Greetings!
We hope this newsletter finds you in good health. 2020 has definitely been a very different year than any one of us could have envisioned and it has been a trying, hectic, and challenging one for us all.
So far this year, Women Watch Afrika has provided social services to 650 members of the community, Citizenship Clinics for 250 individuals, 9 Know Your Rights workshops, 2 End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting workshops, and Advocacy at the Georgia State Capitol. We co-sponspored several trainings and assemblies, and 3 classes to empower and educate the community. WWA also conducted 2 trainings on End Human Trafficking (Labor and Sexual) of Women and Girls.
At the beginning of March, the Coronavirus health pandemic struck the community. In the wake of COVID-19, the consequences of the pandemic has ranged from loss of lives, health crisis, increase in family violence, unemployment, housing insecurity, closed schools, lack of needed necessities, and many more.
Women Watch Afrika has stayed active in assisting and providing necessities to the community. The corona-virus has limited WWA’s daily physical presence in the office, but we still go in on specific days and we still purchase and distribute needed groceries (vegetable oil, rice, noodles, fresh peppers, onions, tomatoes, beans, and canned foods), toiletries, bath tissues, laundry detergent, and disinfectant sprays to the community. We have also been able to provide financial assistance to individuals who work in the Chicken, Meat Processing, and Farming Industries who have been seriously affected by COVID-19. We have also provided over 350 diapers (of various sizes) and wipes for new mothers in the community. The work cannot stop as the numbers of those in need keeps growing daily.
Our civic engagement work continued with Voters Education & Registration and Census 2020 Education & Outreach, to name a few. WWA continued our Voters Education and Census Education both remotely (using the help of technology: phone calls, texts, emails, social media, zoom meetings, etc.) and periodically in person– using proper social distancing and PPEs. We registered over 10,000 voters through various collaborations and partnerships. WWA canvassed 50,000 individuals in outreach (through phone banking, texts, and pledge cards) for Voters Education. And we conducted 9 Census Education trainings and canvassed over 30,000 individuals for Census Awareness (through texts, pledge cards and trainings).
We have used all available methods to stay abreast of the community’s needs and concerns. And we have also continued our Workshops and Trainings, Advocacy, and Civic Engagement through different safe mediums.
As you know, Women Watch Afrika serves adults and children of all ages, providing services to mostly immigrants and refugees from 23 African nations, a large majority of who live 200 percent below the poverty level, many of whom their children receive free school lunch, and sometimes are dealing with chronic health issues. This COVID-19 health crisis has only increased the needs of the community.
Today, as we take a moment to reflect on everything this year, Women Watch Afrika is proud of the work we have been doing. We are proud of the community learning to work together in these challenging times, and of how WWA has been able to meet the needs of those who have come to our door seeking help. Through our staff, organizers, volunteers, and supporters we have been able to continue to have an impact in the community and to provide for many.
As we await the results of the election, WWA is proud at the success of our Voters Education & Registration, and proud of the large turnout of voters, many of whom were first time voters and new citizens.
So today, we want to take the moment to remind everyone to be proud of the work they have put in this year and to reflect on the accomplishments. This year may not have been one we envisioned, but is one in which we have found our way to continue to do what needs to be done.
Women Watch Afrika remains committed to the work, to the community, and to facing challenges as they arise. In times of anxiety and uncertainty, we must remember that we have each other and we are stronger together.
Stay connected.
Join our movement to continue to work to provide for, empower, educate, and elevate the immigrant and refugee community. Make a Gift to Women Watch Afrika, Inc., and become a part of WWA’s mission to make a difference in the lives of many every day. Every gift counts. Make a gift today!
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Glory Kilanko
Glory Kilanko
Founder and Executive Director
Women Watch Afrika, Inc.
P. O. Box 208
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Tel: (404)759-6419
Email: gloryk_99@yahoo.com
Website: www.womenwatchafrika.org
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