Our Story

Pambazuka Ministries was founded in October 2021 by Susan Maina who had a vision to rebuild, repair and restore four different broken communities in Uganda, one household at a time.  Pambazuka is Swahili word for “Dawn” and is derived from Isaiah 58:6-14.

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:7-8

Susan had always envisioned Pambazuka Ministries having a Rescue Center where they could house hurting and forgotten women of differing ages while the ministry offered restoration, redemption, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing from sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, teenage pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence, hunger, poverty, shame, etc. 

The 6.8.5. Initiative was formed in the USA and joined forces with Pambazuka Ministries in Uganda to create such a facility now known as the Selah Rescue Center, located in Jinja, Uganda and Susan’s vision for a rescue center became a reality in August 2024. 

The 6.8.5. Initiative is the arm of Pambazuka Ministries that manages, supports, and facilitates the care at the Selah Rescue Center for the teenage mothers, their children, and the homeless elderly widows.  It is here at the Selah Rescue Center where the staff of the Pambazuka Ministry will begin to offer them restoration and healing.  The Selah Rescue Center property has two homes, one will house the teenage mothers and their children and one will house the elderly widows. Currently both houses are under renovation, so the ministry is serving the women through community outreach projects and home visits to the widows.

The teen mothers will reside at the Rescue Center for a few months to learn a vocational skill, literacy training, parenting training, health/hygiene education, proper nutrition, business training, and spiritual support before returning with their children back to the village.

 The widows will come to enjoy a peaceful resting place to call home where they receive proper nutrition, medical care, spirutal support, fellowship, shelter, and love.