About Us
Discover the heart and soul behind Young Strong Mothers Foundation
The Big Why
Why Our Organization Was Established
A Story of Resilience and Hope
Young Strong Mothers Foundation was born from a deeply personal journey of transformation and hope. Jackie Leonard Bomboma, our founder, experienced teenage pregnancy at just 15 years old. At that age, she had dreams of attending a good secondary school, going to university, making friends, learning English, and building confidence. Instead, she faced stigma, shame, and the harsh reality of being a young mother without support.
Rather than letting her circumstances define her, Jackie made a courageous decision to invest in her daughterโs education. While working to support herself and her baby, she would meet other young mothers in the streets. She used her own story to encourage them, showing them that their lives were not over, that they too could dream again.
The Turning Point
Jackie began reaching out to friends to help support these girls to return to school. As she witnessed the profound impact her encouragement had on young mothers, Jackie found her voice and discovered her life’s calling. She began volunteering in community-based organizations, dedicating herself to the cause of young mothers.
In 2012, an idea took shape. Jackie and her daughter Rose Mayunga decided together to use their stories to empower, inspire, motivate, and advocate for the rights of adolescent girls and young mothers. With encouragement from friends and her then 13-year-old daughter Rose, Jackie officially founded and registered Young Strong Mothers Foundation in 2015 to support vulnerable girls in Morogoro, Tanzania.
Our Mission Today
We understand that discriminating against young mothers only adds to the problem. Imagine a young mother of 14 years old living without family support, social or government support, without education or skills to be employed or self-employed. The crisis created is far greater than the support needed to help a teenage mother stand on her feet and care for her child.
YSMF was founded to inspire young mothers to dream again and pursue their education. We believe that every girl deserves a second chance, regardless of her circumstances. Through mentorship, psychosocial support, education, and skills development, we help young mothers develop their agency and create pathways back to school and success.
Young Mothers Supported
Adolescent Girls Protected
Of Transforming Lives
Our Founders
Jackie and Rose represent two generations of leadership united by one mission: to rescue, empower, and transform the lives of girls and young mothers. Their story is one of hope, resilience, and hard work, a reminder that when challenges are turned into opportunities, they can ignite lasting change for entire communities.
Meet Our Board Members 2026 -2028
Emmy J. Mlingi (EJM)
Board Chair
Evance Mnembuka
Board Member
Jackie Bomboma
Board Secretary - CEO
Monica Magabe
Board Member
Prisca Boniface
Board Member
Renfrida James Mmehwa
Board Member
Chedieli Godfrey Senzighe
Board Member
Advisory Board Member
Advisory leaders represent the convergence of experience and vision, united by one mission: to guide, empower, and transform the lives of girls and young mothers. Their role is rooted in wisdom, resilience, and purposeful serviceโdemonstrating how thoughtful counsel and strategic support can turn challenges into opportunities and spark lasting change across entire communities.
