2023 Umu Igbo Unite Digital Magazine

photographed by Jackie Phillips, c. 1970s.

Itisalwaysablastexploringour culturetosharestoriesofNdiIgbo throughoutthediaspora.Itisour commitmenttocelebrateeach otherandeducateourpeerson whowereallyare!

TheUIUmagazinedelvesintoour pasts,showcasesourcurrent,and hopefullyinspiresourfutures.

Wealsowanttogiveaspecial thankyoutotheUIUNational Marketingteamforkeepingour communityengagedyear-round andbeingavoiceforUmuIgbo UniteandallIgbopeople.

From the Editors

2023 UMU IGBO UNITE

MAGAZINE Inthisissue

Weareleaningintothisyear's themeIkeDiNaMba:Strengthin Communitytohighlightthe beautyofourcultureandour unification.

Desirée N. Anyasodo

Desirée N. Anyasodo & & Martina E. Umeh Martina E. Umeh

Editors-in-Chief

Thisyear'scollectionofcontent showcaseswhatdistinguishes Igbopeople--ourabilitityto surviveandthrive.

Happyreading!

Ndewonu!Welcometothe19thAnnual UmuIgboUniteConvention!

WethankGodforHiscontinued guidanceinourmissiontoUniteand ConnectIgboprofessionalsinthe Diaspora,keeptheIgbocultureand languagealive,andinstillasenseof pridetobeIgbo.UmuIgboUnite(UIU), wasfoundedin2005inAtlanta,Georgia bytheD.I.AnaduandJ.C.Okpukpara families.

ThemotivationbehindUIU’sbirthwasto addressthelackofastructurednetwork thatcateredtothespecificcultural, professional,andsocialneedsoffirstgenerationIgboAmericansandthe greaterdiaspora.Sinceitsinception,UIU hasgrowntoover1,500members nationwidewithmorethan14active chapters:Atlanta,Dallas,Houston,DMV, Boston,Tristate(NY,NJ,CT),Chicago, Detroit,LosAngeles,BayArea,Austin, Miami,SeattleandNashville.A community-as-a-serviceorganization, UmuIgboUniteCorporationcontinues tobuilda

Today,UIUisproudtoserveasthe premierenetworkofIgboAmericans andanorganizationthatpositively impactsthediaspora,Nigeria,andthe continentofAfrica,andweaccomplish thisthroughourfourpillars:

CulturalPreservation

ConnectingtheDiaspora

Entrepreneurshipand

CivicEngagement

theCOVID-19pandemicaswellasother globalfactorsimpactingoureconomy The NationalBoardMembersandExecutiveteam haveheldtruetothestrategieswehaveput inplace.Thisyearandthenext5 arefocusingon:

Financialsustainabilityatbot Nationalslevelandforlocalc ProfessionalPipelineDevelop (InternalandExternal)throug andHealthcare ExpansionoftheUIUTourismp thechoiceoptiontomeetme needsforEducationaltravelt Nigeria.

ConnecttheDiasporatoIgbo Heritagebydevelopingkeyp relationshipsandbuildingbri

Lastyear’sconvention,our18th,w ArlingtonVAandwastrulyaninc experience!Ourplanningteam,a majorpartnerslikeAncestryDNA, BoldenCosmetics(justtoname workedtirelesslytocreateawee withexcitingevents.

Thesessionswerecompellingan widerangeoftopics,including"P FuturesbyHealingourPast''ame workshop,apaneldiscussionon building,ourannual

IUTalk,“TheFutureisIgbo,"and BreakingtheDigitalCeiling:AFireside hatwithTechLeaders,"justtoname few.Wewereprivilegedtohavean mpressivelineupofspeakersand anelists,includingValentineOzigbo, ainAsher,andDr WendyOsefo And ottoforget,IgbohighlifestarPhyno ockingthecrowdwithanexhilarating erformance!Thesessionswerenot nlyeducationalandupliftingbut emindedusthattogetherwecan hrive

hethemeforthisyear,"IkediniMba; StrengthinCommunity,"holdsgreat significance.Ourgoalistocontinue servingasaconduit,nurturinggreater awarenessoftheIgbocultureand enablingconnectionswithintheglobal

UIUCares - the community service arm of UIU. We strive to provide support to Igbos back home and Igbos in the Diaspora by focusing on Education | Accessibility|Relief|WealthCreation|Service

UIUConvention - the annual convening of over a thousand Igbo Nigerians in one city!NetworkingwithaCulturalTwist!

