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.