Meet Maeve
The Founder of Inuka
Maeve is a social entrepreneur, storyteller and passionate advocate for community-driven impact. She first travelled to Tanzania at 18, not knowing the experience would shape the course of her life. What she found there, the hope of the community, the resilience of the children, the dedication of the teachers, and the everyday challenges faced by families, planted the seed for Inuka.
What started as a small fundraising initiative quickly transformed into something deeper: a calling to contribute to sustainable, community-grounded solutions that uplift children and create long-term opportunity.
Since 2019, Maeve has grown Inuka from a small grassroots initiative into a registered Australian charity supporting thousands of students each year across the Cheti network of schools in Arusha.
Her work is guided by partnership, dignity, and the belief that meaningful change happens when communities lead their own stories and when we listen deeply. Their faith in a better future is what guides her and the mission of Inuka.
Maeve & Teacher Lucy
Inuka's History
2019 - 2020
Inuka's Inception
In September 2019, Maeve went back to Tanzania to see how the school she'd helped build was doing, and to her amazement, it was thriving. Nervous but excited, she called her mum from the local internet cafe with the idea for Inuka. Seven months later, in March 2020, Inuka was registered with the ACNC (Australian Charities & NFP Commission).
2020 - 2025
First 5 Years
From a team of one to a team of 5 and growing, Inuka has made significant impact in the community in Arusha. We've built 2 schools, a vocational training centre, a sports field for the students, have 5 sponsor students, installed 7 water tanks, provide micro-finance loans to 30+ women in the community, and we just keep growing!
2018
The First Visit
Maeve first visited Tanzania during her gap year in 2018. She was inspired by the dedication of the teachers and eagerness of the student to learn. She raised enough money to help Zuma finish building Cheti School No.7
Inuka's Vision
Maeve’s vision is bold and deeply rooted in love for the Arusha community:
-
Expand safe water access across all Cheti schools
-
Strengthen education and sponsorship programs
-
Improve girls’ access to menstrual hygiene and empowerment
-
Build school-to-school partnerships that connect Australia and Tanzania
-
Grow economic opportunities through local employment and skills training
-
Create sustainable, community-led infrastructure that lasts for generations
-
Support students with opportunity beyond secondary school, so they have the chance to follow their dreams.
Her dream is to build an organisation known for integrity, sustainability and meaningful, human-centred impact.