UIUTourism-anannualtriptotourIgbolandwhereweexploreandexperiencethe richIgbohistoryandculturefirsthand.

UIUConnects - a platform created to connect Igbo professionals in the Diaspora withdomesticcompaniesandinternationalopportunitiesinNigeria

UIUIgboLanguage-aprogramcreatedtoteachtheIgbolanguagethroughvirtual courses, videos, and our YouTube video series in partnership with Ije the World Traveler.

We aim to keep forward momentum and keep aspiring to impact the Diaspora and homefrontpositively.Weareachievingthisthroughourfivestructuredprograms: Wewillcontinuetokeepyouabreastoftheprogressoftheseprograms.

As always, we would not be here without our parents migrating here to provide a better life for us. We are forever indebted to them, Dr. & Dr. Mrs. D.I. Anadu and Reverend&Dr.Mrs.J.C.Okpukpara.

We must acknowledge the team constantly working to keep Umu Igbo Unite going, fromourfellowBoardMembers,ChapterExecutiveMembers,NationalPlanningTeam Members, National Operations team to our members worldwide. UIU is now a global organization due to your commitment to the cause. We are so grateful for your passion, time, and dedication to this organization. The entire Igbo community in the Diasporaappreciatesyou.

A big thank you to all of our sponsors, attendees, and supporters. You are appreciated!

We hope you have the time of your life this weekend and continue to make connectionsthatwilllastalifetime!Pleasestaysafeandhealthy!Chukwugozieunu!

Sincerely,

TheUmuIgboUniteCorporationFounders

StreamTheHeatAllY

IGBO SPIRITUALITY & MALE PATRIARCHY

By Ifeyinwa Unachukwu

Igbo spirituality is a complex and diverse system that is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Igbo people. It is a belief system that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, the interdependence of humans and the environment, and the balance between male and female energies. The imposition of the male patriarchy of the Western world on Igbo society is incompatible with the principles of Igbo spirituality, as it disregards the significance of female deities and ignores the value of balance and equality between genders.

Igbo people have a rich spiritual heritage that includes a pantheon of deities. In Igbo spirituality, female deities are held in high regard and are considered equal in importance to their male counterparts.

For example, the earth goddess Ala is an essential deity in Igbo spirituality, representing fertility, growth, and the cycle of life. Idemili, the goddess of fertility and marriage, is another important deity in Igbo religion. These female deities are believed to have a profound impact on the world around us and are often called upon for their blessings. Therefore, any attempt to diminish the role of female deities or place male deities above them would be inconsistent with the principles of Igbo spirituality.

In Igbo cosmology, the world is considered a harmonious balance of male and female energies, with each gender having unique strengths and abilities that contribute to the community's well being.

This belief system recognizes the value of both men and women and emphasizes the need for them to work together in harmony.

The Western world’s history of cultural imperialism, where the dominant culture imposes its values and beliefs on other cultures, has often led to the erosion of traditions and heritage. Aside from the risk of erosion of the culture's rich spiritual heritage, it can also fuel the marginalization of those who do not fit into the dominant culture's mold. I believe it is essential to recognize and respect the spirituality and cultural heritage of the Igbo people, rather than imposing foreign values and beliefs on them.

The principles of Igbo spirituality emphasize the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of preserving cultural heritage and it is essential to recognize and respect the cultural diversity of Igbo society and its historical roots. By doing so, we can create a world where all cultures and spiritualities are respected and valued, leading to a more harmonious and balanced world.

