Bomoko

An estimated 80% of the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo lives below the poverty line. In 2017, the nation’s life expectancy at birth was just 59% and the infant mortality rate was 74 out of 1000 live births.

BOMOKO, United for Congo, develops unique initiatives promoting equal access for all Congolese to high quality health, education and sustainable agriculture solutions. Working for decades in the DRC, BOMOKO unlocks a brighter future for DRC with creative, innovative solutions driven by the Congolese for the Congolese. 

Two-thirds of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s population is under the age of 24, so educating its future leaders is incredibly important. Faced with a severe shortage of teachers in public schools, BOMOKO provides a quality education, training in life skills and mentorship for both children and their parents. BOMOKO operates the Liziba and Bozindo schools, which provide primary through secondary school education and give Congolese children hope for the future. 

Likewise, BOMOKO promotes higher education through the ISSI School of Nursing (Institut Supérieuren Sciences Infirmières), which trains general nurses and those who work in supervisory positions in hospitals across the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

BOMOKO also expands the country’s healthcare capacity though Monkole Hospital. Opened in 1991, Monkole Hospital treats everyone with the same respect and dignity, and it promises equal access to its excellent care services, regardless of wealth or social status. Monkole serves three rural areas in Kinshasa and runs primary healthcare centers in marginalized, inaccessible areas. 

A unique initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, CEFA (Le Centre de Formation et d’Appui Sanitaire) addresses the pressing need for the continuous education of all medical personnel. CEFA was established in 2001 as a professional and technical framework for medical professionals. It hosts conferences, seminars, round tables and postgraduate courses, as well as practical work and medical research.

Finally, through its agricultural initiative, BOMOKO empowers rural and urban farmers though innovation and modernization of agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Bomoko” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Iroto School of Hotel and Catering

Iroto School of Hotel and Catering started in 2005 to offer hospitality training to young girls from the rural community of Iroto and its surrounding areas. Before Iroto School opened, most women from these areas were unemployed due to lack technical skills. Training beyond secondary school was unaffordable for their families, so young women were more likely to marry young or join the growing population of the unemployed. Now, those women qualify for jobs and can independently improve their living conditions. 

Iroto School offers a two year certificate program in Hotel and Catering. It also serves as a training center for those working toward the National Vocational Qualification, an internationally recognized certificate. Apart from their academic work, the students are actively engaged in community development outreach, enhancing the social impact of the school in the surrounding villages.

To accommodate the increasing demand for admission, the school recently embarked on a facilities expansion program. More residential rooms, classrooms, a computer room and workshops are under construction, and Iroto School is raising money for necessary furniture and equipment, which will cost an estimated $240,000 (N84,000,000.00). 

Testimony

Adeola Adetayo Balikis 

“It seems like a dream, that very day I was given an admission letter into this great citadel of learning; Iroto School of Hotel and Catering. The expectations were so high that I had no choice but to live up to them. With Iroto School I have realized that becoming a professional demands hard work and I am grateful for the training offered; it is worthwhile. I learnt to focus on positive information and to make good decisions. In my departmental work, I have learnt how to cook, garnish, wash and handle all kinds of materials that involves my profession.”

Your generous donation will help Iroto School sustain its growing population of students and keep our commitment to our mission of providing professional skills to young women.

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Iroto School” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Komati Foundation

KOMATI Foundation Women’s Development is a subsidiary of Komati Foundation. It promotes cultural, social and professional programs for South African women, empowering them to be effective leaders of positive change at all levels of society: at work, in their families and in their communities.

To learn more, visit: komati.org/about-us/

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Komati Foundation” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Lantana College of Hospitality

Lantana College of Hospitality provides comprehensive, innovative training for young women to empower them with knowledge and skills to work in the field of hospitality. The College offers a two-year Professional Certificate in Hospitality Operations, as well as courses in home management and culinary services. Graduates are employment in hotels, restaurants, and other food and hospitality businesses. Many have showcased their talents as small scale hospitality entrepreneurs.

Students of Lantana College come from impoverished families in the villages of Enugu State. Many of these families are farmers and traders with small shops in front of their homes where they sell their farm produce. Students pay minimal fees to attend the college, and the cost of education per student is financed through donations towards scholarships and proceeds from sales of baked items and other products made by the students as part of their occupational training.

