News & Stories

Guess who spoke in NYC at the UN building?

By Valerie Lee, April 16, 2024

"Embracing inclusion is to embrace someone else who is different from you," Grace Nkundabantu explained. "It is accepting to learn from their way of doing things."

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Dr. Grace Nkundabantu was invited to speak at the United Nations, Commission on the Status of Women. She was invited to address the topic of Inspiring Inclusion for girls and women in our world.

This incredible opportunity gave her a chance to raise her voice for the voiceless. She spoke out for the refugee and orphan girls of Africa. Combining her passion for education, and the literal knowledge of the needs around the globe, she called for action. Actions that would bring peace and raise the quality of life for girls and women. A world that includes everyone. A world that supports and lifts every voice.

Here is peek into her speech:

"Many times, we dismiss potential people because of misconceptions about their geographical

background, language barriers, and cultural differences. To inspire inclusion, I urge women to stand up for each other. I urge those in positions of privilege and opportunity to help others, connect, and create mentorship opportunities.”

As if that’s not enough . . .

She also called for people to speak up against injustice, refuse to be silent, and reject stereotypes and labels, demonstrating that women are capable and strong together. Her powerful message resonated throughout the event, urging attendees to embrace inclusion as a personal responsibility. "Let this movement start with us," Nkundabantu declared. “Change must begin with us taking actions of inclusiveness and creating a safe environment for all that surrounds us."

1. WHO GATHERED?

During a special conference, the UN session representatives from governments, civil society organizations, experts, and activists worldwide

2. WHAT IS “UN WOMEN?”

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, is a United Nations entity charged with working for gender equality and the empowerment of women. Headquarters, New York City, New York

3. WHY DID THEY GATHER?

The purpose of this conference was to discuss and make plans for reducing women's poverty and promoting gender equality.

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation

https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women

DID YOU KNOW…….

“Since the Commission for the Status of Women (CSW) inception, monumental progress has been made to integrate gender equality into mainstream international thought and action. Yet, women and girls around the world continue to face disproportionate burdens, gender biases and systemic discrimination, which hinder their autonomy, impede their access to justice and obstruct their fundamental human rights.

Globally, we’re still centuries away from gender equality. Estimates say it will take up to 286 years to close legal gaps and remove discriminatory laws, 140 years for women to be represented equally in positions of power and leadership at work, and at least 40 years to achieve equal representation in national parliaments. As of the end of 2022, it’s estimated that around 383 million women and girls live in extreme poverty. And every 11 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family. “

From the UN: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2023/02/your-guide-to-csw67

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3 Young Women are Defying the Odds

By Daniel Mucho, March 18, 2024

In the heart of Mulenge, D.R. Congo, where conflict has plagued the community for eight years, three resilient young women are defying the odds. Thanks to the African Girls Hope Foundation.

Kamikazi Nasafari Justine, Mwiseneza Rachel Uboneye, and Magaju Jacqueline are now pursuing their dreams at Hope of Africa University in the country of Burundi.

Their journey from Mulenge to Burundi is a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound impact of African Girls Hope Foundation. The Foundation supported their high school education and is now supporting their aspirations, and empowering these young women as they pursue careers in medicine.

MEET JUSTINE:

Justine, with her dream of becoming an Eye Doctor, aims to bring much-needed medical assistance to her village, where access to healthcare is scarce.

MEET RACHEL:

Rachel, aspiring to be an Obstetrician, seeks to combat the high maternal and infant mortality rates in her community by providing essential care to women in need.

MEET JAQUELINE:

Meanwhile, Jacqueline’s ambition to become a Nurse reflects her desire to alleviate suffering and improve healthcare accessibility in her hometown.

Their success not only represents personal triumph but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless other girls across Africa. Through scholarships and mentorship programs, the African Girls Hope Foundation continues to break down barriers and empower aspiring young women with education. This is creating a ripple effect of positive change.

As Justine, Rachel, and Jacqueline embark on their university journey, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their communities. Their story underscores the importance of education in transforming lives and building a brighter future for generations to come.

2023 World Refugee Day

Today we join the global community to celebrate the strength, the courage, and the resilience of all refugees around the world.

This Year of 2023, Join African Girls Hope Foundation in Transforming Lives through the Giving Machines.

Your generosity sparks hope and compassion worldwide. Select from a diverse range of items or services with a simple touch. This interactive experience not only transforms the act of giving into a memorable journey but also connects you directly to the impact of your contribution.
Together, let's make a difference that resonates beyond borders and brings joy to those in need.

Thanksgiving 2023 🌟

[Gratitude in Action]

This Thanksgiving, we're reflecting on the incredible impact of your support. Every act of kindness has been a beacon of hope for the girls we serve.

Thank you for being a part of our journey at African Girls Foundation. Together, we create a future filled with possibilities.

Click on the Video below to view message

2023 Annual Gala

We are excited to share the highlights of our Annual Fundraising Gala, held on November 5th. The event was a resounding success, featuring inspiring speeches, captivating entertainment, and a triumphant contribution session that surpassed our fundraising goals. The generosity of our community, both in attendance and spirit, has propelled us closer to realizing our mission.
Thank you to everyone who made this night unforgettable, your support is the driving force behind our continued success.

