Ethiopia- Health Post and Latrine in Teddicha Complete

ENA completed a beautiful new health post for the 2,000 people living in and around the rural  village of Teddicha!

 Mothers will  now be able to receive proper  maternity care, pre and post-natal care, and newborn check ups.  Children will now receive immunizations, annual check ups and treatment of minor illnesses and infections.  Due to the rural location of the health post, ENA also provided a new latrine to meet the needs of the traveling villagers.

To donate to current and future health posts and to learn more about ENA's health initiatives, visit our website here!

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

Today is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. It is a day that is aimed at remembering slavery in its historical forms and an opportunity to bring awareness to its modern manifestations. Modern day slavery is a social injustice that occurs today all over the world and right here in the United States. Today we honor and remember those who are or have been victims of slavery. 

In remembrance of the many human trafficking survivors we have been honored to help, we would love to share D's story with you. (D's real name is being concealed to protect her identity). 

D's Story

D is more than just a victim of human trafficking. She is a survivor and a champion.

When D was only 7 years old when her mother and three other siblings were abandoned by their father forcing them to move in with their Grandmother. Soon after, D’s mother also passed away making matters much more difficult.  In 2014 D’s life would change forever when she was attacked and raped, which led to her becoming pregnant. Her grandmother also became sick and was taken to town to seek better medical treatment. While her grandmother was away, D’s rapist found out she was pregnant and decided to abduct D and traffic her far away from her village and home. He also forced her, a minor,  to be his bride and hid her from the outside world.

D was rescued on July 17^th, 2015.  Engage Now Africa (ENA), working in partnership with Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM), Freedom Now International (FNI), Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), and a Uganda Criminal Intelligence & Investigation Directorate (CIID) officer along with the full support of local Uganda law enforcement, organized a rescue after receiving a tip about a sighting of D’s trafficker. After further investigation, the groups coordinated D's rescue from her trafficker at his residence. Uganda law enforcement successfully arrested the alleged trafficker.   He is currently in custody facing criminal charges of aggravated trafficking in accordance with Uganda’s Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2009 as well as additional charges relating to kidnapping and rape or defilement.

One female social worker from KCM involved in the actual rescue personally knew D and had spent the last year helping to try and find her. After realizing she recognized the social workers face D became calm and then leaped into her arms overwhelmed with emotions, relieved her captivity was now over. 

Since D’s rescue she has been receiving excellent medical and psychological support, care, and services to meet all her needs. She is recovering in a safe house run and managed by KCM.  KCM is a local grassroots Ugandan NGO that specializes in assisting children that have been the victim of trafficking and slavery. Financial support is being provided by ENA and O.U.R.

Additionally, on July 25^th, 2015 D gave birth by C-section to a baby boy and they both are recovering and doing very well. She and the baby have even been able to receive visits from her grandmother and siblings while in recovery and she is so happy to be reunited with her family again.  KCM, FNI, ENA and O.U.R. continue to work to ensure that D's alleged trafficker is prosecuted and that D and her baby continue getting the proper aftercare they deserve.   Psychological counselors and social workers continue to work with D and both D and the baby are in good health. D expects to return to school next year after her baby turns one.

HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS GIRL AND OTHERS LIKE HER IN THEIR RECOVERY

You can help assist D and her baby in their recovery by making a donation today to ENA.  With your support  ENA can continue to provide legal, medical, psychological care and support to those like D. You can also provide assistance through the donation of in kind goods for her and her baby. We are currently seeking donations for certain items that they need. They are as follows:

ITEMS NEEDED FOR THE BABY:

1. Baby clothes i.e. one piece out fits, shirts, pants, sweaters, hats and mittens, socks, booties , shoes and pajamas. 

2. Diapers 

3. Wipes 

4. Changing pads 

5. Baby carrier 

6. Stroller

7. Car seat 

8. Walker 

9. Feeding bottles 

10. Formula 

11. Bottle brushes 

12. Breast pump 

13. Bowls 

14. Baby spoons 

15. Wearable blankets 

16. Baby crib and mattress 

17. Baby soothers 

18. Toys and teething toys

19. Play mat 

20. Baby- friendly laundry detergent  

ITEMS NEEDED FOR D

 1. Clothes size 10 

 2.  Sweater 

 3. Shoes size 6 

 4. Showering gel 

 5. Nursing pads, Nursing bras size (38/85) and under garments 

 6. Baby bag 

 7. Suitcase 

If you have items you would like to donate, please contact chris@engagenowafrica.org.

