Washington DC -- The Amenawon Foundation is contributing to three high-profile relief organizations to help survivors of the June 12 Haitian earthquake. International Relief and Development, Inc., Yéle Haiti, and the American Red Cross will be the beneficiaries of a generous award from the Amenawon Foundation’s board of directors. The Amenawon Foundation is a Washington D.C.-based non-profit dedicated to improving infrastructure, educational opportunities, and public health in the rural regions of Edo state, Nigeria.
“We are aware that people from Haiti have a very generous spirit. Even with so little, they are often willing to share whatever they have,” said Georgia Madway, co-founder and Vice Chairman, Amenawon Foundation. “The Amenawon Foundation shares in this spirit of generosity and would like to give whatever we can spare in their time of despair.”
According to the latest news reports, officials estimate casualties from the earthquake to be in the hundreds of thousands, while countless others are missing or wounded. Rescue teams uncover more survivors each day while medical personnel face daily challenges of how to treat the wounded and those suffering from infections caused by injuries.
Amenawon Foundation was started in 2007 by Ino Okoawo, a D.C.-based first-generation Nigerian-American. Okoawo established the organization to continue the work of her parents, Drs. Regina and Joseph Okoawo, in their native homeland. They have focused their energies on improving literacy and access to clean water in eight villages in the Uwessan region of Edo. They serve approximately 25,000 Nigerians.
Okoawo said her organization feels a strong kinship with the Haitian people who are, historically, members of the African diaspora. Like Haiti, rural Nigeria faces challenges common to all developing nations: poor infrastructure, limited access to clean water and reliable sources of energy, and exposure to preventable diseases like malaria, cholera, and sexually-transmitted diseases.
“Haiti and Nigeria have faced similar obstacles to bettering the quality of life for everyday people,” said Okoawo. “Now with the added challenge of rebuilding after a devastating earthquake, Haiti needs support from organizations that can identify with the country’s unique history and current situation.”
Iyeoka Okoawo, spokesperson of the group, described Nigerians and Haitians as “brothers and sisters,” adding, “When I look at Haiti, I know the same thing could happen anywhere in the world.”
While Amenawon spends its resources on specific projects like road construction, establishing means to a permament water supply and providing supplies to schools, the board has decided that cash will be more beneficial than in-kind donations. Experts agree that money is what relief organizations in Haiti need right now more than food or clothing. For futher information about the Amenawon Foundation’s mission and programs, visit its website at www.amenawon.org or write to the Amenawon Foundation, P.O. Box 91682 Washington DC 20090.