Igbo spirituality is a complex and diverse system

The core of Igbo culture is arguably its food.

OhaSoup VideoRecipe

CHEF: JOYFUL COOK

INGREDIENTS:

Oha leaves

Uziza leaves

Cocoyam

Dry fish

Stock fish head

Palm juice

Crayfish

Pepper

Ogiri Igbo

The Guardian Ng

Ukwa (Breadfruit) VideoRecipe

CHEF: FLO CHINYERE

Ukwa seeds

Leafy vegetables

Palm oil

Potash or other tenderizer

Dry fish

INGREDIENTS: OPTIONAL

Scotch bonnet or habanero

Sweet corn

On

Dobby's Signature

OURNEXTGENERATION

ByOnyekaUmeadi

Myniece,thefirstgrandchildinourfamily,wasrecentlybornandourfamilyisso excitedtoinstillsomanyqualities,joy,andloveintoadaanyi(ourfirstdaughter).

SomethingwewouldberemissnottoprovideforherisourIgboculture,butwhatdoes thatlooklike?Iimaginethatwewillteachherthingslikefolktalesandproverbs,the secretstomakingthebestofensala(nsalasoup),ourloveofhighlifemusicon Saturdaymornings,andthetenacityofourpeoplethroughouthistory Iknowthereis plentymoretoaddtothislist,butIhopethatweconveyallofthese,inadditionto corevaluesofIgboculture,thatremainintactdespitethepassageoftime.

Thesearethetypesofvaluesthatcouldguideone’sreasoningandwayof conductinaforeignland,allowingthemtobeidentifiedasonyeIgbo(Igbo person),eveniftheydonothavephysicalrepresentationsoftheculture present.Asstewardsoftheculture,weshouldbeabletoprovideherwiththis foundation,sothatafterseeingherandinteractingwithher,onecansay,“Yes, obuadaIgbo,obuadaanyi."

(Yes,sheisanIgbodaughter,sheisourdaughter).

UIUTourism Spotlight

ExploretheBeautyof AlaIgbo(IgboLand)

EasternNigeriaishometoIgboLand andiscomprisedofnaturaland manmadewondersthatareworth addingtoyourto-dolistwhenyou visitNigerianext.Whetheryouare intonature,enjoysportactivities,or arefullycommittedtothesoftlife, you 'resuretofindsomethingthat suitsyourvibe.

Planyournext vacationtotheEast

Onitsha,AnambraState Zik'sMausoleum

ThepermanentburialsiteofNigeria’s firstpresidentandOwelleofOnitsha, Dr.NnamdiAzikiwewascompletedin 2018andalsohasoffices,conference halls,aVIPlounge,museum/archives, avideodisplayroom,alibrary, documentation,andotheramenities.

Thisisthesitethatcommemorates theBiafra-NigeriaCivilWarand showcases acollectionoftanks, armoredvehicles,ships,andaircraft fromthewar.Itisalsotheonlywar museuminallofNigeriaandWest Africa.

Umuahia,AbiaState

NationalWarMuseum

TheCavesofAwhumFall Enugu,Nigeria

Idoko Negedoz

Good Nigeria

Ime Obi Onitsha

03.

ABAKALIKIGREENLAKE

Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

The Abakaliki Green Lake can be found inside the Ebonyi State Government House

It was once a haven for the colonial masters but has since been upgraded with modernized facilities which tourists can enjoy and relax in the resort-style huts.

04. THEIKIRIKEAT IDAWRIVER

Enugu City, Enugu State

A scenic hill where you can enjoy breathtaking Enugu City views by following hiking trails to a range of cliff lookouts or camping. You can also visit the settlement in the city of Enugu, The Coal Camp, Aaron Camp, or Alfred Camp

05.

ABRAKATURFAND COUNTRYCLUB

Abraka, Delta State

Delta State is not Igbo territory but is a melting pot of many cultures including a large Igbo population. The Abraka Turf and Country Club is a popular resort that offers a range of recreational activities where guests can enjoy horseback riding, swimming in the natural spring water pool, golfing, and relaxing in the serene environment.