 Please follow and share ENA's social media stories with your families and friends! Visit our website here to learn more about ENA and our purpose to engage and strengthen individuals, families, and communities to end poverty. Get more involved by educating yourself, raising awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery in your community, and joining with us to end it now!

Ethiopia- Modern Slavery Recovery Story and Follow Up

    Recently, ENA had the opportunity to assist an Ethiopian man, Mr. F (Not his real name) with a severe medical issue related to an injury he experienced while being exploited in forced labor.  Since his wife died from HIV Aids, Mr. F. was solely responsible for caring for his two children.  In an effort to provide for his children, he was exploited into forced labor.  According International Labor Organization, forced labor is a type of modern slavery that exists in Africa and elsewhere around the globe.  

    While working under terrible and unregulated work conditions, Mr. F. injured his leg terribly.  He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. While being treated, doctors discovered he was diabetic and had a severe gangrene infection in his leg which would require a leg amputation. He was fortunately able to get medication he needed to prepare for his leg surgery. He was told by the doctors that the infection was so severe that if he had waited any longer the infection would have most likely killed him. 

   With the financial assistance provided by ENA, on July 16^th, 2015 Mr. F had a very successful leg amputation surgery and he is now recovering and doing very well. His friends are watching over him and they tell us he is very thankful for all of the help and support he has received and for the opportunity he has to continue to take care of his two children. 

   Mr. F is very happy and thankful to be alive and recovering with his children and friends. We are doing an investigation into the company and working with local authorities and other eye witnesses in an effort to shut down the forced labor company.  With the donations ENA receives, ENA is able to provide human trafficking and modern slavery prevention training in vulnerable communities as well as services for victims like Mr. F.

To donate to future modern slavery rescues and aftercare programs, visit our website here.

Namibia- Education Loan Success Story

Semende was an ENA education loan beneficiary. He used his loan to complete his studies at the University of Namibia and become a nurse. He is now working at the Rundu State Hospital in the Kavango-Region. 

As Richard (ENA's Executive Director- Africa Operations) and Dr. Ruffine (ENA's Advisor of Board of Director for Health) were very pleased to run into Semende during a doctor's appointment and get an update on his progress. 

 We are happy to report that because of ENA's support, Semende is now employed as a nurse, maintains sustainable employment and is able to take care of himself and his siblings.

Congratulations Semende!

Ethiopia- Akako Deep Water Well Update

August 2015 is a memorable month for all of the villagers in and surrounding Akako, Ethiopia!! 

 ENA's Akako deep water well is the first clean water source these villagers have ever had. This deep well is now providing water to 10,000 people with three completed watering stations. A reservoir holds water for the three generator houses, which pumps water to the three stations.  A large water trough for their livestock was also completed.  

Clean water will have a major impact on their health, education and overall well-being. Prior to our deep well being built, much of the villagers' day was spent traveling to a water source and transporting dirty water back to their homes. With the new well in place, mothers and fathers will have more time for farming and harvesting and the children will have more time for school.    

Water is one of the key sources of health. Therefore, ENA has future deep water wells projects that have already begun. To donate to one of these projects or learn more about our clean water initiative, visit our website here.

Namibia- Update on ENA's HIV/AIDs clinic in Nyangana

For over a year and a half, ENA has funded an HIV Pediatric Clinic. The clinic focuses on not only fighting the HIV/AIDS virus in children, but giving the children hope, a high quality of life and an education about the virus. 

According to UNICEF, the Eastern African region is the at the center of the ongoing HIV/Aids epidemic with 48% of the world's new HIV infections among adults, 55% among children and 48% of AIDS related deaths.

On a daily basis, ENA employees help or assist the nurses in screening the children, taking measurements and assessing their nutritional state before administering their daily treatments. ENA staff also maintains in depth medical record files, tracks their defaulters, administers ARV medication, conducts extensive HIV/AIDs educational classes and ensures the children take their medication daily so they do not become resistant to their treatment. ENA employees also serve as mentors for the kids and caregivers. 

