Our Story

Three people standing outdoors on a dirt area, with trees and buildings in the background. The person in the middle is a woman in a blue dress and a white head covering. The person on the left is a man in dark clothing, and the person on the right is a woman with blonde hair in a black top and patterned skirt.

Luhuvilo in Kibeni means HOPE.

The mission of the House of Luhuvilo is to restore hope and renew the dreams of vulnerable children.

The charity began when Nicky, founder of The House of Luhuvilo, visited Mpwapwa during her final school trip with students from Trinity School. While there, she asked the Director of Compassion—whom she had been working alongside—what the community truly needed. “We come with our bubbles and clothes,” she said, “but what is it the people of Mpwapwa really need?”

His answer was immediate: “Orphanages.” He then referred her to Bishop Matthew of South West Tanganyika in Njombe, who had long carried a vision in his heart to open a home for children in distressed and vulnerable circumstances.

After several visits to Njombe, Nicky and Bishop Matthew agreed on a female‑staff‑only safeguarding policy, ensuring the highest level of protection for the children. With this in place, the Diocese offered land from the convent on which the orphanage could be built.

Nicky returned to the UK determined to turn this vision into reality. She established the charity The House of Luhuvilo, dedicated to raising funds to build a safe, nurturing home for the children of Njombe.

The building process came with all the usual challenges, but in 2025 the home finally opened its doors. Since then, a beautiful and steadily growing family has emerged — now 13 children, each finding safety, stability, and belonging.

They are cared for by a devoted team: two sisters, one novice, a female cook, and a cowgirl who tends to the animals. Together, they create a home where love is lived out in daily routines, shared meals, and the gentle rhythm of life on the land.

It is a large family in spirit as much as in number — full of laughter, healing, and hope.

The home is built in the mountains of Sayuni in Njombe, Tanzania. The land was given to the Diocese of Southwest Tanganyika by the Convent of St Mary, who have been instrumental in the development of the charity.

Bishop Matthew, Sister and Rev’d Nicky

Wooden frame construction of a building on a rural construction site with people working, under a cloudy sky.
A house with blue roofing surrounded by trees and a wooden fence in a rural setting.

The House of Luhuvilo Orphanage 2023

The house is built as a home with 7 bedrooms for 14 girls and 14 boys, with twin rooms for older children. We have an open-plan lounge, play area, dining area, and kitchen with log fires for the cold nights, as well as separate common spaces for older children to develop independence.

A room with five wooden beds, including two bunk beds, all with blue blankets and pillows. There are two wooden nightstands and a window with blue curtains.
A bedroom with pink walls and wooden furniture, including two single beds with pink blankets, a nightstand, and a window with curtains. The beds have towels placed on them.

2026 The House of Luhuvilo now a home.

The story continues with your help.

Group of children and women with light to dark brown skin gathering outside near a house with a brick exterior and metal roof, around a white van, on a dirt ground.
Several children are lying and sitting on a colorful patterned mat on the floor, reading books together.