SCHOOLS OF AFRICA PROJECT
WFWP-USA Schools of Africa Project: "The Role of Women in Building a Better World"
WFWP was founded in 1992 by Dr. Hak-Ja Moon, based on the motto, "Humankind is a Family Living in One Home on Earth." Emphasizing women's special quality of motherly love and nurturing heart, she organized the women's movement to rebuild healthy families and create a "Culture of Peace." WFWP believes that education of children and empowerment of women are the keys to solving poverty and building a better future. Providing ethical education for youth is especially crucial in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
Through twelve years of volunteer work, seven schools have been firmly established in Africa in six countries: Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. In 2000, WFWP, USA made a commitment to support the seven schools in Africa in response to the UN Millennium Declaration.
Since 2001, WFWP, USA regional chapters and state chapters have been providing financial support through annual benefits and fundraising activities. In 2004, we began to raise funds for a Mozambique Scholarship Fund, which assists students with expenses related to their higher education. In 2006, WFWP, USA established the Schools of Africa Project in an effort of expand and better coordinate our support of the schools; sponsored out first study tour which visited the school in Mozambique; and designed and implemented an eight-month program which taught 207 women how to organize a benefit. A total of eighteen benefits and fundraising activities were held in the US. WFWP is unique in that we provide the opportunity to serve others in a familial context, because we are of one family.
Join us! As women, we plan to give of ourselves for the sake of others, learn and grow in the process, and enjoy each step of the way.
Kenya
This school offers 4-year courses at junior and senior high school levels. In addition to the general academic subjects, students study music, physical education, agricultural technology, and AIDS education. Each student carries a "Progress Book" to record his/her learning status and to analyze academic competency at the three party meeting of teacher, parents and student. In 2005, 71 students successfully completed school and three of them passed college exams.
Founded in August 1997, in Lugari District Number of students in 2007-2008: total-307 (boys-136, girls-171) Total number of graduates: 1,241 since 1999
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
The school offers the national standard curriculum from kindergarten through the 6th grade. In 1999, WFWP established a vocational training school; however, as requested by the Ministry of Education, the school started to educate children in 2001. This school was named in memory of a WFWP-Japan's Project Director, Ms. Motoko Shiroma, who died there in the line of duty. Students wear a school uniform donated by WFWP-Japan.
Founded in October 2001, in Malabo, the Capital Number of students in 2008: total 315
GUINEA BISSAU
The school teaches English and French from the 5th grade, in addition to the general education. Students attend moral education classes every Saturday. It is necessary to protect children from AIDS.
Founded in October 2003, in Bissau, the Capital Number of students in 2007-2008: total - 227 (boys-100, girls-127)
MOZAMBIQUE
Sun of Mozambique Secondary School is a private school operated and maintained by WFWP, which offers the general education curriculum designated by the government. Moral and AIDS prevention education are also emphasized. In its 12 years of achievement, the school has earned the reputation of offering a very high quality education with a very low tuition ($2 a month)." Highly qualified teachers and a good library with over 4,000 books motivate students to develop academic competency. Sixty-four students passed university entrance exams since 2004.
WFWP established the Mozambique Scholarship Fund to support those college students. In 2007, 20 scholarship students are studying at Eduardo Mondlane University. The class of 2008 ended in November. The rate of advancing to higher school year of 8th grade students is 100%, 9th grade students is 97% and 11th grade students is 100%.
Mozambique Sun of Mozambique Secondary School Established in March 1995, in Beira, the 2nd largest city Number of students in 2007-2008: total - 630 (junior high school: 342, high school: 288)
RWANDA
New Hope Technical Institute offers one-year vocational training courses in dressmaking, hair- dresser/beautician, cooking and embroidery. For each course English, French, and moral education classes are mandatory. Students receive off-school training before graduation. Educational seminars for healthy minds are held twice a month to heal trauma caused by the 16-year civil war. A foster parent program helps students pay school tuition and other expenses.
Founded in February 1996, in Kigali, the Capital Number of students in 2007-2008: total 138 (30-Dressmaking Course, 15-Embroidery Course, 47-Hairdresser/Beautician Course, 46-Cooking Course) Total number of graduates: 731