Hotels.ng

Mardis Travel and Tours

Our Travel and Tour

Hotels.ng

MbariCulturaland ArtCentre

TheMbariCulturalandArtCentreisaunique attractionthatshowcasestraditionalIgboart andculture Itfeaturessculptures,murals,and artworkscreatedbyrenownedlocalartists Visitorscanexploretheexhibitions,participatein culturalperformances,andlearnabouttherich culturalheritageofIgbopeople.

PleasurePark 07.

PortHarcourt

RiversStateisnotIgboterritorybut PortHarcourtisameltingpotofmany culturesincludingalargeIgbo population.PleasureParkboastsa widerangeoffacilitiesincludinga children'splayground,asoccerfield, paddleboatsgokarts,golfcourses,a movietheaterandmore!

Canyoufind theseplaces?

NekedeBotanicalGarden

NgwoPineForest

OgbunikeCaves

OkposiSaltLake

FatiAbubakar

AzuminiBlueRiver

AwhumWaterfall

AmakamaWoodenCave

LongJujuRoute

AguluLake

Agulu-NankaPalmGrove

GoldenSandBeach

AmanchorCave

IndependenceLayout

NewBerriesPark

OgwuamaRockofAges

BonnyIsland

Owerri,ImoState

PortHarcourt,RiversState

Port Harcourt Pleasure Park

Ugo chara acha adịghị echu echu

A mature eagle feather will ever remain pure The Octopus News

chieftaincy in igbo land

does the red cap still hold significance?

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, indigenous communities across Nigeria had established diverse systems of governance and leadership that typically relied on acombinationofinheritedtitles,positionsofmerit,andcommunityrecognition

Leadershippositionswereoccupiedby individualswhocontributetothecommon goodbytheirwisdom,courage,and wealth.Therolesoftheseleadersvaried basedonthedistinctneedsandtraditions ofeachcommunity.

However,colonialismintheearly20th centuryintroducedsignificantchangesto theseexistingsystems.Inthenorthern regionofNigeria,forexample,theBritish implementedapolicyknownas"indirect rule"andutilizedpre-existingemirate structurestoadministertheregion.Some yearslater,theBritishextendedthissystem tothesouthernregions,includingIgbo Land.Toimplementindirectrule,the colonialpowersappointed"warrantchiefs" becausetheIgbosdidnothavecentralized governancestructuressimilartothe northerners.

Unfortunately,thesewarrantchiefswere oftenselectedbasedontheirloyaltytothe colonialauthoritiesratherthantheir traditionalstandingwithinthecommunities theygoverned Theimpositionofwarrant chiefsinIgboLandencountereddifficulties duetotheabsenceofwell-definedsocial hierarchiesthatexistedinthenorth.

ODELUWA

IllustriousauthorChimamandaNgozi Adichiewas conferredwiththe chieftaincytitle,Odeluwa(Writerforthe globalcommunityorworldacclaimed writer),byhercommunity,Abbain AnambraState.

Odeluwaisthehighesttitleforwritersand islikenedtotheNobelPrizeinIgboLand.It isreservedonlyforthosewhohave successfullyfoughtoppression,social injusticeandinequitiesandcontributedto theoveralldevelopmentofthesociety throughtheirwritings

Bella Naija

Theauthorityandlegitimacyofthese

chiefswerefrequentlyquestionedby thelocalpopulation,whofelta disconnectionfromtheirnewrulers. Thesechiefswereoftenperceivedas collaboratorswiththecolonial masters,carryingouttheirdirectives and,insomeinstances,engagingin oppressiveandtyrannicalbehavior towardstheirownpeople.

