CORE INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS, and PROJECTS
Footprints in Africa is set to make great strides with the community outreach initiatives, programs, and projects we have in place. Learn more about what we do, who we help and how we work every day to promote positive change in Africa.
Our core initiatives (like our programs and projects) solidify the love and commitment we have for the continent and the people of Africa.
Educate Others on the Culture, History, and Traditions of Africa
The culture, history, and traditions of Africa are rich and deeply rooted throughout the world, making it compelling for others to try and tell its story. Sadly, more often than not, that comes with flat-out false commentaries and white-washed rhetoric. We at Footprints in Africa don't profess to be scholars of African topics. However, we'd like to share with others, especially African-Americans, what we know about its culture, history, and traditions.
Support this initiative by subscribing to our quarterly eNewsletter and following us on all social media platforms for daily thought-provoking content on Africa. Know that we provide a safe place to learn and get equipped with no judgment. Let's get woke together!
Preservation of Skilled Craftsmanship and Artisans in Africa
Our online store is more than just an eCommerce space for retail exchange. It's an impactful initiative and another way we uphold our mission and vision; by promoting the preservation of skilled craftsmanship and artisans in Africa. We do so by showcasing and making available Made in Africa items in our online store (except for our brand items, of course), which is our way of supporting small independent business owners in Africa. When you shop our online store, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you're purchasing an authentic item made by the locals. In doing so, your purchase(s) helps sustain small businesses, preserves families, supports education, and invests courage into vulnerable communities throughout Africa.
Support this initiative, keep decades of tribal knowledge alive, by shopping the continent of Africa from the comfort of your home at Our Online Store.
Sponsor a Child
In Africa, amongst the Omotic-speaking Karo and Hamar people of southern Ethiopia, children born perfectly healthy, full of life, and with great potential are deemed ritually impure for superstitious reasons, such as the following reasons, known as Mingi.
- Teeth Mingi: Children are declared Mingi if their top teeth come in before their bottom teeth or if one of their baby teeth chips, even if it took place due to an accident, such as playing.
- Girl Mingi: Babies born out of wedlock are labeled Mingi by tribal Elders.
- Woman Mingi: When couples are married but do not have their marriage or pregnancy approved by the Elders, their babies could be declared Mingi.
- Twin Mingi: The birth of twins is considered a curse, and both babies may be declared Mingi.
Being declared Mingi means the child must die because the Elders believe evil spirits will bring ill fortunes, such as drought, famine, disease, and death, to their villages if a Mingi child is allowed to live amongst the land and its people.
Thankfully, more than 50 children have been rescued from a tribal killing, sheltered, and cared for in South Omo Valley in Jinka, Ethiopia, at a local group home. In an effort to help assure these children grow up to be vital adults that will one day be impactful leaders, we ask that you Sponsor a Mingi Child. For just $37 a month, equivalent to a cup of coffee a day, you can help provide love, nourishment, shelter, clothing, and education to an underprivileged child.
We invite you to learn more and lend your support at Sponsor A Child.
Soles for Africa
Shoes are more than a commodity that emanates personal style. Proper shoes serve as real functions which is why we implemented our Soles for Africa project.
Soles for Africa is a community-based project that allows the community to donate their gently used shoes. In doing so, we provide those living in remote areas of Africa access to the footwear they need to stay healthy, which helps prevent diseases from spreading.
Shoes are essential in remote areas where parasitic diseases are common. Going barefoot in these regions can lead to illnesses caused when parasites infect the unprotected feet, which can debilitate or cripple children and adults, leaving them unable to care for themselves. Unfortunately, shoes are often in short supply or unaffordable for people in these regions, leaving them vulnerable to easily preventable diseases.
Additionally, kids need a good pair of shoes to attend school. Getting shoes from our Soles for Africa project can mean the difference between a solid education and a continuing cycle-of-poverty.
With our mission and vision always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge in developing African countries. The basic-necessities of shoes are something that we take very seriously, and our team is working consistently to make a positive impact.
Contact us to learn more about our commitment to this cause and how you can help.
Kenya is currently home to 46 million people, and over 35% of them suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition each year. The state of food insecurity in Kenya is detrimental, with the country ranking 84 out of 117 countries on the 2020 Global Hunger Index, with a score of 23.7.
The numbers are staggering, so when the opportunity arose for us to partner with Thrive for Good to bring Life Gardens into twelve Kenyan schools, it was a no-brainer. In doing so, we're making it possible for more than 5000 students and teachers to eat, in addition to reducing school food costs, increasing nutrition and health for students and school administration, and providing a source of revenue generation for students to purchase school supplies.
Help save lives, empower communities, and ensure more children can grow up strong by sponsoring a Life Garden today.
- $10 Provides Seeds for an entire School Community Life Garden.
- $100 Provides Seeds and Tools for an entire School Community Life Garden.
- $300 Provides all of the Seeds, Supplies, Tools, and Organic Trainer costs for an entire School Community Life Garden.
A Life Garden empowers an impoverished community to be self-sufficient, starting with nutrition. When any person can take health into their own hands, they have new dignity and pride. Nutritional security also provides hope for a better future without the constant burden of disease.
For more information about this project and to solidify your commitment, visit Life Gardens. And by all means, contact us with any questions you may have.