Our Mission
Our sole mission is to help children and families in the Nigerian town of Ihitte-Uboma, where there are many remote and marginalized communities with no access to electricity, running water, medicine, or passable roads. And because most people are peasant farmers, 85% of the children have little to no access to education.
Many families grow crops, but the yield is not enough to feed the town. Consequently, many are starving. Parents and children often share one bedroom in a mud-and-wood shack, and some share even their garments.
A consequence of this severe poverty is children dropping out of school; their families cannot pay for supplies, tuition, transportation and food. As they sell fruit and vegetables on the streets, children are exposed to dangers such as child prostitution, abuse, drugs, addiction and kidnapping. Many girls are victims of rape and sexual abuses leading to early and unwanted pregnancies.
Medicine is sparse. People must travel many miles for medical attention at few available hospitals and clinics. Those fortunate enough to get there must provide their own bedding, mattresses, pillows and food. Consequently, people struggle with untreated health issues while others simply die from untreated diseases and underlying health complications.
Despite this ongoing suffering and poverty, the people have a strong faith in God. Maria Africa Foundation fosters that faith while providing basic humanitarian services to the children and families in greatest need.
Over the years, some African countries have relied on neighbors and allies for aid to solve most of their socioeconomic problems. The disbursement of aid and donations in Africa can be influenced by individuals whose vision and values do not align with the problems and challenges facing the less-fortunate people. The result is that many problems are left unsolved leading to great
suffering and pain for the vulnerable people in the country. Solutions in Africa must rely not only on foreign aid, but also on being honest and transparent. Therefore, MAF coordinates efforts with a humanitarian organization located on the ground in Nigeria called the Ave Maria Humanitarian Foundation. This trusted alliance ensures that donations given to Maria Africa Foundation
are properly distributed directly to those in need. The partnership ensures that MAF meets the direct needs of the people to achieve their full potential and give back to their communities.
How You Can Help
- Host a Maria Africa Foundation Event! Contact us to find out how.
- Introduce us to foundations that support charities in Africa.
- Ask your employer if they have a Matching Donation Program.
- Consider donating a gift of stock shares.
- Share the great work of Maria Africa Foundation with your family and friends.
- Pray for our charity and our work.
- Make a donation.