Duong’a Women’s Group

o       Water Project

o       Income Generation Project

o       Greeting Card Projects

Duong’a Women’s Group Water Project

Following our 2003 Cultural Reconnection Mission, the Duong’a Women’s Group in the village of Kanyamfwa contacted AAKEWO, requesting that we work with them (harambe—pulling together) to raise money to build 16 water tanks at homes in their community and one for the school.  The accessible clean water project would result in improved health for children and families and generate income for health and education projects through poultry and agricultural endeavors.  AAKEWO responded immediately and raised $1500 in Seattle for the project.

The March 2004 Cultural Reconnection Mission delegates met with the Duong’a Women’s Group to discuss the status of the water project.  $1500 was still needed to finance the project.  Delegates Maxine Mimms, Nefertari I, and Rhonda Brown and their families donated the remaining money needed to complete project.

By September 2004, construction on the tanks was underway. When the Cultural Reconnection Mission delegates arrived in the village in March 2005, they saw the 16 completed water tanks.   Empowered by their (our) success, the Duong’a women submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Water Development and received funding for an additional 40 concrete water tanks in the village.

Duong’a Women’s Group Income Generation Project

Following the 2004 Mission, Delegate Paige Parker learned of the Duong’a Women’s Group’s plans to purchase chairs and tents to rent for weddings, funerals, and community events to generate income for their ongoing projects.  When she returned home to Oakland, she engaged members of her community in a harambe and raised the necessary capital to fund the tents and chairs.