United Way Worldwide (UWW), a non-profit organisation, has declared its plans to extend its philanthropic support through programmes that will impact lives socially and economically to other countries on the African continent.
Speaking at a media engagement on a visit to United Way Ghana, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way Worldwide, Angela Williams, said she is looking forward to developing a good plan that will spell out how the organisation can continue to impact other African countries just like Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.
“This is what you should expect from me, working alongside my colleagues here in Ghana. One of the things that we want to do is develop a strategy for how we can continue to grow our impact – not only in the three countries that we are currently in on the continent. We will be taking a look at other countries that we should explore and see how we can bring in more corporate support.
“We will sit down and talk to the people that are most affected, and ask them what they need in order to be supported and thrive. By this, we are creating solutions that are customised to the population where we want to partner. So, it is really being more strategic about how we can only not expand but go deep; and I am looking forward to taking the time over 2023 to really do that,” she said.
Commenting on some social initiatives that were taken up by United Way Ghana – such as the Building Resilient Communities Programme – which have been tremendous successes, she stated that it focuses on improving basic education, providing youth with leadership opportunities, and soft skills training to take full advantage of their talent and potential.
It also offers adult literacy training, financial literacy courses, or small-scale farming classes to give people financial freedom and independence. In view of this, it has improved the lives of over 100,000 individuals in the last three years.
“I am excited to see what this group does next. Right now, they have a goal to increase education access to 38 percent more students, increase financial stability by 27 percent, and create new and innovative services between now and 2023. I cannot wait to see them continue their amazing work. And at every step of the way, I trust that United Way Ghana will remember that they are partners – never saviours. Our service must reflect the unique perspectives and experiences of those receiving it,” she said.
Distinguishing United Way’s approach from that of other NGOs, she said although it is a global organisation it is with a hyper-local focus. She mentioned that the local insights and community relationships allow them to provide services where they are most needed, and ensure that they are effective, sustainable and responsive to the people’s actual needs.
About United Way Ghana
United Way Ghana is a non-profit organisation that unites and connects all sectors of the society – individuals, business, non-profit organisations and government – to create long-term social change. We moblise the collective caring power of communities to produce healthy, well-educated and financially stable individuals and families.