FollowingNigeria'sindependence, therewasasignificanttransformation insocialhierarchiesaswarrantchiefs anddistrictofficerswerereplacedby governmentofficialsunderthecontrol ofthenewindigenousadministrators. ThetraditionaltitlesocietyinIgbo Land,whichwasbasedonancestral normsandculturalpractices,began toadapttothechanging circumstances.Theformerwarrant chiefs,wholosttheirauthoritywiththe endofthecolonialgovernment,found theirplacewithinthisevolvingsystem ofchieftaincy.

individualswhohavemadesubstantial contributionstotheircommunities.Itis deeplyrootedinculturalheritageand hasundergoneadaptationsand modificationsovertime.Today, chieftaincycontinuestooccupya significantpositioninIgboLand,serving asabridgebetweentraditionand modernity.However,thereisan emergingargumentthatchallenges,not theidea,buttheword“chief”whichis taintedbyitscolonialorigins.

SignificanceoftheRedCap

Theredcapwornbytitledmenand womeninIgboLandisexclusivetoa selectgroup,particularlythosewith aneaglefeatherdenoting prominence.Wearingthecapis customaryfortraditionaltitleholders whoalsoenjoyspecialprivileges duringculturaleventsandwhen fulfillingtraditionalduties.The wearers,typicallymen,areknownas "Nzes","Ichies","Ozos",andothers,and mustbeinitiatedintothenobleclass inordertopubliclyweartheredcap. Wearingtheredcapisaprivilegethat comeswiththeresponsibilityof upholdingthereputationofthe traditionalinstitutionstheyrepresent.

Chieftaincy,viewedfromoneangle, representsalongstandingtraditionof acknowledgingandhonoring

Inrecenttimes,therehasbeen concernovertheincreasingmisuseof thecap,withsomeindividuals wearingitwithoutmeetingthe necessaryrequirements.Preserving thesanctityoftheredcapis importanttoculturalenthusiasts,asit isavitalaspectoftheenduringIgbo culture,requiringadherencetoall rulesandtraditions.

Malevs.FemaleChieftaincy

It’snotunusualforanIgbomanto aspiretobearatitlewhichcanbe earnedbyanyadultmalewhoisin goodstandingwithinthecommunity andhasthemeanstomeetthe requirements.Sometitlescanonlybe obtainedthroughtraditionalrituals likeNze,Ọzọ,Ichie,etc.Certaintitles arehereditaryandpasseddownfrom generationtogeneration.

Womenalsoparticipateinthetitletakingtraditionandholdtheirown titles.Women'stitles,suchas"Ọmụ, Osodieme","Agbalanwanyi",and "Ocheeze"reflecttheirstatusand accomplishments.Awomancanalso earnchieftaincytitlesasaresultof beingmarriedtoatitleholder.

ChieftaincyinModern-Day Igboland

Chief/Chieftaincyisoftenconflated withothertraditionaltitlesthat predatecolonization.Chiefsin modern-dayIgboLandstillplay significantrolesinthesocio-cultural andpoliticallifeoftheIgbo community.Theyserveascustodians oftraditionandpromotethewellbeingoftheircommunities. Chiefsarerespectedelderswho mediatedisputes,preservecultural heritage,andadvisethecommunity.

DidYouKnow?

However,thesignificanceand authorityofchiefscanvaryacross differentcommunities.

Thequestionofwhethertoabandon thetitleofchiefsinIgbolandis complexandconvoluted.Since BenjaminNnamdiAzikiwebroughtthe atrocitiesofwarrantchiefstoglobal attentioninthe1930s,theword“chief” asapersonofauthorityinIgboLand, hasremainedasorepointformany. Whilethetitlehasevolvedandis significanttomanyasasymbolof heritageandleadership,thereare ongoingargumentsforreevaluating andreformingtheinstitutionto addresscoloniallegacies. Ultimately,thedecisiontoretain, modify,orreplacethetitlerestswith we,theIgbopeople.

AnOzotitleholder,whosefatherisstillliving,cannotwear theredcap.

African Events

Our mission is to empower people of color to discover, preserve and share their family legacies through the creation of family trees. We strive to connect and empower individuals within Africa and the Diaspora, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting unity through the discovery of family connections and relationships.

