BY ASHLEY STARR
Growing up in Jamaica, Francine Abdalla, MSW ’21, witnessed the hardships that many overlooked—families going to bed hungry, children facing abuse, and neighbors struggling with emotional and mental pain. But even as a child, she couldn’t simply watch. With a heart that refused to look away, Abdalla was determined to make a difference.
She took what little she had and shared what she could—offering a small meal to ease an empty stomach or providing clothes to children in need.
“I remember the joy in their eyes and the gratitude in their smiles,” says Abdalla. “It wasn’t just about clothes or food; it was about reminding them that they weren’t alone and that someone cared.” 
That feeling changed Abdalla’s perspective on life, and she knew she wanted to hold onto it. Though she couldn’t change an entire community overnight, she realized she could be the bridge between suffering and relief—the bridge she never saw as a child. This realization led her to social work, a path where she could make a lasting impact.
“Social work is not just a career but a calling from God—because no one should feel invisible or without a way out,” says Abdalla. “If I can help even one person find hope, then every hardship I witnessed and every struggle I endured will have been worth it.”
Abdalla's journey eventually led her to Regis, where the Master of Social Work (MSW) program deepened her commitment to serving marginalized and vulnerable populations.
“Regis taught me about advocacy and the values of compassion, empathy, and social justice—all essential tools for giving back and creating meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable populations,” says Abdalla.
It was during her studies at Regis that Abdalla developed and founded the Nitasimama Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Zanzibar, Tanzania, focused on improving the academic, health, and behavioral outcomes of children and families through programs that provide academic support, counseling, and medical assistance.
“Nitasimama translates to ‘I will rise’ in Swahili and signifies our mission to empower children to overcome challenges and rise to their full potential,” says Abdalla. “My MSW program played a crucial role in shaping the foundation and taught me how to address the root causes that impact children and their families.”
Establishing the Nitasimama Foundation in Zanzibar was challenging, particularly in gaining community trust and encouraging families to discuss their struggles. Initially, many families were hesitant due to the stigma surrounding seeking help.
“To build trust, I collaborated with local teachers, principals, and community leaders to understand the root causes of academic challenges, such as lack of resources and economic instability,” says Abdalla. “By shifting the focus to skill-building conversations, I empowered parents and gradually earned their trust, creating a safe space for families to share their struggles.”
Abdalla’s work exemplifies the Regis MSW program’s vision of creating a learning community where graduates apply their knowledge, lived experiences, and social work education to develop solutions for a socially just world.
“Francine brings this vision to life,” says assistant Professor Lisa A. Gray, PhD, LCSW. “She is a true change agent in the Zanzibarian community—serving, leading, and advocating for a more just and compassionate global society.”
Holistic Approach to Community Transformation
Drawing from the principles learned at Regis, Abdalla designed an after-school program that not only provides academic support but also strengthens the entire family system. 
Recognizing the connection between a child’s education and their home environment, Nitasimama integrates tutoring with family empowerment programs, such as farming, sewing classes, small business support, and mental health resources.
“By focusing on both educational and household stability, Nitasimama provides families with the resources they need to build a strong foundation for their children’s success,” says Abdalla. “We address immediate and long-term needs, ensuring that families have the education, support, and emotional tools required to thrive.”
The foundation takes a holistic approach to tackling the challenges faced by children and families in Zanzibar, focusing on poverty and lack of access to basics such as food, clothing, and school supplies, ensuring that no child is left behind due to their circumstances.
On a broader scale, Nitasimama Foundation advocates for systemic change by collaborating with local community schools, and leaders in the community, to improve academic outcomes.
“By raising awareness among the community leaders and fostering community partnerships,” says Abdala. “We strive to create lasting change that benefits not only the children at Nitasimama Foundation, but also future generations in Zanzibar.”
Making a Difference
Abdalla can see the value of her work every day. One student, who faced an unimaginable family tragedy, is a testament to this impact. Recognizing the urgency of his situation, Nitasimama Foundation stepped in immediately to provide essential support—food, clothing, and a safe place to heal. 
“His resilience and determination were inspiring to us all, and last year, he ranked among the top ten students at his high school,” says Abdalla. “His journey is a powerful reminder of what hope, support, and education can achieve.”
At its core, Nitasimama believes that no child should be left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
“This student’s transformation is a reminder of why we do what we do,” says Abdalla. “When we provide the right support at the right time, we're not just changing one life—we're changing the trajectory of an entire family for generations to come.”
Regis Returns: Full Circle Moment
In August 2024, the Regis-Nitasimama connection came full circle when Abdalla welcomed Regis faculty Dr. Lisa Gray and Dr. Ruth Gerritsen-Mckane to Zanzibar.
Thanks to a faculty grant funded by The Virginia Pyne Kaneb ’57 Scholars Program, the Regis team visited the Nitasimama Foundation to conduct a program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the program in supporting children struggling academically and stabilizing family systems.
In addition to the program evaluation, Dr. Gerritsen-Mckane also conducted an informal assessment of Nitasimama as a potential future field placement site for Regis students in various health and human services disciplines.
“Having Regis visit was a profound and meaningful experience that reaffirmed that our work is being recognized on a larger scale,” says Abdalla. “Their presence also helped build further trust among the families, the community leaders, and the stakeholders, as they saw that our efforts were being taken seriously and evaluated by an academic professional.”
Through observations and discussions with families, staff, stakeholders, and community leaders, the Regis professors aimed to measure the foundation’s impact and provide valuable insights for growth and improvement.
“While we await the final results, we anticipate the evaluation will help us identify key strengths, address challenges, and refine our strategies to better serve both children and their families,” says Dr. Gray.
A Vision for the Future
With a solid foundation established, Abdalla has ambitious plans for Nitasimama's future. Long-term goals include building more classrooms, expanding skill-based training for sustainable income, and increasing access to mental health professionals for children and their families. 
To achieve these goals, they aim to fundraise through developing partnerships with donors and exploring grants, using social media to build an awareness campaign and community engagement, and create land-based farming income that would help sustain the foundations operations.
As she reflects on her journey from Regis student to foundation leader, Abdalla sees her education as the catalyst that transformed passion into impact.
"Regis gave me the tools to turn my vision into reality," she concludes. "The values I learned there—service to others, excellence, and social justice—continue to guide our work every day.”