IMPRONTE VIVE vol. 6 - The story of Sara

June 25, 2025

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This is IMPRONTEvive, Where we reflect together on alternative ways of traveling and moving around the world, away from mass tourism and closer to conscious and regenerative choices

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TRAVEL WORKING (is it sustainable?)

Hi, I'm Giulia - one of the co-founders of ORMA.

Almost every newsletter you receive is written by me, but I had never really introduced myself.

I'm 27 years old, I'm a Designer and I'm defined by everyone as a soul in pain and a runaway... two labels in which, for better or worse, I fully recognize myself.

I am writing this newsletter from Italy, but I am leaving soon for a year in Uganda for 1 YEAR VOLUNTEERING.

During these months I want to take you with me, sharing thoughts, reflections and stories related to the trip and the people I meet.

I'm going to start with a topic close to my heart: *traveling while working, freelancing, but participating in social impact projects*.

Today I will tell you Sara's story!

Sara is one of the co-founders of the project I took part in while in Tanzania.

It's called Umoja Maono , which I still support from afar.

She’s a force of nature, one of the very few people who has more energy than I do (and trust me, that says a lot!).

She has her own job, works freelance, but driven by her passion for helping others and creating change, she became part of Umoja Maono.

I asked her to share a few words about herself.

“I’m Sara, an architect by background, but for the past few years my life has been deeply shaped by my work with Umoja Maono – a change agency I co-founded that weaves together communities across East Africa. What started as a simple wish to stay longer after volunteering became a lifelong commitment to grassroots transformation. Umoja Maono isn’t a place – it’s a movement. A constellation of local agents of change: women, teachers, farmers, and young leaders who believe that regeneration must begin from within.
Though I continue to work as a professional engineer and freelance creative, the soul of my work was built here – where knowledge is not delivered, but exchanged; where spaces are co-created, not imposed. Every project is born in conversation, not prescription. And every volunteer who arrives does not “help,” but enters a reciprocal journey – giving, receiving, and growing alongside.
In a world quick to romanticize and brand ‘impact’ as fast and visible, I’ve learned to honor what is slow, relational, and deeply rooted. Mutualism is not a slogan, but a responsibility. Umoja Maono stands for just that: unity in vision, integrity in process, and trust as the foundation of every step forward.”

After Sara’s story, I want to ask you something important:

Support the fundraising for the children of the Umoja Maono school – I met them personally, and they’re amazing!

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT!

Our goal is to raise the necessary funds to provide health insurance for all 150 children.

Why is this important? Because in Tanzania, there’s no such thing as individual insurance: it’s all or nothing — either everyone is covered, or no one is.

Even minor illnesses — like colds or infections — can become serious. Without healthcare, the children risk falling seriously ill, missing out on school (which we provide for free), and facing a fragile life, deprived of their basic right to health.

Every contribution, even the smallest one, can truly make a difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Giulia 🌍