Children and patients (identities have been concealed for privacy) undergoing educational courses to learn more about HIV and how to maintain a healthy hopeful life.

The ultimate goals of our program are:

1. To ensure that children have access to quality pediatric and adolescent HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
2. To provide awareness to children and caregivers about HIV by providing correct information regarding living a positive and healthy lifestyle
3. To improve pediatric HIV service delivery in Nyangana area of Ndonga-linena constituency of Kavango-east in Namibia.

3. To identify and disseminate challenges, lessons learned and best practices for the collaboration between the clinic and ENA.  

This clinic provides hope and treatment to children who would otherwise have nowhere to go. We are honored to be a part of this program and invite you to help! To donate to this wonderful program and help ENA provide continued funding to these children, visit our website here!

Ghana- Literacy program Implemented in Tsito!!!

Volta Region is one of Ghana's ten administrative regions, with Ho designated as its capital. It is located west of Republic of Togo and to the east of Lake Volta. It comprises of twenty-five administrative districts with several ethnic groups, such as, the Ewe people who speak the Ewe language, the Guan people, and the Akan people. The Guan people include the Lolobi, Likpe, Akpafu, Buem, and Nkonya people etc.; they are however believed to be the foremost Neolithic groups to have settled in the area including the outlying regions. Tsito is a town in the Volta Region of Ghana known for a second cycle institution by name of Tsito Secondary School. Tsito means 'by water' or 'by the river'.

On the 7th day of August 2015, Francis Wama and wife Claudia and myself, Cecilia Amankwah embarked on a trip to Tsito in the Volta Region, to initiate ENA Adult Literacy Program. On arrival, we were met by 26 participants and 3 instructors waiting patiently for the long awaited program that would change their lives for the better. The smiles on their faces and general body language made us feel exceptionally welcome.

After exchanging pleasantries, I proceeded with the presentation of the ENA literacy program. Students and instructors alike were mesmerized by our mode of delivery and presentation. It was interactive, intuitive, educative and fun. After the presentation, I met with the teachers to instruct them on how to effectively and strategically teach ENA adult literacy to students. In cognizance of the fact that literacy participants are mostly adults, I stressed the importance of maintaining (instructor-student) mutual respect to reflect ENA high standards. Assessments were performed and students were allocated to their respective classes. The duration of the training was approximately 4 hours. We had a brief photo session after which participants were dispatched to their various homes. During my follow up call two days later, I was informed classes are ongoing and attendance is great. I was told participants are eager to learn and equally anticipate when the next class will take place.

Engage Now Africa is bent on changing lives and bringing people and communities together. We continue to uphold our slogan "NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN".  Once again, we thank our founders and donors alike for bring such an awesome program to Ghana.

Written by: Cecilia Amankwah.

Ghana- Asamankese District Literacy Graduation Ceremony

Overview of ENA's Asamankese District Literacy Graduation Ceremony.

(Written by Cecilia Amankwah)

As our mission statement clearly states, “We engage and strengthen individuals, families, and communities to end poverty by instilling hope and teaching principles of sustainability in: Education, Micro Credit, Clean Water, Medical services, Orphan Support, Eradication of Modern Slavery.”

The mission of Engage Now Africa Adult Literacy Program is to provide free educational instruction to the disadvantaged and marginal community members to improve literacy and skills of numeracy. We acknowledge the fact that illiteracy locks communities into vicious cycles of poverty which breeds grounds for all sorts of social vices.

Literacy on the other hand is the key to breaking out of poverty, putting a stop to prostitution, child labor, and reducing crime. It gives people the confidence to better their lives through education and provides the means to secure better jobs. It also gives people a voice and a place in today's society.  Due to this, Engage Now Africa is helping to eradicate illiteracy in Ghana and beyond. The ENA literacy program is currently running in 7 regions and in 75 communities and are hoping to reach out all the 10 regions in Ghana.

Asamankese is a town in south Ghana and is the capital of West Akim Municipal District, a district in the Eastern Region of south Ghana. Asamankese has a settlement population of approximately 39,435 people, and is located on the main highway to Kumasi and Accra in the interior.