Prioritize Self Care

Do more of wha ove This can be simple as curliing on the couch or taking an afterno spin class

Make a list of what makes you happy a continue to add to it as you engage in activity. When we do things we love, o brains release a cascade of hormones are healing and strengthening for our bodies, minds, and spirits

Connect with Others

ivate a support work by spending e with loved ones, nds, or joining port groups. ring your thoughts and feelings with others can provide comfort and a sense of belonging

Who lifts your spirits, makes you laugh, makes you feel happy and appreciated?

Seek out those people (and animals) and spend as much time with them as you can

Seek Professional Aid

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. They can provide guidance, support, and appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs

Managing mental health is an ongoing process, and what works for one person may not work for another It's important to find strategies that resonate with you and seek professional help when needed.

A HEALTHY MIND IS A HEALTHY YOU

Loneliness, loss, uncertainty, anxiety are just a few of the symptoms that were exacerbated among many since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. And the “post-pandemic” world we live in didn’t exactly come with a factory reset. In fact, mental health concerns are reportedly on the rise. With frontline workers continuing to grapple with overwhelming workloads, young people facing increasing anxiety fueled by social media, and marginalized communities having limited access to mental health resources, people are stressed right now and it’s time for us to get honest about it and destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health wellness.

Preparation is key and stress is inevitable and there will always be stressors and events that arise, so it’s important to develop routines and tools that help us recalibrate so we’re always ready when these crises happen. Stress is not always a bad thing and can actually be a motivator when performing tasks.

Talking about our feelings can be weird and even scary, but it’s important to understand that your mental health matters and your self-care is a priority. When mental health is neglected, internal pressures can trickle outwards and affect our work, family, and other aspects of our lives. Don’t ignore what you are experiencing or feeling. You’re your best advocate!

BREAK THE STIGMA

Educate Yourself

Fear of mental health is often rooted in a lack of education and understanding. One prevalent misconception is that mental health issues are a result of weakness or lack in willpower. In reality, mental health conditions are complex and can affect anyone. Conduct your own research to better understand the basics of some of these conditions by checking out trusted resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the World Health Organization.

Listen and Support Others

Another common reason why people avoid disclosing their mental health issues is that they are afraid of judgment and discrimination. Being transparent about mental health can cause one to feel extremely vulnerable. Show grace when you can and listen without judgment if someone feels comfortable enough to share their experiences with you. Show empathy by putting yourself in their position and respond to them how you would want someone to respond to you.

Trust the Experts

The same we treat any other illness within our body, is how we should look at our mental wellness. If you feel it’s time to seek professional, please do so. Not only is it easy to misdiagnose ourselves, a professional can tailor care specifically for your needs. And remember, when we address mental health concerns head on, we break the stigma by normalizing the behavior and encouraging others around us to do the same!

April 2023 CVS/Harris Poll

56% of US physicians report declining mental health among their patients. However, only 1 in 10 (12%) of Americans regularly see a mental health professional or wellbeing therapist.

UIUCares Update

UIUCaresservesasthecommunityservicedivisionofUmuIgboUnite,which aimstoaddressthediverseneedsofUmuIgbolivinginNigeriaandthediaspora usingamulti-facetedapproachthatencompassesfourdistinctavenues: Education,HealthcareAccessibility,WealthCreation,andRelief

Throughthegraciouscontributions andsupportofphilanthropic individuals,UIUCaresendeavorsto servetheunderprivilegedindividuals residinginvariouscommunities withinNigeriaandthediaspora,by providingessentialprovisions includingfood,clothing,healthcare services,educationalopportunities, andvocationaltraining.

Thisenablestheorganizationto customizeprogramsspecifically designedtoaddressandresolvethese challenges.

WhyEnugu?

