Micro-Grants
HEAL Africa has provided micro-grants for thousands of vulnerable people who often live on less than a dollar a day. The micro-grant strategy was developed by the Congolese staff of HEAL Africa and not by an institution that is not connected to the reality on the ground. The ongoing unrest in Congo calls for a different type of financial assistance and HEAL Africa uses financial training, savings collectives, small business training, and community accountability to maximize the impact of the micro-grant.
Micro-grants through HEAL Africa are given to the poorest of the poor. Many have just returned from living in internally displaced people camps or are in difficult health situations. HEAL Africa focuses on the following target groups:
Widows
Widows are marginalized in many ways in Congo. They are often blamed directly or indirectly for the death of their husband. The AMAVESA program was founded by the HEAL Africa hospital administrator, herself a widow, to encourage and create support for other widows. About 750 widows now are part of this group, and the key to success is that each group helps "give birth" to a new group and nurtures it along. By "paying it forward" in this way, they are able to provide an emotional and spiritual support base, as well as providing practical support
AMAVESA has been a factor for change in women's lives not only through micro-grants but also by encouraging and providing an emotional and spiritual support base. Literacy, practical business advice, a structure for saving, and the motivation to help others are key elements of this program.
Orphans
HEAL Africa’s policy is to encourage foster families rather than orphanages or institutions. In the long term, it is more constructive to help foster families become stronger and keep children within the family structure as much as possible. Micro-grants are given to families who have taken in orphans whose parents have died, many as a result of AIDS or the war.
Often when an orphan is taken into a foster family, they do not go to school because it is difficult enough for the family to send their biological children to school; one of the stipulations of the grant is that the family must put money in a savings account every month that will pay for the child's education.
People Living with Disabilities
As a hospital specializing in orthopedic surgery, HEAL Africa sees people who have lived with crippling physical disabilities their whole lives. Many have been marginalized from society without adequate support or care. In addition to medical treatment, HEAL Africa offers vocational training and micro-grants for people living with disabilities restoring their dignity and giving them the opportunity to start their own business.
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HEAL Africa General Fund: Used where most needed. This is the most effective use of your funds because it enables HEAL Africa to use your money two or three times, filling funding gaps and paying for patients’ care.
Thank you for your support of HEAL Africa. HEAL Africa is a registered 501(c)3 charity and issues receipts in accordance with the IRS. Check Donations: Send a check to HEAL Africa, at the following address: HEAL Africa, PO Box 147, Monroe, WA 98272