Lantana College of Hospitality started operations in 1987, and it moved to its current campus in 2012. The current campus was largely funded by the EU and private donors, but the college is still planning to build an auditorium, computer room, a chapel and meeting rooms. Now that the College has started student admissions for the National Vocational Qualification, an internationally accredited certification program, it will need to fund additional rooms for teachers and supervisors.

Testimony

Dorothy

I registered for a Bakery and Confectionery course at Lantana College of Hospitality when I badly needed extra income for my family. I was amazed at the variety of recipes one was exposed to within a very short time. I could hardly wait to try them out. And such was the enthusiasm of all my course mates who were going to take the business of snack-making full time. 

I carried out trial sales for one week and the response was tremendous. Lantana has not only solved a financial problem for me but has given me the tools to make life more delightful in my home. No family celebration passes without my presenting a beautiful cake to everyone’s delight. I am earning extra income from the convenience and comfort of my home. I am planning to take more courses in Hospitality Management the school offers so as to be better equipped. 

Your donation will help many young women acquire the necessary skills to obtain gainful employment or engage in entrepreneurial initiatives. 

To learn more, visit lantanacollege.com.

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Lantana College” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Port Bell Academy

Port Bell Academy (PBA) offers professional education and training for girls and women in Douala, Cameroon. In 2015, Cameroon’s Digital Strategic Plan revealed that only 4% of its population was proficient in digital methods.

Since 2018, PBA’s technological and digital programs have included supplementary education for high school students, continuous skills training for working professionals of all ages and stages, and an outreach program for those who have limited resources. Through PBA programs, hundreds of women enter the digital universe and learn about its incredible opportunities every year. 

In its “Two-in-One” course, PBA guides students ethically and professionally. PBA teaches the importance of human virtues in work; its students learn to consider the social impact of their work to establish clear goals that produce positive outcomes.

Professional training includes instruction on Information Technology (IT), Leadership and Personality Development, and Entrepreneurship. IT allows juniors (ages 5-13) and seniors (ages 14+) to better their technological literacy by studying topics such as programming, database management systems, and word processing. Leadership and Personality Development teaches students how to manage their time efficiently and develop interpersonal skills that will improve communication and management effectivity. Entrepreneurship focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to create a start-up business.

A New Goal

PBA’s growth is challenged by limited building and classroom space and available equipment. The current facilities only allow for one program session at a time, in which only 15 students have access to equipment.

Construction is underway on a new 20,236 sq. ft. facility that includes a conference hall, a meeting room, seven classrooms, a library and study room, common service areas, and sports facilities.  

PBA is an initiative of the Association for the Integral Development of the Person, which was created in 2018 to promote human development through programs that provide young women with the resources to become agents of human and economic development at the local, national, and international level. 

Your generous support will enable PBA complete their new site, sustain their programs, and expand their reach.

To learn more, visit: portbellacademy.org/

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Port Bell Academy” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

SOLE Institute

Many children in South African townships struggle to finish school, and those who finish are often still unhappy with their results. 

• Many cannot afford to study at resourced schools

• Their classrooms are over-crowded

• They lack basic learning materials

SOLE Institute promotes African art and culture by sponsoring schools who wish to begin programs with the Indalo Initiative. These programs help them purchase instruments and art materials. SOLE Institute also partners with Mitra Academy in Johannesburg to provide quality education to underprivileged children with academic potential from the surrounding townships.

Serving Women

Girls are constantly told they are powerful and have equal rights, but they are not provided with the guidance to develop this conviction within themselves.

SOLE Institute partners with the ROAD Leadership Program that provides mentoring and personal development sessions to university students as well as outreach opportunities that train them to be change-makers. In addition, with the Lebone Bursary Program, SOLE Institute provides university scholarships and mentoring to young women who excel academically and play active roles in their communities.

Supporting Families

Many South African families struggle to stay intact:

• 13% of mothers are teenagers

• Only 33% of children live with both parents

• South Africa has a 44% divorce rate

Partnering with Teen STAR, SOLE Institute promotes programs that help young people understand their sexuality so they are prepared for their future roles when starting a family. SOLE Institute also works with the Lufuno Project to promote Billings Ovulation Method SA seminars for couples to help them understand their sexuality and to mentor them in parenting.

To learn more visit: www.sole.org.za

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “SOLE Institute” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Uzommiri Study Centre

Uzommiri Study Centre, an initiative of the Women's Board of the Educational Cooperation Society (ECS-WB), aims at empowerment for young women in Nigeria. Established in 1980, this non-governmental organization has been dedicated to fostering holistic development among university students and secondary school girls in Eastern Nigeria. By providing young women with comprehensive formation, Uzommiri not only nurtures responsible citizenship and leadership but also promotes self-assurance.

