Our Mission and Plan
Our Mission
Our mission at Africa Strives Foundation is to uplift and empower the marginalized and vulnerable in Liberia. We are committed to providing essential support and resources that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities in need. Our unwavering dedication encompasses
Education: We believe in the transformative power of education.
Empowerment: Our focus is on empowering the disadvantaged.
Local Community Aid: We provide vital support to those in need.
Child & Maternal Health: We promote the well-being of mothers and children.
Counseling: We offer guidance and support to individuals and families.
Rural Support: We ensure that families in rural areas receive essential resources.
Logistics for the disabled & elderly: We enable access to basic necessities.
Orphanage Support: We create nurturing environments for orphaned children.
Preserve & respect traditions: We honor and promote local culture and values.
Create Partnerships: We collaborate on a global scale to drive positive change.
EDUCATION
We believe in the transformative power of education.
We aim to bridge educational gaps by offering scholarships, school supplies, seminars, and access to digital resources. Our goal is to empower young boys and girls to graduate high school and pursue higher education.
According to the world bank statistical data of January 2022, the literacy rate for Liberia, West Africa, was estimated to be around 48% of the population aged 15 and above who can write and read short simple statements above their everyday life.
The World Bank (January 2022) , Liberia literacy rate for 2022 was 48.30%, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
The ESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report for 2019 identified Liberia as having the highest level of over-age students of any country in Africa (UNESCO-2019 GEM, Report) reflecting a loss of schooling due to disruption of schooling by post-conflict and post-epidemic conditions.
Students with Disabilities
The number of students with disabilities is 11,559, roughly 0.8% of the total school enrollment.
The current educational system is unsafe for all students, there is a prevalence of girls dropping out of school and not finishing their education. The dropout rates are 65% for boys and 73% for female students (Santos & Novelli, 2017). Thus, the education problem is also gendered, leaving one in four women illiterate (Educate Girls Network, 2015). Some of the leading causes consist of the patriarchal character of Liberia, teenage pregnancies, and child marriage (Educate Girls Network, 2015). Many of the subsequent reasons stem from Liberia being a patriarchy. The gender norms prevalent in Liberian society follow a traditional perspective.
Neonatal mortality rates have increased and is a worrying trend: from 26 deaths (in 2013) to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, accounting for 59 per cent of overall infant mortality, according to Key Indicator Report of the 2019–2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS). The infant mortality rate of 63 is higher than the average infant mortality in the African region of 51 per 1,000 live births. The high maternal mortality ratios and neonatal mortality rates are attributed to high teenage pregnancy rate: 31 per cent in 2019 versus 30 per cent in 2013. https://www.unicef.org/media/100366/file/Liberia-2020-COAR.pdf
We help students by offering
Educational Scholarships:
Tuition Fees: Covering all or part of the tuition fees required for attending schools, colleges, or universities.
Books and Supplies: Offering funds to purchase textbooks, notebooks, stationery, and other essential classroom materials.
Uniforms: Providing financial assistance to purchase school uniforms and related clothing items.
Transportation: Offering support for transportation costs, especially for students who live far from their educational institutions.
Accommodation: Providing scholarships that cover housing expenses, particularly for students pursuing higher education away from home.
School Supplies:
Notebooks and Pens: Supplying notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, and other writing materials.
Backpacks: Providing durable backpacks to carry books and supplies to and from school.
Calculators: Offering basic calculators for students studying subjects that require mathematical calculations.
Art Supplies: Providing materials for creative expression, such as colored pencils, markers, and art paper.
Science Kits: Supplying kits for science experiments and hands-on learning.
Educational Resources:
According to the 2021 Worldbank report on Liberia : Just around 34% of the population that have access to the internet. https://data.worldbank.org/country/liberia
Textbooks and Reference Materials: Providing relevant textbooks, reference books, and educational materials to support learning.
Digital Resources: Offering access to online learning platforms, e-books, educational websites, and digital libraries.
Laptops or Tablets: Providing electronic devices for students to access online resources and engage in digital learning.
Educational Software: Offering software applications that enhance learning in subjects like mathematics, science, and language.
