Q: Can I become a volunteer (Stateside or on-location in Dar es Salaam) at Sifa Threads.
A: We have volunteer applications available upon request. Please contact Stephanie Boon steph@sifathreads.com for questions or to request an application.
Q: Do you offer boarding for your students?
A: Some of our students are in more desperate situations than others. In some cases, we offer alternative shared housing for our students. However, we are passionate about training and sending. Because of this, we believe that the best way for our girls to have maximum impact for the gospel and for their future businesses is to remain in their communities. Removing them short-term can cause trauma for re-entering and also removes them from the tremendous impact that they are having on their communities. Many of our students have begun Bible Studies in their homes or their neighbor’s homes. We have heard many accounts of the impact our girls have in their communities for sharing the hope of the gospel. We also know that their local business thrives mostly through the relationships built. Right after learning the machines, we encourage our students to offer promotions and discounts in their communities for simple sewing.
