MISSION AFRICA

Our COVID-19 Efforts:
*How can we help at this time?” That was the question we asked our partners and volunteers in Nigeria. Of all the responses we received, food assistance topped the list. Several families reported food scarcity as being their main concern, and many worried about their children going hungry. So that is where Mission Africa decided to help.
So far, you have provided essential food and supplies to 86 families in Abia, Imo and Cross Rivers States of Nigeria. Here are some of their stories:

"Richard a father of 3 lost his teaching job last year. Right before quarantine he landed a job at a nursery school. The family savings were used to pay for his wife's trip to take care of her elderly mother who had fallen ill. He's grateful for Mission Africa's gift to his family as he did not know where the next meal would come from"

"Akudo a mother of 3 was displaced from her home in Benue State by Boko Haram terrorists. She recently left IDP (Internally displaced persons) camp with her children returning to her home village with only the clothes on their backs. Two days prior to leaving the camp her husband went missing. It is still not clear whether he is alive or not. Life has not been easy in the village, but the support she received from Mission Africa has brought her family hope and assistance for rebuilding their lives."

We have 84 more stories like these and would love to help more families with food and essential items.

*When Connie, an RN at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle WA, and Mission Africa volunteer, shared a photo of her and fellow healthcare professionals wearing matching hats while on duty, our Executive Director Ndudi knew what to do.
On behalf of Mission Africa, she and her husband George donated Nigerian fabrics for Connie to sew more hats for her colleagues. Lack of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, hats, and masks) has been prevalent during this pandemic, and we wanted to help how we could with this gift. We are very grateful for our healthcare professionals who are helping keep our communities healthy.

*Since the beginning of April, Overcomer Covenant Church has organized ongoing food drives, providing essential food and supplies to hundreds of local families in need. Our Executive Director, Ndudi Chuku, has been volunteering at these drives. Mission Africa has partnered with Overcomer for our annual Smiles at Christmas event for the past 7 years, serving our local South King County communities together.

Since its creation in 2006 along with its partners, Mission Africa has provided education scholarships, free health services and poverty alleviation programs to children and families in the remote villages of Ghana, Gambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Togo Uganda, and Zambia.

To help combat the inequity and poverty that these communities face, Mission Africa empowers citizens and strengthens families by investing in three core areas — education, healthcare and poverty alleviation. Together, and through our partnering small NGOs in each country, Mission Africa has demonstrated remarkable capacity to improve the lives of children and families in these local communities, with average budgets of $350,000.00 annually and predominantly volunteer staff.

Mission Africa was founded by Ikoro and Ndudi Chuku, both born and raised in the Ibo tribe of Eastern Nigeria, with a deep understanding of the devastating impacts inequity and poverty can have on young peoples’ lives. Ikoro and Ndudi vowed to provide critical and life changing support through Mission Africa.

Domestic Program in the United States:
Mission Africa is keenly aware of the domestic inequity within the greater Seattle Area. Since 2006, every Christmas, Mission Africa organizes an event called “Smiles at Christmas” to benefit veteran and poor families in the Renton, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way communities of WA State. Parents and/or guardians bring their children to the event, and each child is given donated items such as toys, games and warm coats. Children are entertained during this event, while their guardians “shop.” The gifts are then packaged so the parents can bring them home without their children knowing the contents. Mission Africa gives away over 3,000 toys and warm coats to children every year. Our approach at this event gives parents the opportunity to provide for their children with dignity.

Education in Africa Since 2006:
In most African countries, students do not receive any level of free education. Mission Africa provides students with an education scholarship, which provides for poor students throughout their secondary education until graduation. Mission Africa scholarships cover school fees, uniforms, books and school supplies.
• 795 Scholarships to recipients
• 5,000 Daily mid-morning meals
• 207 Donated computers
• Ten 40-foot containers of books, school supplies, medical supplies and essential items to children in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda over the past ten years

Healthcare in Africa Since 2006:
The healthcare system in most African countries faces many challenges, ranging from a shortage of doctors to lack of nearby health care centers. Thus, infant mortality rates are high and the life expectancy is a mere 47 years old. Mission Africa partners with local health organizations in Africa to sponsor and provide free medical services in the remote villages of Africa.
• 4,800 Eye glasses for villagers
• 144 HIV/AIDS patients provided with health insurance
• 7,500 treated during annual free medical outreach events

Poverty Alleviation Programs in Africa Since 2006:
Mission Africa empowers women and establishes small businesses for responsible adults. We provide small business training, counseling services, and seminars and workshops aimed at empowering, raising morale, improving the economy, and reducing poverty.
• 49 Microenterprises for widows
• 200 small scale farmers supported with seeds
• Trainings and support for women entrepreneurs

Global and Local Partners - Critical to Our Success:
* In the United States, Mission Africa partners with World Vision, The Lord’s Commission - Seattle WA, Ibari Education Foundation- San Diego CA, Caring Hearts International - Seattle WA, Health & Life International - Virginia, Overcomer Covenant Church Auburn WA, Local School districts and kind-hearted individuals.
* In Africa, Mission Africa partners with Mission Africa – Nigeria, Mission Africa - Tanzania, Mission Africa - Gambia, Agrihealth Initiatives - Kenya, Dorcas Consolation Family - Rwanda, Girl Child Concern - Nigeria, Ghana Global Career Center - Ghana, Village Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Local Hospitals, Local Philanthropic organizations, and Local businesses.