History

​

Over the last decade, Milwaukee resident and alumni of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Mamadee Konneh, has provided food assistance, and cash payments to cover rent and medical expenses and education assistance to thousands of adults and children in NZerekore, Guinea.  In July of this year, he donated 100 bags of rice to 100 families through the generosity of Jason Boesel and Jake Dehne. Overwhelmed with joy and emotion, a beneficiary said, “ For the first time in several months, my kids and I will not go to bed hungry tonight, and tomorrow we will still have something to eat.” “May God forever blesses you and those who made this happen,” another recipient expressed. 

​

 Reactions like these and many more inspired Mamadee to conceptualize a sustained approach for not only providing relief but empowering the vulnerable populations in this part of Africa. In August, the idea of Mamadee Konneh Charity Foundation was born. 

The Republic of Guinea has a population of 13 million people. Most of the inhabitants reside in rural areas in deplorable conditions. Some of the most affected demographics include young children, disabled and elderly individuals, and women. The United Nations World Food Programme estimates that women constitute 60 percent of people suffering from chronic hunger, and they also make up the majority of rural people living in poverty.  Even though the role of women in the food production and food preparation processes is critical in Guinea, they, however, lack access to education and income-generation activities. Women and children often carry the onerous burden of providing for their families. 

​

Forced to become breadwinners for their disabled or elderly parents, children work in various informal sectors. However, their meager earnings are grossly insufficient to sustain their families amidst the daily struggles for survival. These dynamics often compelled many disillusioned teens and adolescents into a general state of depression and hopelessness for the future. Many sadly fall into the vicious cycle of illiteracy and poverty. The few who can afford it try to escape the painful economic and social circumstances by illegally migrating to Europe through dangerous boat rides across the Mediterranean. 

​

In Guinea, like many countries in West Africa, there are no Western-style social programs or safety nets to assist vulnerable individuals and families. There is no unemployment compensation program for jobless employees. There are no Social Security disability benefits, Supplemental Security benefits, Medical Assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition programs. Also, many rural dwellers lack access to safe water to drink, cook and wash. The living conditions of rural inhabitants are dire. However, there are endless possibilities for change and the betterment of their circumstances.  Empowerment Across Africa’s founding is rooted in the belief that those possibilities can become realities. With your support, we can change lives in a significant way.