Workshops and Seminars: Organizing workshops, seminars, and educational events to broaden
EMPOWERMENT
According to the world Bank data on Liberia released 2021, only 25% of women from ages 15-49 uses contractive methods https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.CONU.ZS?locations=LR
We advocate for the empowerment of disadvantaged women, girls, and boys. This includes
Education: Provide age-appropriate and culturally sensitive education about family planning, reproductive health, and sexual education. Use interactive workshops, seminars, and informative materials to convey important information.
Access to Information: Make resources available in local languages and accessible formats. Distribute brochures, posters, and videos that explain various contraceptive methods, safe sex practices, and reproductive health care.
Community Workshops: Organize community workshops where experts can address myths, misconceptions, and concerns related to family planning. Encourage open discussions to remove stigma and promote informed choices.
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Partner with local healthcare providers to offer family planning services, including contraceptive options and counseling, in a non-judgmental and confidential environment.
COMMUNITY AID
We channel our efforts towards creating a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities. Our focus include:
Providing vital supplies and equipment to orphanages, disabled individuals, disadvantaged women, girls, and boys.
CHILD & MATERNAL HEALTH
We work tirelessly to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality, as well as maternity-related fatalities. Our goal is to create healthier futures for Africa's children and mothers. disadvantaged women, girls, and boys.
Child Mortality: According to recent UNICEF data, the under-5 mortality rate in Liberai for the year 2021 stands at a distressing 76 deaths per 1,000 lives birth. The statistic represents the numbre of children who tragically passed away before celeabrating their fifth births.
Reference: UNICEF data (2022) “For every child, Monitoring the situation of child, liberi demographics, health & Infant mortality” .- Demographics, Health & Infant Mortality - UNICEF DATA
Maternal Mortality: In 2020, Liberia face a maternal rate of 661 deaths per 100,000 lives births, according to UNICEF data. This rate signifies the number of women who tragically lost their lives due to pregnancy-related causes for every 100,000 lives births. https://data.unicef.org/topic/maternal-health/maternal-mortality/
STEP BY STEP PLAN ON HOW TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS
Collaborate with Local Healthcare Providers:
Partner with local healthcare facilities and providers to deliver essential healthcare services and maternal care to vulnerable communities.
Health Education Programs:
Organize health education programs to raise awareness about prenatal and postnatal care, family planning, and child nutrition.
Provide age-appropriate and culturally sensitive education to women, girls, and boys on maternal and child health.
Nutrition Support:
Distribute nutritious food items and supplements to address malnutrition among children and expectant mothers.
Support local agricultural initiatives to promote self-sustainability in food production.
Mobile Clinics:
Establish mobile clinics or healthcare outreach programs to reach rural and underserved areas.
Offer regular check-ups, immunizations, and access to prenatal care for pregnant women.
Maternal Health Services:
Provide access to safe delivery services, skilled healthcare professionals, and postpartum care for expectant mothers.
Offer support for family planning and reproductive health services.
Child Vaccination Programs:
Implement vaccination campaigns to ensure children receive essential vaccines, reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
Access to Clean Water and Sanitation:
Promote access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, which play a crucial role in preventing diseases that affect maternal and child health.
Emergency Obstetric Care:
Support healthcare facilities with emergency obstetric care to address complications during childbirth.
Community Workshops:
Conduct community workshops on maternal and child health, emphasizing the importance of early healthcare seeking behavior.
Empowerment and Advocacy:
Advocate for women's rights, access to quality healthcare, and family planning. Address the cultural and social factors affecting maternal health.
Engage in policy advocacy to influence government and international organizations to allocate resources and support for maternal and child health initiatives in Liberia.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regularly assess the impact of your programs through data collection and feedback from the communities you serve.
Adapt your strategies based on the evolving needs and circumstances of the target communities.
Long-Term Engagement:
Build trust and establish long-term relationships with the communities by actively listening to their concerns and involving them in the decision-making process.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Tailor your programs to respect and honor the cultural norms and values of the local communities. Ensure that your initiatives are relevant and accepted within these communities.
Partnerships:
Collaborate with local NGOs, healthcare organizations, and international agencies to expand the reach of your initiatives and leverage their expertise and resources.
