Read about the 2010 Development Grant Recipients

2009 FAWCO Foundation Development Grant Recipients

The FAWCO Foundation announced the recipients of the 2009 Development Grants at the FAWCO Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania. 17 projects were nominated in seven categories.  We thank the FAWCO Clubs for helping to make the world a better place by casting their vote for these worthy projects!

CRITICAL HEALTH CONCERNS sponsored in part by AWC of Basel $3500

Kibarani Dump Site Children in Knebel, Kenya

The people of Kibarani sustain their lives primarily off the Kibarani Dumpsite and are extremely destitute - many are illiterate and unemployed.  Sustaining lives off of a dumpsite leaves the inhabitants sick internally and externally.  The children take the hardest toll: malaria and diarrhea, skin diseases and septic/chronic wounds are very common.  A medical clinic is needed to treat and prevent acute and long-term illnesses and to provide information and education about vaccinations and prevention of diseases to the community.  The grant was  used to support the funds needed to rent and to equip a health clinic.

EFFECTS OF VIOLENCE sponsored in part by AWC of The Hague $3500

Pension Villa Maria in  Bern, Switzerland

Villa Maria opened its doors in 1925 as a Pension, its purpose to be a home away from home for young girls who had leave families in the countryside to work in the city.  In response to current social issues, Villa Maria has evolved into a safe house for women and children in difficult situations.  Women in fear for their lives appear on the doorstep seeking protection.  Cases include women and children beaten by abusive husbands/fathers, a girl running from father who tried to kill her for refusing an arranged marriage and women escaping slavery.  Villa Maria offers sanctuary with complete discretion and protection.  Women and children are given room, board, medical, psychological and legal support for as long as necessary.  The grant enabled them to help more at risk women and children.

AWG PARIS THE RIGHT TO FOOD AND WATER $3500

Mama Anakuja – Home for Needy Children in  Malindi, Kenya

The Mama Anakuja Home is situated near the Girana village of Muyuye, Malindi.  The inhabitants of the area live in extreme poverty where Aids infection is rampant.  Many live in mud huts, have no access to formal sanitation and most are unemployed.  The Mama Anakuja community is making every effort to try and create a future for the children and those with families.  One of the most encouraging results of the Mama Anakuja organization is that the children are now receiving medical treatment and those of school age have access to transportation to nearby schools.  The grant provided food, water, shelter and the building of a classroom and sanitary facilities.

HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION co-sponsored by IWC Torino and AWA Vienna $3500

A PLACE TO LEARN sponsored in part by Barcelona Women’s Network $3500

Amani School Classroom and Fence in Kenya

Child Fund New Zealand works closely with its partner CCF Kenya.  The role of Child Fund NZ is to raise funds for projects.  CCF Kenya’s role is to provide technical support and oversight to local staff and communities who take a lead role in implementing projects in their communities.  The school which provides education for 550 students from various local tribes is perceived as a place of refuge, which has had a positive effect on enrollment, but has placed a strain on their facilities. The permanent classroom will alleviate the strained facilities and the fence will provide a safe learning environment for teachers and students since the school is situated in an insecure area. The grant was used to build a permanent classroom and security fence around the schools grounds at Amani School.

AMERICAN WOMEN of the EASTERN PROVINCE SKILLS FOR LIFE co-sponsored in part by AILO Florence $3500

Training for Work in  Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks UK

Overall the mission of the National Society for Epilepsy is to enhance the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy.  The Training for Work project allows their residents the opportunity to learn office and computer skills, so that they are more able to gain paid or voluntary employment. In doing this they hope to raise awareness of the condition and dispel some of the ignorance and fear that stills widely exists. The grant was used to purchase equipment with the relevant flexibility to address communication and mobility needs of the participants.  This will include 3 PCs and large screens, software, graphics pad, big key keyboards and communication support packs.

AROUND THE CORNER, A WORLD AWAY co-sponsored in part by AWC Luxembourg and The American Women’s Organization of Greece $3500

Five Loaves in Wicklow, Ireland

Five Loaves is a drop-in centre aimed at addressing the basic needs of the “at risk” and homeless in the community. It was started and is run by two women whose objective is to overcome the exclusion, isolation and loss of dignity that accompanies poverty by helping them become functioning members of their community.  The main purpose is to provide comfort, food and clothing, five days a week. Showers, laundry facilities as well as counseling services, literacy classes and art, pottery and basic computer classes are also available.  The money for this Grant was used to continue these services, buy food and maintain the Centre.