Talawanda's HOPE for Women is a home and education center focused on educating women in rural Tanzania. HOPE stands for Home Of Peace and Education.

During their work overseas, it became painstakingly clear to Justin and Leah Hopkins the unequal impact that poverty has on women more than men.I n third-world countries in particular, women are less likely to finish their basic education than their male counterparts. Once they are grown, they become wives and mothers which is an honorable profession, but many times outside of a Christian culture, they do not benefit from the security of a Christian commitment.

It is not unusual for women to be abandoned and left to raise their children without any financial help. It is not easy to just go get a job at the nearest fast-food restaurant to make ends meet, for these do not exist in the rural areas we work in. They find themselves in a cycle of poverty that impacts their life and the lives of their children.

This of course is just one example. Some women have become widows and others in their young naivety have been tricked into various trafficking ploys and are trying to find a way out. So many women have no hope. Not in this life... nor in the one to come.

As a solution, Justin and Leah decided to start a shelter and school for women in Talawanda, Tanzania.

“Our desire is to teach these women the Gospel, as well as other needed skills and knowledge so they can have an opportunity to change their current circumstances. We are building a home that they and their children can live in safety for one year while they are taught these skills." - Leah Hopkins

The Bible, as well as agriculture and English will be taught the whole year. There will also be units taught on Health & Nutrition, Entrepreneurship & Business Skills, Life Skills, Culinary Arts, and Artisanal Trades.