Today we’d like to introduce you to Mũmbi Kĩgũtha.
Hi Mũmbi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think the first piece of the story really begins with the organization itself. Friends in Solidarity was incorporated about ten years ago. In November of last year, we celebrated that milestone. The organization was originally founded by my sister, Sr. Joan Mumaw, an Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister from Monroe, Michigan. At the end of her leadership term within her congregation, she felt called to serve in South Sudan herself. Because of her development background, her gifts were quickly recognized, and she was asked to help establish this nonprofit in the United States to continue supporting the important work happening in South Sudan.
I took over from Sr. Joan in February 2023, and I have served as President of Friends in Solidarity since then.
As for my own background, I think what prepared me for this role was a combination of experiences. I have worked in the nonprofit world for many years, including work with the United Nations and consultancy work with organizations like Jesuit Refugee Service. At the same time, I also have both a business background and a theological background. I am also a Catholic Sister myself. I think the combination of being African-born, understanding the realities and complexities of countries like South Sudan, and also having experience in nonprofit leadership, business, and theology made this role feel like a natural fit.
My professional experience has been quite diverse, but it has always centered around social service and supporting people on the margins of society. Even though much of my work now involves fundraising, I still see it as social service because ultimately we are doing this work to support vulnerable communities and help improve lives.
I have grown tremendously in this role, and I continue to receive incredible support from Sr. Joan. Even today, I can still call her anytime to ask questions or seek guidance. I am also surrounded by a wonderful team and dedicated board members who make this work lighter and more meaningful.
But honestly, what motivates me most are my visits to South Sudan. Meeting our beneficiaries, hearing their stories, and witnessing their realities firsthand, even for short periods of time, is what wakes me up every morning with purpose. When you see the determination people carry in the midst of so many challenges, it inspires you. Their resilience reminds me that if they can continue moving forward with such strength and hope, then I must remain determined too.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Fundraising is not easy, especially for a little-known country that also happens to be the youngest country in the world. There are many worthy and much-needed initiatives within South Sudan and beyond that are deserving of support. However, the stories from South Sudan and my visits there have been the fuel I need to keep going.
I think one of our biggest challenges is that we are living in a world where there is so much need right now. The economic strain is being felt everywhere. People are losing jobs, organizations are competing for limited resources, and humanitarian funding around the world has been reduced. In that context, fundraising becomes very difficult because you are constantly trying to communicate why South Sudan deserves attention and support alongside so many other crises happening globally.
And because South Sudan is not often covered in the news, it can sometimes feel even harder to bring awareness to the realities people are facing there. Part of our challenge is simply helping people see and understand a country that is too often overlooked.
Internally, we are also a very small organization. I am currently the only full-time staff member, so balancing all the responsibilities that come with leading an organization while keeping projects, partnerships, fundraising, and communications moving forward can certainly be challenging at times.
Another challenge is identifying the right people to serve alongside us, especially board members and volunteers. Ours is not the kind of board role people sometimes imagine. It is not remunerated. It requires genuine passion, commitment, and a heart for service. We need people who truly care about South Sudan and believe in accompanying others with solidarity and compassion.
But honestly, I do not see these things only as obstacles. I also see them as invitations. They continually push us to ask ourselves whether we are communicating clearly, stewarding resources responsibly, and helping supporters truly see the impact of their generosity on the ground.
One of the biggest questions we continue asking ourselves is how to engage younger generations. Much of our support over the years has come from older demographics, and while we do have Instagram and other social media platforms, the kind of work we do is not always something that should be packaged into quick social media moments.
We are very conscious about protecting the dignity and privacy of the people we serve. We never want beneficiaries to become characters in a narrative or tools for communication. That creates a real tension in today’s media landscape because so much communication now depends on fast, visual, highly shareable content.
So one of our greatest ongoing challenges is this: How do we communicate effectively with younger audiences without compromising the dignity of the communities we accompany? How do we capture attention long enough for people to develop a genuine connection to South Sudan and its people?
In a world where information is constantly moving and attention spans are increasingly short, that remains a very real challenge for us. But it is also an important and meaningful one.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what I’m most proud of is that our efforts here in the U.S. have impacted so many lives in South Sudan, a country that is too often missing from global conversations or simply forgotten. Through our encounters and relationships with people, we’ve also helped raise awareness and understanding of South Sudan. For many, that awareness has grown into genuine support, passion, and allyship with this very young nation.
What sets me apart? Maybe my joy. I hope I will always be remembered for my joy. Even in the midst of difficult stories and challenging realities, I believe in cultivating joy within our team here in the U.S., and also among the people we encounter when we visit South Sudan. Joy, hope, and human connection are very much part of the work we do.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I think it would be hard to avoid mentioning the biggest need, which is financial support. We are a fundraising organization, and every dollar truly makes a difference in helping us sustain and grow programs across South Sudan. That support matters deeply to us and to the communities we serve. If people would like to contribute, they can visit our donation page and become part of this work.
We are also always looking for volunteers who can support us in different ways. As our organization continues to grow, we hope to begin hosting more in-person events, especially here in Baltimore. Because we are still a very small team, it would be wonderful to build a community of volunteers we can call upon to help make those events possible.
Another important way to support us is simply by learning about South Sudan and helping raise awareness. There are often important conversations and policies connected to aid, debt relief, and support for countries like South Sudan, which is still such a young nation and continues to need global partnership and solidarity. If you are in a position to lend your voice, educate others, or advocate for South Sudan, that support truly matters.
And finally, we are a faith-based organization, so I can never underestimate the importance of prayer and spiritual support. We ask people to pray for our team here in the U.S. as we continue finding the determination and inspiration to carry this mission forward each day, but also for the many missionaries, educators, leaders, and communities in South Sudan who continue their work and daily lives under very difficult conditions.
Pricing:
- Every dollar makes a difference
- https://solidarityfriends.org/donate/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solidarityfriends.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fis_ssudan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solidarityfriends
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/friends-solidarity/
- Twitter: https://x.com/FIS_SSudan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsinSolidarity
- Other: https://linktr.ee/solidarityfriends
