After losing their husbands to religious battles throughout West Africa, many African widows are left facing economic hardships that impact their livelihood. At African Widow and Orphan Support, we are helping these individuals gain financial freedom through our economic empowerment program.
Experiencing a traumatic event is hard enough, but in Nigeria, many African widows are forced to endure further suffering as they are made the new primary care-giver in their household. Struggling with grief, it can be difficult to know where to turn.
At African Widow and Orphan Support, we offer recently widowed women the opportunity to obtain the skills they need to provide for themselves and their families long-term. From vocational training and microfinance opportunities to entrepreneurship and subsidy grants to help them start or expand their business, it is our goal to help our beneficiaries gain financial independence and resilience in their current economy.
During our economic empowerment program, our beneficiaries are taught a number of crucial business tips, including: the importance of financial boundaries between personal and business funds, paying yourself a salary and how proper record keeping can help their businesses thrive.
Widows who have experienced our training program have said they’ve found both religious comfort and personal empowerment as they make additional income for their families.
Our non-profit organization thrives on donations, which are directed toward the widows and orphans we help. If you are able, please make a donation to our cause. Donations can be made by check to AWOS and mailed to: AWOS, c/o Dr. Marvin W Heyboer, 5839 Lyn Haven Dr SE, Kentwood, MI 49512. Any bit helps.
For more information about how you can help African widows through African Widow and Orphan Support, please contact us here.