President Norman Hill of the Ghana Accra West area mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints saw the need for ENA to usher in the Adult Literacy Program for these noble men and women within the Asamankese District to combat illiteracy. Under his leadership, ENA Adult Literacy Program was piloted about 9 months ago. We are happy to announce Asamankese District members have successfully completed the ENA Literacy Program.

The 1st Day of August, 2015, marked a significant and memorable day in the history of these noble men and women who never thought they could read, write nor speak basic English.

We began the ENA literacy program with 100 participants and 10 instructors in Asamankese, Kade, Oda and Adoagyiri. At the end of the literacy program we had 52 participants who graduated with certificates. The graduation ceremony was held at the Asamankese District center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The place was well decorated with ribbons and beautiful flowers to add another touch to the magnificent building. Students were nicely dressed with ENA Literacy T-Shirts to grace the occasion. 

There were smiles and laughter all around. Students were very happy to see each other and also tried to speak basic English. Such achievements serve as a testament to the efficacy of the ENA Adult Literacy Program. The smiles on people's faces are priceless. 

The graduation ceremony started at 11:00 a.m. and was chaired by the Mission President and Richard Adu (ENA's Literacy Supervisor) conducted under his directions.

After the opening song was sung a literacy student by name of Sister Edith Gatu was called to give the opening prayer in English, and the welcoming address was said by Richard Adu. A special song which was performed by the Asamankese and Oda branches, followed by SisterRita Amugi-Okine (a literacy student) as the 1st speaker. Rita spoke on how the ENA literacy program has changed her life for the better and was very grateful for such a wonderful program. 

Students took turns to read and also quoted passages they had memorized, followed

by recitation of poems. In fact, I cannot fully articulate in words miracles in the lives of these students. It was hard to fathom the fact that these students could barely read a few months ago. I was personally blessed to be among these beautiful souls and to witness how their lives have changed for the better due to ENA Literacy. 

I presented on the “blessings of education” and congratulated them on their efforts. I also encouraged them not to relent in their efforts to continue learning. I assured them such meaningful undertakings would enable them live and contribute positively in their various communities, and also compete in today’s global world. 

I also encouraged them to teach their children the importance of education by taking their studies very seriously so they could grow to become great leaders in the future.  “Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail” Elder Henry B. Eyring. 

Not only will continuing education increase our opportunities in the work we do, but it will also increase our ability to serve in the Lord’s Kingdom. The Lord knows our gifts and hidden talents and how they may benefit us as well as those He would have us serve.  As we faithfully continue studying and searching, doors of opportunity will open and we will be able to serve to a greater capacity.

 After my speech five students spoke and they all shared with us how they started the literacy program knowing nothing but could now read and interact positively in society.

Certificates were presented to all students who completed the ENA literacy course. The people who participated in presenting the certificates were, Francis Ansah (ENA Director of Education), Jordan Wellington (Asamankese District President), Norman Hill (Ghana Accra West Mission President) and myself, Cecilia Amankwah (ENA Ghana Country Director).    

  

President Hill gave the concluding remarks by congratulating them in their efforts and encouraged them to take up church callings and responsibilities. He also encouraged others to join the literacy program. Joyce Ofosu (a literacy student) gave the benediction in English and we had a delicious meal afterwards.

Those in attendance were; the Mission President, District President, Branch Presidents, Literacy Students, Literacy Teachers and some church members who came to witness the ceremony. The ENA Graduation Ceremony was another great achievement for ENA. We cannot thank the co-founders and donors alike enough for this wonderful program.

Ethiopia- Breaking news!!!

Near Lalibela in Northern Ethiopia, ENA was contacted and asked to help a man who was trafficked for forced labor and then injured. His injury then became infected with gang green which will kill the man unless doctors amputate his leg. ENA helped relocate this man to a special hospital with proper facilities and are providing finances for the necessary medical care and operation this man will need to save his life. ENA also discovered his wife passed away from HIV and he has two small children. We are continuing to investigate his case with local authorities because Chinese traffickers are also involved in his forced labor. More details about this story will be available as soon as we have more information.

