Amakon Women Empowerment
As Mercy Ships Canada continues to navigate the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are mindful that many individuals, families, businesses, and charities are wrestling through very similar realities. We may not all be ‘in the same boat’ so to speak, but we are certainly sailing through the same storm together.
As a response to the pandemic, Mercy Ships Canada felt inspired to share the inspiring humanitarian work of individuals and organizations who are demonstrating #SmallActsBigDifference in this difficult season.
Amakon Women Empowerment (AWE) – a community non-profit in Regina, Saskatchewan helping disadvantaged women succeed – is among those especially affected these past many months, forced to pivot their operations and programs in response to new public health and safety measures. Yet Founder and CEO, Jane Ekong remains committed to finding ways to continue supporting clients whose ability to access the organization’s services has been significantly compromised.
One of the programs AWE offers allows pregnant and parenting teens at a local high school, and at-risk teens at alternative schools and youth shelters the opportunity to stay in school and complete their diploma. The organization supplies these young women with laptops on-site and other resources that facilitate learning, and the ability to complete school assignments. Due to COVID-19, many of the students now learn remotely because of health and safety concerns about using public transportation with their babies. This creates a problem as in-person school attendance enabled them to access to food, computers, diapers and childcare.
In response, AWE is fundraising to provide Christmas care packages that include food, diapers, baby formula, and other items for each of their clients. Those generously donating and giving gifts are demonstrating acts of compassionate service that will make a big difference in the lives of these young women this very different and difficult holiday season.
Please visit www.amakontwf.com for more information.
The Woman Who Forged Her Way Through Walls: Florence Bangura’s Story
Florence’s journey from oldest to newest Mercy Ship came full circle when she met the Global Mercy™ in 2023, the same year that the purpose-built hospital ship began welcoming its patients on board. Today, you can find Florence, now 49 years old, down in the engine room as a hotel engineering assistant.
Transforming Sierra Leone’s Healthcare: A Vision for Safe and Affordable Surgery
As experts from the surgical and healthcare world gather for the 64th Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting of the West African College of Surgeons in Sierra Leone this week, a profound dedication to advancing surgical knowledge and practice in the region is palpable. At the forefront of discussions lies the conference’s pivotal theme: access to safe and affordable surgical and anesthetic care in West Africa. This theme highlights the pressing need to address disparities in healthcare capabilities and capacities across the region, especially the critical importance of equitable access to quality surgical interventions.
The Africa Mercy Arrives in Madagascar to Bring Hope and Healing Anew
Freshly refitted hospital ship, the upgraded Africa Mercy® has arrived at the island nation to build on the charity’s longstanding collaboration and will provide specialized surgeries in various fields, including maxillofacial and ear nose and throat, general, pediatric specialized general, pediatric orthopedic, cataract surgery, and reconstructive plastics.
Reuniting with Vanya, Years After Surgery
In 2015, in an operating room on board the Africa Mercy while docked in Madagascar, the course of Vanya’s life changed.
Years have now passed since Vanya’s journey toward healing. In the time since, her improved ability to walk allowed her to return to school, where she loved studying environmental science and learning about the world around her.
Christmas-Thank You Message from Darryl Anderson
Darryl Anderson shares his thank you message after Christmas to express his gratitude for your support and dedication to our mission.
Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile
At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.
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