If you missed the gala but still want to support our cause, Click Here.

To see the photos of the gala, Click Here.

Click on Images for more photos

International Day of the GIRL Child 2023

New Year 2023 Message

from our Founder/CEO, Dr. Grace Faraja

I am very delighted by the work done and successes achieved during the year of 2022. It is without a doubt that when we work together we are able to make a difference. I am inspired by our sponsors, partners and staff who have risen to the unprecedented economic challenges.

They have demonstrated resilience and a dedication to the vulnerable children and communities we serve. Despite the challenges we faced there was an unwavering commitment to our mission and

Praise & Worship Experience
Date: July 16th & 17th, 2022
Theme: Be The Hope To The Hopeless

**DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD**

16TH June 2022 is the day that has been earmarked to celebrate the African child internationally. We at African girls Hope foundation are delighted to share in this day. It is a bitter sweet day for us. Whereas we are joining the rest of the world to celebrate the resilience of the African child we are broken as recently we lost one of our girls to cancer. May her soul rest in glory.
This year’s theme Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013 is very close to our hearts because we work with minorities, the refugee girls and women. Most of these girls and women suffer violations and severe harmful practices silently.
Despite the efforts by the Kenyan government and UNICEF developing and adopting policies and enacting laws to protect children, thousands are still exposed to violence and abuse, harmful practices, lack of parental care and sexual exploitation. Children also face specific risks during and after emergencies such as floods, droughts, conflicts or epidemics. An emerging threat for children is online abuse and exploitation. The increase in cyber crimes has become a major cause of concern after the Covid-19 pandemic which brought about technological advancement and more exposure.

A research done by Kenya’s ministry of labour and social protection in 2019-2020 indicates that around one in two young adults in Kenya experienced violence as a child, according to the 2019 Violence Against Children Survey. Another survey found that 46 per cent of 18 to 24-year-old women faced at least one type of violence – physical, emotional or sexual – during their childhood, as well as 52 per cent of young men in the same age group. The prevalence of child marriage among girls stands at 23 per cent.

It is against this backdrop that we at AGHF join in together with the rest of the world to condemn harmful practices. We stay committed to keeping our girls and the other children safe from harmful practices.

We stay committed to the believe that every child should benefit fully from quality education, every child should be protected against violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse, and every child should free from the impact of armed conflicts and other disasters or emergency situations. African children’s voices and views are important and matter!

Dr. Grace Faraja

African Girls Hope Foundation.

AGHF Fun Day April 2022

Girls Married At Very Young Ages

Many girls in Africa experience under-age marriage, with some married off at ages as young as 14 years old. These Girls would no longer be able to pursue education and attain employment or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. This Would then result to a lower status in the society.

Also, Girls who are married as children are more likely to experience domestic violence.

**AGHF Summer Conference**, July 9th-10th in Georgia.
Theme: - **The integration of African Girls in the USA**
The event was graced by influential women who are doing exemplary work in their different fields of expertise and in the different leadership roles they possess.
Click **Here** to View Images of the Conference

Happy New Year 2021!

The year 2020 has proven to be one of unprecedented change around the world.

Change that has deeply impacted our lives, communities and the beneficiaries we serve.

Our commitment to empower, equip and provide access to formal and high-quality education for underprivileged girls in Sub-Sahara Africa must not waiver, and never will as long as the girls in Sub-Sahara Africa still are in need of an education.

That’s why African Girls Hope Foundation is asking you to join us in these last days of the year to help us make a bigger difference in the lives of others. There are still girls in need of support for the coming year.

Please consider making a gift to African Girls Hope Foundation to help our community when they need it most. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of funds go directly to providing an access to formal education for underprivileged girls in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Even in times of crisis, our work is desperately needed. Your support and generosity of any kind is appreciated now more than ever. The need for education still remains, and African Girls Hope Foundation is here to continue the good fight! The young girls in Sub-Sahara Africa are counting on us.

With gratitude,

Dr. Grace Faraja

Founder & CEO

Happy International Women’s Day

As we celebrate the great Women in our society today on the 8th of March, let us also remember to celebrate the future women in our society whose potentials are yet to be unveiled.

[March 8th, 2020]

COVID-19 Update

In the midst of the devastating toil COVID-19 has taken in the world, Kenya has been forced to shut down many of the markets that families depend on for their livelihood. Please join us as we seek to provide monetary resources to buy staple items like flour, beans and sugar to feed the families of our AGHF orphan girls for the next 2 weeks.

Donate

*Dear African Girls Hope Foundation - AGHF

As COVID-19 continue to spread, there’s nothing more important than the well-being of our families and friends. I want to encourage you to take care of yourselves and stay safe.

We know it’s critical that we practice social distancing as much as possible in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and help our health system. Due to the current situation of social distancing, I encourage every AGHF team to take seriously and follow the recommendations to protect ourselves and families by practicing social distancing. I also urge friends and families to comply with the rules set by the authorities about all hygienic practices.

Stay safe with your family. There is no better time to stand together (digitally) to help each other through this storm and come out stronger than before!

For additional information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov

Thanks,