Thank you for your interest in donating to our UIUCares projects! Join our fundraising campaign, for this year, we aim to raise $100,000 by the end of 2024. Check out our story and our completed projects and future plans.

About UIUCares

UIUCares is the community service arm of Umu Igbo Unite (UIU), a cultural promotion group dedicated to exporting the norms, values, and traditions of Igbos. UIU is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that promotes cultural preservation and appreciation, professional development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement among Igbos in the diaspora and in Nigeria. We are the foremost network of Igbo Americans. Since our inception in 2005, UIU has grown to over 5,000 members nationwide with 14 active chapters: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, DMV, New England, Tristate (NY, NJ, CT), Chicago, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Twin Cities, Bay Area, Austin, Seattle, and North Carolina.

UIUCares was established in 2014 and aims to address the diverse needs of umuigbo living in Nigeria and the diaspora using a multi-faceted approach that encompasses four focus areas:

Education
Healthcare Accessibility
Wealth Creation
Relief

Through generous contributions and the support of philanthropic donors, UIUCares endeavors to serve the underprivileged individuals residing in various communities within Nigeria and the diaspora, by providing essential provisions including food, clothing, healthcare services, educational opportunities, and vocational training.

Since 2021, UIU’s primary community service initiatives have involved heavily investing in our presence in Nigeria and striving to make a positive change in the lives of those who are most underserved in the country. With that focus in mind, we opened a UIUCares office in Enugu State, Nigeria. The office is staffed by three full time employees who execute and oversee projects in our focus areas, mentioned above.

What have we done?

1. UIUCares International Student Scholarship - We have given $70,000 to International students who are studying in the United States at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Through the International Student Scholarship, UIUCares supports the undergraduate and graduate studies of deserving international students. Since 2017, we have awarded $70,000 in scholarships to 70 international students of Igbo descent who are attending college/university within the United States. With the support of the Gwacham 5 Foundation, we have been able to continue this initiative with a pledge of $50,000 for five years (2023-2027). We are forever grateful for their unwavering support.

2. Nigeria School Scholarship Program - Sponsor the secondary school education for 40 secondary school students in Southeastern Nigeria

Launched in 2022, we carefully selected 20 promising young students in the Enugu area and most recently have added an additional 20 students from the Anambra area. Our aim is to continue to provide educational assistance and financial support to these 40 secondary school students in eleven (11) schools through termly stipends and one-time annual school fees payments. Additionally, we provide these students with an annual stipend to cover expenses such as uniforms, books, backpacks, and other necessities. We are filled with great enthusiasm for the bright futures that await these students.

The beneficiaries of this scholarship are indigent but brilliant students in these public secondary schools listed below.

ENUGU STATE	ANAMBRA STATE
Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School	Girls Secondary School Amaenyi
Abakpa Girls Secondary School	Capital City Secondary School
Day Secondary School	Igwebuike Secondary School
Government Secondary School	Community Secondary School Agulu Awka
City Girls College	Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School
Government Technical College

3. Technology Program - Provide laptops to introduce basic computer knowledge and skills to secondary students in three twelve-week sessions.

UIUCares sponsored three twelve-week programs for twelve students per program where we provided laptops and worked with the students to actively hone their computer literacy skills, equipping themselves with essential knowledge to enhance their marketability and achieve success in their chosen professional paths. Upon completion of the program, these students will possess the competence to proficiently navigate a range of computer programs including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and email. The program has progressed to 6 months per cohort to ensure that all students receive proper training.

4. Girls Health Program - Provide menstrual hygiene education and sanitary pads for students

The objective of our Girls Health Program is to provide a sustainable, comprehensive education on menstrual health to young girls in secondary schools within the Southeastern region of Nigeria. Presently, we are collaborating with our dedicated Enugu team to develop seminars that cover a range of health education topics. This year, we partnered with five schools to provide menstrual health education, hygiene and free sanitary products. We have served over 400 girls in this program and hope to develop partnerships to expand this essential program across Nigeria.

