Driven by faith and compassion, Tinashe Madamombe is transforming lives through The Dorcas Project, an initiative empowering orphaned children and young women with education, skills, and hope. From humble beginnings to international collaborations, her story is one of purpose, resilience, and the belief that small acts of kindness can spark lasting change.

In this exclusive, Sympathy Sibanda (SS) shares a moment with Tinashe (TM) to discuss the drive behind his passion and more.

SS: Tinashe welcome to My Afrika Magazine.
TM: It really is my pleasure

SS: What inspired you to start The Dorcas Project back in 2015?
TM: The Dorcas Project was born from a deep personal calling to bring joy and hope to children and young women who often feel unseen. It all began in December 2015, when I organized a small Christmas party and donation drive at the Good Samaritans Children’s Foundation in Hopely. Seeing the children’s smiles that day reaffirmed what I had always felt — that kindness, even in small acts, can restore dignity. What began as one outreach soon became a lifelong mission to make a lasting difference in the lives of those most in need.

SS: Why did you choose to focus specifically on orphaned children and young women?
TM: Both groups face deep structural and emotional vulnerabilities. Orphaned children often lack consistent love, resources, and the stability needed to thrive, while young women — especially teen mothers — face stigma and limited opportunities. Having grown up in a home where my parents often opened their doors to children from local orphanages, I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of care and community. The Dorcas Project bridges that gap: nurturing children’s potential while helping young women rebuild their confidence and livelihoods.

SS: How did the name “Dorcas” come about, and what does it symbolize for the work you do?
TM: The name comes from my mother, Dorcas. It also carries a Biblical significance — Dorcas, or Tabitha, was known for “always doing good and helping the poor.” She made clothes for widows and the needy, a symbol that beautifully aligns with our mission today. For me, “Dorcas” represents service through love, practical help, and the dignity of giving back.

SS: That is a real mission. So, tell me, how do you identify and select the children and young women you support?
TM: It is really life changing. What we do is that that we work closely with community leaders, orphanage directors, volunteers and sometimes teachers who help us identify the most vulnerable children and young women — those struggling to meet basic needs or at risk of dropping out of school. Every selection is guided by compassion and context: we listen to their stories, assess needs, and mobilize resources through our networks, partnerships and donors. Whether it’s school fees, groceries, or training materials, we make sure our support is both immediate and sustainable.

SS: What impact have you seen so far in the lives of the women who go through your programs?
TM: The transformation has been remarkable. Many young women who once felt defeated have regained their sense of purpose and independence. Beyond the material change, the emotional shift is profound — they stand taller, speak with confidence, and begin to see a future for themselves and their children. It’s a beautiful reminder that empowerment begins with belief in oneself and in what’s possible.

SS: Any success story that has stayed with you to date?
TM: One story I’ll never forget is of a single mother we supported in 2019. She was caring for her own children and her sister’s children, struggling to make ends meet. With the help of a donor in the UK, we provided groceries, paid school fees, and helped the children obtain birth certificates, giving them access to education for the first time. Watching that family regain stability and hope reminded me why The Dorcas Project exists: to restore possibility where it once seemed lost.

SS: That’s really touching. What is Stitching Futures, and how did the partnership with the Zimbabwe German Society / Goethe-Zentrum begin?
TM: Stitching Futures is an initiative created to teach practical skills to young women through mentorship from professionals in their fields. It began in 2023, when we partnered with a seasoned fashion designer who trained young women in basic sewing skills. In 2024, I applied for an Open Call grant from the Zimbabwe German Society, which enabled us to run a four-month sewing program. The young women created garments that reflected their personal challenges and stories, later showcased in a fashion show.

In 2025, after successfully pitching for the Das Kollective Grant from the Zimbabwe German Society, we returned bigger and better — this time introducing an upcycling and fashion empowerment program. It brings together five creatives from Harare and Bulawayo to train young women in sewing, design, and sustainable fashion. This partnership continues to grow, anchored in shared values of creativity, inclusion, and sustainability — and in our belief that fashion can be a tool for livelihood and social change.

SS: How has tailoring become tools for empowerment in this context?
TM: Tailoring is more than a skill — it’s therapy, livelihood, and expression. Many participants are young mothers or survivors of hardship. When they learn to create something beautiful with their own hands, they begin to heal and believe in their potential again. Sewing provides a practical way to earn income while preserving their dignity and creativity. It also connects them to a supportive sisterhood that continues long after the training ends.

SS: The healing aspect is powerful. What are some of the challenges your participants face, and how do you help them overcome them?
TM: Most face economic hardship, social stigma, and limited access to resources. Many come from communities where opportunities for women are scarce. We work to meet both their practical and emotional needs — providing materials, mentorship, and psychosocial support. We also use storytelling as a way to share their experiences with the wider community, helping to raise awareness and challenge stigma.

SS: As a founder and change maker, what drives your personal commitment to this cause?
TM: My faith and upbringing are at the heart of it. I was raised to believe that service is a form of worship — that our lives should be of value to others. This year, as we focus on upcycling old clothes and materials, I’m reminded that even the most torn or broken things can be restored and made beautiful again. The same is true of our lives, and of the girls we work with — we can all become more and better. My feminism also fuels my commitment: I want to see women win, and I’m determined to play my part in creating the brighter future they deserve.

SS: What lessons have you learnt leading a community-focused initiative like this?
TM: I’ve learnt that impact isn’t always measured in numbers but in moments — a child’s laughter, a mother’s gratitude, a smile of renewed hope. I’ve also learned the importance of partnerships and humility. You can’t do this kind of work alone; it takes a village of believers, volunteers, and supporters who share the same vision. And most importantly, I’ve learned that compassion is powerful — it multiplies when shared.

SS: How does your team stay motivated and connected to the mission?
TM: We make sure our work remains people-centered. Every outreach, every child’s story, every milestone reminds us why we started. The Dorcas Project isn’t just a team — it’s a family of change makers who find joy in serving. That shared sense of purpose keeps us grounded, united, and inspired. 

SS: I understand every project needs collaborators. What kinds of partnerships or support does the project need most right now?
TM: We’re seeking partners who can help us scale our education, mentorship, and livelihood programs. This includes support for setting up a permanent community youth hub, sewing machines, training materials, and school fees for our Chikoro Fund. We also welcome collaborations in mental health, leadership development, and digital literacy — areas that equip our beneficiaries with holistic skills for life. 

SS: How can individuals or organisations get involved with The Dorcas Project?
TM: There are many ways to get involved — from sponsoring a child’s school fees to donating uniforms, sewing materials, or groceries for our orphanage visits. Volunteers are always welcome to join our events or contribute professional skills such as mentoring, photography, or training. Details are available on our website:  www.thedorcasproject.co.zw

SS: You are doing incredible work, I wish you the best and hope this feature ill reach the right audience for future collaborations.
TM: Thank you Sympathy.