This project to build the A2S OWA Center will provide career development, athletic, and wellbeing resources for children and youth living in extreme poverty in Benin City, Nigeria. We've listened to what our community needs and are taking a holistic approach with this project to help each program beneficiary find a dignified path to a successful life. In the local Bini language, "Owa" means "home". Many in our community call A2S home, so our staff are passionate about naming this building "Owa".
Material poverty robs people of the gift of choice. In our community, 40% of the population lives on less than $1 a day. The need to survive forces people to rely on vulnerable low-income work from an early age, preventing youth from gaining an education and building higher level skills that would allow them to live beyond their current means in adulthood. Additionally, the education systems that exist are highly theoretical and lack applied experiences that translate the working world.
Through career development opportunities, skills training, consistent athletic programming, and wellness services, we are taking a holistic approach to restoring our youth's ability to choose their own path. Our programs will empower them to live a purpose-driven life and be Godly stewards of their time, talents, and treasures in their communities. As we nurture these leaders with integrity, the ripple effect in their communities as they effect change will be immeasurable.
Our approach is to give the people that we serve the gift of choice so they can develop the agency that they need to become Godly stewards in whatever industry they choose to go into. Our ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty so the next generation of Nigerians can create thriving communities. Our approach starts with basic needs and gives our beneficiaries the tools and resources they need to rise above their circumstances and be given the choice to decide their futures.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