Educational Campaigns:
Use various media and educational campaigns to disseminate information about maternal and child health practices and services.
Fundraising and Resource Mobilization:
Actively engage in fundraising efforts to secure the necessary resources for your programs, including grants, donations, and partnerships with corporations and philanthropic organizations.
COUNSELING
Counseling Services: Establish counseling centers or hotlines where individuals and families can seek guidance on various challenges they may face. Trained counselors can address mental health, relationship issues, family conflicts, and more.
School Programs: Integrate emotional intelligence and mental health awareness programs into schools. Provide students with tools to manage stress, build resilience, and seek help when needed.
Parenting Workshops: Offer workshops for parents and caregivers on effective communication, positive discipline, and creating a nurturing environment for children's emotional well-being.
Support Groups: Create safe spaces where individuals and families can connect with others facing similar challenges. Support groups can address topics like grief, parenting, and mental health.
Online Resources: Develop a website or app with resources, articles, and videos on emotional well-being, coping strategies, and seeking professional help.
Resources for Children and Families:
Children's Books and Materials: Develop age-appropriate books, videos, and games that teach children about emotions, self-care, and healthy relationships.
Activity Workshops: Organize art, music, and drama workshops that allow children to express themselves creatively and build self-confidence.
Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, local NGOs, healthcare centers, and religious organizations to expand reach and provide comprehensive support.
Cultural Sensitivity: Tailor programs to respect cultural norms and values, ensuring that the information and resources provided are relevant and accepted within the community.
th, hygiene, nutrition, and safe food storage practices to empower families to make informed choices.
Financial Literacy: Provide basic financial literacy training to help families manage their resources effectively and plan for the future.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regular Assessments: Continuously assess the impact of your initiatives by gathering feedback from the community and tracking progress toward established goals.
Adaptation: Based on feedback and assessments, adjust your strategies to better address the evolving needs of the community.
RURAL SUPPORT
Ensuring families in rural areas receive clothing, food, and essential resources for a better life. Here's how we work towards this goal:
Community Needs Assessment:
Understand Local Needs: Begin by conducting a thorough needs assessment in collaboration with local community leaders, NGOs, and individuals. This will help you identify the most pressing needs and challenges faced by families in rural areas.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local community organizations, churches, schools, and local authorities to ensure that the assistance provided is well-targeted and culturally appropriate.
NGO Partnerships: Partner with established non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have experience working in rural areas. They can provide valuable insights, resources, and logistical support.
Clothing and Essential Items:
Donations and Collections: Organize clothing drives in urban areas to collect gently used clothing and essential items. Ensure that the collected items are clean, sorted, and appropriate for the local climate.
Distribution: Plan distribution events in collaboration with local partners. Ensure that the distribution process is fair, respectful, and well-organized.
Food Assistance:
Food Donations: Collect non-perishable food items through food drives or donations. Focus on providing nutritious items that are culturally relevant and suitable for the local diet.
Local Agriculture: Support local agricultural initiatives by providing seeds, tools, and training to help families grow their own food. This promotes self-sustainability and food security.
Sustainable Solutions:
Skills Development: Offer training programs that empower community members with skills such as farming, small-scale entrepreneurship, and vocational skills. This enhances their ability to generate income and improve their overall quality of life.
Microfinance Initiatives: Explore microfinance projects that enable families to start small businesses, which can generate income for purchasing clothing, food, and other essentials.
Education and Awareness:
Health and Hygiene: Conduct workshops and sessions on health, hygiene, nutrition, and safe food storage practices to empower families to make informed choices.
Financial Literacy: Provide basic financial literacy training to help families manage their resources effectively and plan for the future.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regular Assessments: Continuously assess the impact of your initiatives by gathering feedback from the community and tracking progress toward established goals.
Adaptation: Based on feedback and assessments, adjust your strategies to better address the evolving needs of the community.
Food Assistance:
Food Donations: Collect non-perishable food items through food drives or donations. Focus on providing nutritious items that are culturally relevant and suitable for the local diet.
Local Agriculture: Support local agricultural initiatives by providing seeds, tools, and training to help families grow their own food. This promotes self-sustainability and food security.