Enuguissituatedasthegatewayto southeasternNigeriaandholds historicalsignificanceasaformer colonial-erametropolis. Itsstrategiclocationfacilitates seamlessconnectivityamongthe fiveIgbostateswithinNigeria.With theestablishmentoftheEnugu officebyUIUCares,aremarkable opportunityarisestowitnessthe community'sneedsfirsthandand inreal-time.

Secondary School Scholarship Technology Program

Girl's Health Program

Women Empowerment Program

Back to School Program

Impact Skills Program

Apprenticeship Program

Sanitation Project

World Malaria Day

SecondarySchoolScholarship

UIUCarescarefullyselects20 promisingyoungindividualsfromsix distinctsecondaryschoolsinthe Enuguregion,andarecommittedto fullyfinancingtheirsecondaryschool education.Additionally,these studentsreceiveanannualstipendto coverexpensessuchasuniforms, books,backpacks,andother necessities.

TechnologyProgram

younggirlsinsecondaryschools withintheSoutheastregionofNigeria. Presently,wearecollaboratingwith ourdedicatedEnuguteamtodevelop seminarsthatcoverarangeofhealth educationtopics.Thisyear,we partneredwithtwoschoolstoprovide menstrualhealtheducation,hygiene andfreeproducts.Wehaveserved over300girlsinthisprogramand hopetodeveloppartnershipsto expandthisneedprogramacross Nigeria.

BackToSchoolProgram

(Picturedabove):UIUCareshada classof12students(thirdcohort)who honedtheircomputerliteracyskills, equippingthemselveswithessential knowledgetoenhancetheir marketabilityandachievesuccessin theirchosenprofessionalpaths.Upon completionoftheprogram,these studentswillpossessthe competenciestoproficientlynavigate arangeofcomputerprograms.

Girl’sHealthProgram

TheGirl'sHealthProgramistoprovide asustainablecomprehensive educationonmenstrualhealthto

Atbeginningofeveryschoolyearin Nigeria,UIUCaresorganizesback-toschoolinitiativesforbothourpartner schoolsandotherinstitutionsfacing resourceschallenges.Thisprogram servesasacatalyst,inspiringstudents atthebeginningofanewtermto excelintheiracademicpursuits.This year,UIUCareswenttothreeschools anddistributedschoolsuppliesto over400students!

WomenEmpowermentProgram

Thisremarkableprogramwas implementedacrossthreedistinct schoolswithintheEnuguregion.The WomenEmpowermentProgram (WEP)primaryobjectiveistoeducate, empower,andenlightengirlstofoster astrongbeliefintheirfuturepotential andimpartingvaluableskillstohelp themexpressandamplifytheirvoices astheytransitionintowomanhood.

ImpactSkillsProgram

ImpactSkillsisacomprehen outreachprogramthatstrivestobring proficientexpertstorural communitiesforengagingand practicalinteractivesessions.This initiativehasbeenspecifically designedtodeliveressentialskillsto youngindividualsresidingintherural regionsofSouth-EastNigeria.The programencompassesadiverse rangeofskills,includingbaking, pastries,soapproduction,soya milk/zoboproduction,andshoe making.

ApprenticeshipProgram

Thisinitiativepayshomagetotherich heritageof"Igba-Boi,"alongstanding traditionthathasshapedsomeofour mostaccomplishedentrepreneurs. Youngindividualscanlearnaskillof theirchoiceoveraspecificduration, acquiremasteryinthatfield,and ultimatelyestablishtheirown businesses,anendeavorknownas 'akaoru'inIgboculture.Sixcandidates havebeencarefullyselectedto pursueapprenticeshipsinbaking, hairstyling,phonerepairs,shoe making,graphicdesign,andwelding.

MalariaDay

memorateWorldMalariaDay, weorchestratedaprogramin collaborationwithoneofthelocal hospitalsinEnugu.Theinitiative aimedtoeducatethecommunity aboutthevitalimportanceof implementingeffectiveprevention andcontrolmeasuresagainst malaria.Aspartofthisoutreacheffort, weconductedfreemedicaltests, distributedinsecticide-treatedbed nets,andprovidedanti-malaria medications.Byaddressingthehealth needsofindividualsinEnugustate, fosteringawareness,andencouraging aproactiveapproachtowards combatingmalaria,weaimto empowerresidentstominimizethe impactofthisdiseaseonthemselves, theirfamilies,andtheircommunities.