Through a diverse range of programs encompassing academics, leadership, personality development, citizenship education, the centre cultivates vital skills and values essential for a refined character and societal contribution. Additionally, the centre extends its reach through Community Development/Health outreaches, catering to slums and rural areas within the region, serving as a platform for university student volunteers to actively engage in community service. This fosters a culture of giving back and collective progress.

Operating out of rented apartments since its inception, the Centre has faced significant limitations in providing the optimal environment necessary for her activities. A new place which can serve as a permanent facility has just been found. Uzommiri wants to help undergraduates by giving them a library, study rooms, and small classrooms for specialized seminars. These are resources and facilities that government-owned universities lack. 

Uzommiri Study Centre needs donors to help expand and improve its programs. With the help of generous individuals, it will continue to serve the future leaders of Nigeria. 

To learn more, click here.

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Uzommiri” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Wavecrest College of Hospitality

Wavecrest College of Hospitality is the premier private monotechnic in Nigeria. It was fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education in 2010 to offer a National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management. Wavecrest College’s curriculum encompasses broad-based knowledge, skills specialization, entrepreneurship and commitment to work in sustainable projects. Graduates consistently find employment in the growing field of hospitality at operative or supervisory levels.

In the last 50 years Wavecrest College of Hospitality has consistently trained individuals and produced graduates who are in very high demand in the Hospitality Industry.  

100% of our graduates are decently employed within three months after graduation. About 40% become entrepreneurs while working and even employers of labor soon after graduation.   

Presently, hospitality education is a guarantee of employment in Nigeria. Wavecrest has been identified by the international community—African Union Development Agency (AUDA NEPAD)—and the government of Germany, KfW who have recognized our impact in society in terms of providing and improving education, employability and economic independence.

Wavecrest is a recipient of the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) grant.

Construction of the Wavecrest (HSEDCE)

Wavecrest is currently building a center for growing its impact in Nigeria. It will be used for giving hospitality education and training that is world–class inclusive, sustainable, and focused on business development in a technology-enabled marketplace.

To learn more, visit www.wavecrest.edu.ng/home

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Wavecrest College of Hospitality” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Wavecrest Study Centre

Wavecrest Study Centre helps young women who live in the suburban area of Lagos State. The Study Centre challenges these women to manage their time for academic pursuits well and excel in school. The Centre organizes clubs which provide junior and secondary school girls with well-rounded formation, helping them to achieve their academic potential and build self-confidence.

These clubs offer academic classes in study techniques, public speaking and effective writing. Practical classes also include home management, cooking and baking, music and arts and crafts. Students receive individual attention as they progress through tutoring and mentoring programs. The clubs also carry out community service projects, which cater to underprivileged children and those with special needs. These projects develop leadership and team building skills and encourage the students to grow in the virtues of compassion, magnanimity and generosity.

Wavecrest is constructing a new building to house the clubs with ample space and facilitate its classes and activities. Your donation will help with this enormous project!

Testimony

Judith Ayemere attended the club activities at Wavecrest Study Centre.

“I remember how I used to look forward to the activities of the club every Tuesday evening. I loved the serenity of the environment, which was beautifully designed with potted plants and well-kept furniture. What awed me the most was the maintenance culture of Wavecrest Study Centre. The furniture though they have been in use for ages still looked new. This maintenance culture I have tried to inculcate in my life; and not just me alone but all the club girls who came to the Centre.

At times in my life when I was in compromising situations and had to make life-changing decisions, the teachings and values I acquired from Wavecrest came to the fore. I was taught to live an ordered life, with a plan for everything be it career, social or spiritual. I still struggle with being that person I was formed to be, but that is what makes me human. The moment we stop struggling with our challenges and give in to weakness and failure then we stop living because life is a continuous struggle.

It's worth mentioning that Wavecrest didn't just form me but made me a role model to my peers and those around me. The values Wavecrest gives to teenage girls is one that cannot be quantified. “Raise up a child in the way she should grow and when she does she will not depart from it”. This is what Wavecrest Study Centre did for me. It picks you up at a time when you are struggling with contemporary challenges and doesn't force its ways on you but gently guides you on the right path.”

To learn more, visit www.wavecreststudycentre.org/.

To donate by check:
Make check out to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Wavecrest Study Centre” and send to:

American Initiatives for Social Development
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670