Mapenzi's Story
Mapenzi
Kinege,
Founder
My name is Mapenzi Kinege, and I study Public and Global Health at the University of Washington in Seattle. I was born near Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region known for its natural beauty, strength, and resilience despite years of conflict.
I spent much of my early life in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Tanzania, which continues to host thousands of refugees from Congo and Burundi. Living in that environment shaped my understanding of health inequities and the challenges that vulnerable communities face in accessing essential resources like clean water, hygiene materials, and healthcare.
In 2015, I relocated to the United States through a resettlement program, where I began to see public health from a new perspective. The contrast between resource availability in refugee settings and that in more developed systems inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to health equity, community resilience, and global development. My experiences continue to motivate my work toward improving access to basic health needs for underserved populations.
Helping Refugees
Like Me
I created this project to help refugees like myself gain access to the most fundamental needs for survival and dignity, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Access to safe water and proper sanitation is not just a health issue; it is a human right that defines one’s ability to live with safety, confidence, and self-respect.
Now, as a Master of Public Health student in Global Health at the University of Washington, I am committed to addressing the deep inequalities that prevent millions of people, especially refugees and displaced populations, from having access to clean water and basic hygiene tools. Improving water and sanitation systems is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease, reduce child mortality, and strengthen community resilience.
The Uwezo Soap Project grew out of this vision. What began as a small effort to provide soap has evolved into a broader mission focused on WASH education, community training, and local empowerment. By helping people learn to produce soap, use safe hygiene practices, and manage clean water sources, the project promotes health, sustainability, and self-reliance.
My long-term goal is to collaborate with global partners, local organizations, and refugee communities to design solutions that make clean water and sanitation accessible to all. I believe that improving WASH infrastructure is not only about preventing illness, it is about restoring dignity, equality, and hope for communities that have been left behind.