PrisonOutreach

LastChristmas,weembarkedona visittotheEnuguMaximumSecurity CustodialCentretoextendour supportandremembrancetothe incarceratedindividuals.This initiative wasinpartnershipwithCarmelite PrisonersInterestOrganization (CAPIO),anorganizationdedicatedto thewelfareandwell-beingofinmates.

EnuguMedicalOutreach

CakeArtistryWinner YoungMenEmpowerment

UIUCaresrecentlyembarkedonprovidingmoderntoiletsforthe2,300 studentsandstaffofTransEkuluGirlsSecondarySchoolEnuguandwecan't waitforthefinalreveal!Theprojecthasbeenamassivesuccessthanksto donationsofourbenefactors.ThisisabenchmarkprojectofUIUCares,which wehopetoreplicateinotherlocalschools.Thisbuildingwillcontain10toilet stalls,sinks,pumps,twooverheadtanks,andawell.

2022-2023ReliefProjects

AsanactivepresencewithintheEnugu community,wehavefirsthandknowledgeof variouspopulationsfacingsignificant challengesandrequiringsupportfortheir upliftment.

Throughouttheyear,wesuccessfullyorganized severalimpactfulinitiativessuchasanti-cultism anddrugsprogramforstudents,freeclothdrive forpeoplefleeingfromcommunityland disputes,anddistributionoffooditemsandthe renovationoflivingquartersforfamiliesinneed.

PeopleLikeYouMakeItPossible

2023LessonsandLearnings

Wehavediscoveredthepowerof leveragingeachteammember's strengthsandweaknesses,creatinga formidableandcohesiveunit. Wehavealsocometounderstandthe significanceofflexibility.Programs rarelyunfoldexactlyasplanned,and beingpreparedtoadaptto unexpectedchallengesandchanges isessential.Byremainingflexibleand adaptable,wecanproactively addressunforeseencircumstances andmaintainthesuccessofour programs.

Furthermore,collaborationplaysa vitalroleinourwork.Ascoordinators, weengagewithadiverserangeof stakeholders,includingprogram participants,volunteers,andfellow staffmembers.Byfosteringaspiritof collaboration,wepromotesynergy andcreateanenvironmentwhere everyone 'scontributionsarevalued. Theselessonslearnedhaveshaped ourapproachtoprojectcoordination,

OurTeam

enablingustonavigatecomplexities anddeliverimpactfulresults.

2024Vision

Ourfocusthisyearwasprimarily centeredonEnugustate,butwehave setoursightsonextendingourreach toadditionalcommunitiesin AnambraandImostatesin2024.By expandingouroperationstothese regions,weaimtobringabout positivechangeandmakea meaningfuldifferenceinthelivesof localresidents.

SupportUIUCares

Paypal:

www.paypal.com/paypalme/uiucares

WebLinks:

www.linktr.ee/uiucares4u

Enugu:IkennaOkoye,FaithVictorOnyekwere,andChikaOnyeanu

USA:OnyiyeIgbokwe,NjidekaUkaegbu,CrystalEnekwa,AmakaIloegbunam, PaulIroezi,IfeomaKamalu,HannahNnabugwu,AdaobiEzeh,Jennifer Obiofuma,andChideraUzowihe

Adaku

By Chuka R Okonkwo

An Igbo woman is photographed on a casual evening walking along a New York waterfront The hues of her ankara dress blend in seamlessly with those of the city night.

JoinaLocal

ChapterToday!

Did you know?

Did you know?

UIU members have exclusive access to Workplace, a social networking platform to connect with other members across all chapters?

2 0 2 2 A n

To our sponsors and vendors

Thank You!