Sustainable Solutions:
Skills Development: Offer training programs that empower community members with skills such as farming, small-scale entrepreneurship, and vocational skills. This enhances their ability to generate income and improve their overall quality of life.
Microfinance Initiatives: Explore micro-finance projects that enable families to start small businesses, which can generate income for purchasing clothing, food, and other essentials.
Education and Awareness:
Health and Hygiene: Conduct workshops and sessions on health, hygiene, nutrition, and safe food storage practices to empower families to make informed choices.
Financial Literacy: Provide basic financial literacy training to help families manage their resources effectively and plan for the future.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regular Assessments: Continuously assess the impact of your initiatives by gathering feedback from the community and tracking progress toward established goals.
Adaptation: Based on feedback and assessments, adjust your strategies to better address the evolving needs of the community.
DISADVANTAGED WOMEN, GIRLS, & BOYS
Menstrual Hygiene Products: Supply sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups to support the hygiene and dignity of women and girls.
Educational Scholarships: Offer financial support for education, including tuition fees, books, and school uniforms.
Vocational Training Tools: Provide tools and equipment for vocational training programs, enabling disadvantaged individuals to learn valuable skills.
Safety and Security Items: Offer self-defense tools, personal alarms, and safety resources to empower women and girls against potential threats.
Nutrition Support: Provide nutritional supplements and food packages to address malnutrition and support healthy growth.
ORPHANAGE SUPPORT
We extend our assistance to orphanages by providing clothing, food, repairs, and logistical assistance by providing clothing and bedding.
Donate clothing, shoes, blankets, and bedding to ensure children are adequately dressed and have a comfortable place to sleep.
Educational Materials: Provide books, school supplies, and educational resources to support the children's learning and development.
Toiletries and Hygiene Products: Supply items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and hygiene products to maintain their health and well-being.
Recreational Items: Offer toys, games, sports equipment, and art supplies to encourage creative expression and physical activity.
Nutritional Support: Provide nutritious food items, snacks, and meal packages to ensure the children receive proper nutrition.
PRESERVING TRADITION & EXPERT
We honor and respect the customs, values, and norms of native communities. Our initiatives aim to preserve and promote traditional culture while creating a positive impact.
Preservation of Traditional
Explore how we honor and respect the customs, values, and norms of native communities while creating a positive impact.
Needs Assessment:
Collaborate with the community to conduct a needs assessment to identify areas where they would like to preserve and promote their traditional culture. Listen to their priorities and preferences.
Traditional Culture Preservation Programs:
Develop programs that focus on Preserving and promoting the traditional culture of the native communities. This may include supporting cultural events, festivals, traditional practices, and language preservation.
Traditional Arts and crafts:
Support local artisans and craftsmen in their traditional arts and crafts. This involves providing resources and opportunities for the creation and sale of traditional products.
Cultural Education:
Organize educational programs to teach communities for the creation and sale of traditional products.
Cultural Exchange:
Facilitate cultural exchange programs that allow for interactions between native communities and individuals from other backgrounds. This can promote mutual understanding and respect.
Traditional Medicine and Healing:
Support traditional healers and medicine practices, if desired by the community. Provide training and resources for traditional medicine preservation.
Respect for Sacred Sites:
Show respect for sacred and culturally significant sites within the community. Seeked permission and guidance from community leaders before taking any actions in these areas.
Celebration of Cultural Events:
Participate in and support the celebration of cultural events and festivals within the community. These events are often vital in keeping traditional culture alive.
Cultural Sensitive Training:
Ensure that our charity team and volunteers are well-informed about the cultural norms, traditions, and values of the native communities we are working with. Provide cultural sensitivity training to each member of the charity staff.
Regular Evaluation:
Regularly assess the impact of our cultural preservation initiatives through feedback and input from the community. Adapt strategies based on community needs and evolving circumstances.
Long-Term Commitment:
Make a long-term commitment to the community to ensure the continued preservation and promotion of their traditional culture
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIPS
Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local community organizations, churches, schools, and local authorities to ensure that the assistance provided is well-targeted and culturally appropriate.
NGO Partnerships: Partner with established non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have experience working in rural areas. They can provide valuable insights, resources, and logistical support.