USA: Manyu women raise nearly 30 MFCFA to support education of 1,000 girls home.

The colossal sum raised Saturday May 13, organisers say, will enable the association pay the tuition fee of some 1,000 female students in colleges across Manyu Division of the South West Region.

Part of the funds will also help the group provide sanitary equipment to 1,000 girls for one year, members of the group have said.

The initiative, flagged off Saturday, is part of a project which borders on “uplifting the Manyu girl child”.

The project aims at changing the stories of girls of Manyu origin by supporting them have decent education as well as take proper care of their feminine hygiene. 

Meanwhile, the fundraiser in the United States, was attended by some 500 people who joined MOHWA-DMV to launch the project. 

The event unfolded under the theme: “A night of sisterhood: Uplifting the Manyu girl child”. 

Speaking at the crowd-pulling get-together, the President of MOHWA-DWV, Prof Elisabeth Ayuk Ako, said the annual cultural gathering was one with a difference. 

“MOHWA ladies are not just out to raise awareness about the Manyu culture, but also to move the agenda of the Manyu girl child-that of having a decent education and taking proper care of their feminine hygiene,” she explained.

Prof Elisabeth Ayuk Ako then maintained that her members have taken up the task for their girls who are trapped by space, biology and environment. A task which she quickly admitted is not without obstacles. 

However, she urged “everybody to contribute to the project as if they were doing it for their own children”.

“…our project is to move the agenda of the Manyu girl child by supporting them to have a decent education and to take proper care of their hygiene. The over 40,000 dollars raised during this event is more than 80% of the projected budget for this project. Before the event, we had already raised more than 16,000 dollars through the contributions of our members. So, I think we are ready to move on with this project for the academic year 2023/2024,” she stated at the close of the event.

Speakers take turns

Taking turns during the event, several speakers applauded the initiative of MOHWA-DMV, before stating their unreserved support to the group.

Conspicuously present at the event was the representative of Prince George’s County Executive, Dr Sylvia Dasi, who is Head of the African Affairs Division. 

She said her office was willing to assist the Manyu women in their efforts to help Manyu girls. 

Dr Dasi said this is one of a kind project and that when it comes to helping young girls, her office will not leave any stone unturned. 

She ended with a promise to invite the association to their office for more meaningful discussions and actions. 

Taking the cue, the Chairperson of the event, Dr Obi Tabot, lauded the initiative of the women before urging attendees to sacrifice for the endeavor.

He argued that if a girl child is trained, one will be transforming the whole society. 

Through the project, MOHWA- DMV women have vowed to leave no Manyu girl child behind.

Road covered, more to come

MOHWA-DMV, which is a branch under MOHWA-USA, before now, has been engaged in several projects.

Last year, MOHWA-USA supplied hospital equipment in an effort to help restore the burnt Mamfe General Hospital as well as provided urgent healthcare needs to the Manyu community. 

Currently, MOHWA-USA is carrying out a project in Manyu dubbed MANYEP. 

The women are providing over seven solar powered boreholes in Manyu to address the problem of portable drinking water. The said projects are supported by MOHWA-DMV. 

Apart from carrying out projects back home, MOHWA-DMV has also been offering financial and moral support to its members when they are sick, bereaved, or have happy achievements. The group propagates the Manyu culture through dance, songs and culinary activities.