"We are a fulcrum, a tipping point for those who help others." |
Mission:
A Collaborative partner with extraordinary grass-roots leaders working in vulnerable communities. |
The Leadership Proposition
WWA believes the motivating influence of a great leader is a multiplier that enables entire communities to tend toward a definite and desired result to the great benefit of all. WWA is unique in our ability and positioning to work with outstanding grass-roots community leaders, but not in our belief that excellence in leadership is the lever for sustained success. WWA supports the vision of extraordinary leaders who have been working with their community’s assistance toward the betterment of that community. Unlike many other organizations, we do not impose the outside expense infrastructure typical with international programs managed by expats. WWA works with grassroots leaders as partners to enable their community’s goals and impart their strategies into viable practices. Critical to the success of this philosophy, is the quest of continuing leadership excellence, wherever we find it. |
How We Began (Our Story)
Our way of working and thinking is based upon the idea that first formed this organization. In 2003 , a group of Community Health Workers (CHWs) reached out to ask for food and basic needs for the HIV/AIDS patients they voluntarily served in the slums of Kawangware - answering that request became a burning platform.
The CHWs lived in the slum community where they volunteered to help care for their HIV/AIDS afflicted neighbors, in conjunction with a local clinic. Volunteering for 10 to 20 hours per week required trudging through mud and muck created from the overflow of waste, to wind their way amongst the miles of lean-to shacks that pass for housing in the slums. Their hours of commitment to others meant less income for their own families, which has never seemed to matter to them. Their dedication was met with pleas for the most basic assistance by their patients and continually, the CHWs could do nothing. That story began to change as CHWs were enabled through modest donations by WWA founders and then WWA. The CHWs created remarkable impact for patients in over 50 households from grants of $300 or, less per project.
Today, the CHW's work with WWA and students from UI to conduct research on poverty in households affected by HIV. The research led to alarming results on debt in households and changed our programs. We are piloting health insurance with their households and continue to appreciate and be grateful for their unique perspective and relationship with their community. Walking a mile with the CHWs is truly walking with angels.
Our way of working and thinking is based upon the idea that first formed this organization. In 2003 , a group of Community Health Workers (CHWs) reached out to ask for food and basic needs for the HIV/AIDS patients they voluntarily served in the slums of Kawangware - answering that request became a burning platform.
The CHWs lived in the slum community where they volunteered to help care for their HIV/AIDS afflicted neighbors, in conjunction with a local clinic. Volunteering for 10 to 20 hours per week required trudging through mud and muck created from the overflow of waste, to wind their way amongst the miles of lean-to shacks that pass for housing in the slums. Their hours of commitment to others meant less income for their own families, which has never seemed to matter to them. Their dedication was met with pleas for the most basic assistance by their patients and continually, the CHWs could do nothing. That story began to change as CHWs were enabled through modest donations by WWA founders and then WWA. The CHWs created remarkable impact for patients in over 50 households from grants of $300 or, less per project.
- Implemented a transportation fund for end-stage patients, allowing them to die with dignity in their village, thus saving their families the exorbitant expense of a cross-country funeral. (This savings has often resulted in children being able to stay in school, with appropriate books and supplies.)
- Implemented Christmas and Easter food baskets for 6 years running.
- Purchased malaria nets for all of their patients.
- Implemented a fund for transportation to and from the hospital and drugstore for check- ups, etc.
Today, the CHW's work with WWA and students from UI to conduct research on poverty in households affected by HIV. The research led to alarming results on debt in households and changed our programs. We are piloting health insurance with their households and continue to appreciate and be grateful for their unique perspective and relationship with their community. Walking a mile with the CHWs is truly walking with angels.