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MOHWA DMV-USA Launches Project to Uplift the Manyu Girl Child

May 27, 2023

By Joseph Besong

MARYLAND-USA, May 27, 2023 – With an aim to move the agenda of the Manyu girl child by supporting them to have a decent education and take proper care of their feminine hygiene, MOHWA, Manyu Women Association (DMV Inc - District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia), has launched the project "Uplifting the Manyu Girl Child,” as a way of giving back.

The event brought together donors, patrons, and friends to make an impact in the lives of the Manyu girl child in Cameroon, with participants raising the sum of $40.000 in one event.

“In addition to the enormous financial and technical support from our formidable college of patrons, the chairperson of the occasion, and other generous donors, we are ready to start this important project for the next academic year,” says MOHWA DMV-USA President Professor Elizabeth AyukAko in an interview with PAV.

MOHWA (DMV Inc), is a global association for women who hail from Manyu Division in Cameroon and for those married to Manyu sons. In an interview with MOHWA DMV-USA president Professor Elizabeth AyukAko, she began by outlining the genesis of the Uplifting the Manyu Girl Child project.

What is the project Uplifting the Manyu girl child launched by MOHWA DMV Inc all about?

Professor Elizabeth AyukAko: The theme of the 2023 fundraising event organized by MOHWA DMV Inc is “A Night of Sisterhood: Uplifting the Manyu Girl Child.” The project is to move the agenda of the Manyu girl child by supporting them to have a decent education and to be able to take proper care of their feminine hygiene.

After the launching of the project, has the association acquired the required fund?

Professor Elizabeth AyukAko: The over $40.000 raised during the event is about 80% of the projected budget. This is an ongoing drive. Donations in cash or kind will be welcomed. Before the event, MOHWA DMV Inc. had already raised about $16.000 through members’ contributions towards the project.

So, yes, in addition to the enormous financial and technical support from our formidable college of patrons, the chairperson of the occasion, and other generous donors, we are ready to start this important project for the next academic year.

How will the project take place in the field, given that the association is based in the USA?

Professor Elizabeth AyukAko: MOHWA DMV INC is one of the ten branches that make up MOHWA USA Inc. This association, though structurally and administratively situated in the United States of America, has its roots in Manyu Division, with a vision and objectives to help in the development of its community, especially, in the continuous effort to empower the Manyu girl child.

For the realization of the payment of PTA dues, and to provide sanitary pads to one thousand (1000) underprivileged female students, we are working with stakeholders in the field. The Divisional Delegate for Secondary Education, Sarah Effimbi Ayuk is our resource person.

In collaboration with the principals of the over ten schools operating in Manyu Division, a management team is working with the project committee of MOHWA DMV INC, headed by Lucy Oben Kouagueng to ensure the effective implementation of the project for the 2023/2024 academic year.

Besides uplifting the Manyu Girl Child, what else does the association do for its community?

Professor Elizabeth AyukAko: MOHWA DMV is a branch under MOHWA USA INC with Bridget Voma as national president. Projects carried out by the National Association are supported by all ten branches. Last year, MOHWA USA Inc supplied hospital equipment to help restore the burnt Mamfe general hospital and to provide urgent healthcare needs to the Manyu community.

As we speak, MOHWA USA Inc has an ongoing project in Manyu called MANYEP. The women are providing over 7 solar-powered boreholes in Manyu to address the problem of portable drinking water. These projects are supported by MOHWA DMV Inc.

Apart from carrying out projects back home, MOHWA DMV Inc is focused on transmitting the Manyu culture to younger generations. In collaboration with the pioneer grand SAWA Summit to be held in African Month 2023, the Monikim dance will feature the goal of preserving cultural patrimony, teaching, and transmitting the Manyu culture. We give financial and moral support to our members when they are sick, bereaved, or have happy achievements. We propagate the Manyu culture through dance, songs, and culinary activities.

To make the association visible in the DMV metropolitan area, and to connect and partner with similar interest organizations, MOHWA DMV has put an Outreach Project Committee in place. On the 21st of May, the woman volunteered services to over 300 families in partnership with Fountain Community Enrichment in Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, Maryland.

Any last word for MOHWA members and would-be members?

Professor Elizabeth Ayuk Ako: Our slogan, “The Strength of a People, the Power of Community” says it all about the vision, passion, and determination that every MOHWA queen should have for the sustainable development of Manyu and for being models for the Manyu girl child. For those yet to join the train, the bond of sisterhood, the joy of being part of a timeless history for the Manyu girl child should hasten your steps.

Other speakers' impressions of the project

Juulcurley Agbor Enoh: People do not care about how much you have but will remember how much you care. MOHWA DMV has demonstrated the pillar of care to the Manyu girl with the provision of sanitary pads and tuition. When you uplift a girl, you uplift a Nation.

It may not mean a lot to many, but it may mean the world to that girl who will receive Sanitary pads for the first time in her life.

Martha Atabongakeng: The MOHWA DMV Project to provide Sanitary pads to school girls in our beloved Manyu Division is a project that touched me so deeply because I have suffered first-hand from this situation. Growing up as a young girl from a poor family in the Manyu Division, I understand the consequences of not being able to afford sanitary pads and how this affected my hygiene, my ability to attend classes, and above all my self-esteem.

We the queens of MOHWA DMV have our Manyu girl child so close to our hearts. We will not want them to go through this ordeal of not being able to be confident with their bodies when they have their menstrual flow and decrease their risk of infections. We know it is something we cannot do often, but MOHWA DMV together with our patrons and donors, will do our best, to inspire and empower our feature MOHWANS.

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