Also this week in Ethiopia Engage Now Africa’s anti-human trafficking prevention program is embraced and approved by the government of Ethiopia and will be implemented over next five years in various schools, girls clubs, drama plays, community gatherings and billboards. The prevention project is starting in Debrezeit, a small city located about an hour and a half from Addis Ababa. The surrounding communities and rural villages will also benefit from this program and should help greatly reduce cases of human trafficking or modern slavery.

More information about this project will be available soon.

Uganda- Breaking news.

In Uganda this week ENA working in cooperation with Freedom Now International (FNI), Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) and Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM) rescued a 15 year old girl. At age 14 this young girl was kidnapped, trafficked and raped, which resulted in her becoming pregnant and then she was also forced to marry her attacker and kept hidden from the outside world. The good news is the trafficker has been arrested and is now in jail facing several serious charges and the girl is free and recovering in a special rehabilitation shelter where she is receiving physical, psychological and good medical care for her and her baby. Eventually she will be reunited with her family for good.

A female social worker from KCM who was with police at the time of the rescue said “Police arrested the attacker and the girl was very frightened and did not know what was going on. Thankfully, I personally knew this victim because she was from my village and we have been trying to find her. Because of this I was instantly able to provide her with immediate comfort, care and support. As soon I saw the girl and she saw me I told her she was safe and that we were here for her, to rescue her and have been looking for her. The girl embraced me and then we were able to quickly leave the house and remove her to a safe and secure location far away from her trafficker.”

We will share more details of this rescue and girl as it develops.

Also in Uganda, just a couple days after rescuing the 15 year old girl ENA and KCM were able to rescue a one and a half year old baby boy who suffered extreme neglect and abuse. Thanks to a caring neighbor contacting us we were able to respond and help this child whom we will call Hope. The doctor told us it was one of the worst cases of child abuse and neglect he had seen. The good news is baby Hope is alive and responding well to the excellent medical care we are able to provide for him. Also the police were able to arrest this child’s father and are currently trying to locate the mother. ENA is committed to taking care of this child and ensuring he will be cared for. More details with be forthcoming as the police continue their investigation into what happened. 

Ethiopia- Expedition Recap!!

The 2015 expedition to the village of Kaliti Ethiopia was a huge success!!

We were blessed to have 16 people participate in our expedition this year, not including the 450 wonderful children that joined us each day in the village.  

Throughout our 10 day trip, we all worked on finishing the Kaliti school by painting and preparing classrooms, building, sanding and painting 80 desks, teaching two daily class sessions of math, English, geography, sanitation, hygiene and art and spending time with the villagers! 

 Engage Now Africa is becoming very well known in the region because we continue to receive federal and local government recognition for our schools and educational programs. In fact, 20% of all of the schools in this region of Ethiopia have been built by ENA. Due to the recognition, we not only had the 240 children who will be attending the school in Kaliti come for classes, but, children from all of the surrounding villages came too! We had 450 children line up early every morning to attend our classes. 

 Below are pictures of participants and workers completing the school, painting, sanding, building, preparing classrooms and teaching!

Below are students lining up and ready to learn!

One of our classrooms filled to the brim with eager students!

Due to the large number of children we had to conduct many of our classes outside. 

At the end of the 10 days we taught in the village, each of the children made posters and we provided awards and a back to school night experience for them. 

 One of the highlights was having a local nurse come to the village to teach the mothers and their children about hygiene and sanitation.  The nurse worked with mothers and their teenage daughters for two days and taught them about feminine hygiene. 

We were able to leave 250 mothers and teenage girls recyclable menstruation kits, which were brought over and made by girls in California and Utah.  These kits will allow the girls to remain in school and not have to miss class, which often times will lead to the girls dropping out of school. 

 Another highlight is seeing how excited the children were when we were able to give them a new t-shirt and backpack filled with school supplies to be used throughout the upcoming school year.  

This year we had fantastic cultural exchanges between participants and children in the village! We played soccer, danced, beaded, played catch, painted nails, sang, blew bubbles, played jump rope and any other game we could think of!

 A huge "GALATOMA" to all of those who helped make this expedition a huge success!!!

(Galatoma means "Thank you" in Oromo, the native language to the villagers.) 

If you would like to learn more about our expeditions or donate to the schools and projects we build during an expedition, visit us here!!