5. Apprenticeship program - Training young adults to gain mastery in a skill of their choice and promote future entrepreneurship.

Launched in 2023, UIUCares was delighted to start our very own Apprenticeship program, recognizing the tremendous potential that lies in pursuing one's passion and providing training opportunities that can lead to expertise and foster job creation. This initiative pays homage to the rich heritage of "Igba-Boi," a longstanding tradition that has shaped some of our most accomplished entrepreneurs. Through this program, young individuals can learn a skill of their choice over a specific duration, acquire mastery in that field, and ultimately establish their own businesses, an endeavor known as 'akaoru' in Igbo culture. In collaboration with our Enugu team, we have carefully selected 6 candidates who will be pursuing apprenticeships in Baking, Sewing, Computer/Phone Repairs, Shoe Making, Graphic Design, Welding, machinery.

We are so proud of our apprentices and the dedication they're showing to their individual craft. We believe in them and know they will go on to do great things. Special thank you to Chidobe Awuzie for your continued support with all of our programs and projects.

This is Rita, who is in her 5th month of learning how to sew. She is making incredible progress and is well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a powerful fashion designer.

6. Relief Programs - Back to school programs, feeding programs, impact skills programs, prison outreach, world malaria day

UIUCares has successfully organized the Back-to-School program at Urban Girls Secondary School in Ekwulobia, Anambra State. As part of our initiative, we distributed essential educational materials including books, pens, and mathematics sets to 200 students. The impact of these supplies on the students' academic journey cannot be understated.

The school has a total student population of 950, there is a pressing need for improved sanitation facilities to ensure a safe and healthy education environment for all students and staff.

As an active presence within the Enugu community, we have firsthand knowledge of various populations facing significant challenges and requiring support. Throughout the year, we successfully organized several impactful initiatives such as anti-cultism and drugs program for students, free clothing drive for people fleeing from community land disputes, distribution of food items and the renovation of living quarters for families in need. Moving forward, we remain committed to effecting tangible and measurable change as UIUCares continues its mission of transforming communities and empowering individuals in need.

Bridging Hearts Across Borders

We are overjoyed to announce the successful completion of our community outreach program in Amafor Isingwu, Ohuhu, Umuahia North, Abia State!

The warm reception, heartfelt gratitude, and prayers from the community have deeply touched our hearts. Their excitement and appreciation during these challenging times remind us of the power of unity and compassion.

This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Goal 1: No Poverty – Supporting underserved communities with essential resources.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger – Addressing food security and providing immediate nourishment.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Promoting healthier lifestyles and improving health outcomes.

To our incredible sponsors, Chidobe Awuzie (@chido) and Dr. Victor Okeh (@dr.okeh) – your generous support is fueling impactful change. Together, we’re building a brighter future, one step at a time.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Share, support, and join us in uplifting lives across Nigeria and beyond.

7. Classroom Renovation Project-Capital City Secondary School, Awka, Anambra State

After the success of our pilot sanitation project in Trans Ekulu in 2023 (see pictures below), for the year 2024, UIUCares has completed a comprehensive renovation of a 5-classroom block at Capital City Secondary School in Awka, Anambra State. The original classrooms were in disrepair, with weak walls, collapsed ceilings, and a leaking roof. We replaced the walls, installed new windows and doors, updated the flooring and tiling, and addressed the ceiling and roof issues.

Our goal was to create a safe and conducive learning environment that fosters growth, creativity, and success for students and teachers. No child should have to attend school under such poor conditions, and we are dedicated to providing the supportive environment every student deserves.

Before.

After.

Sanitation Program-Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu

The UIUCares initiative to provide toilets for the 2300 students and staff of Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School Enugu began in early 2023. The project has been a massive success thanks to donations of our benefactors. This is a benchmark project of UIUCares which we hope to replicate in other local schools. There are many schools in Nigeria that lack the basic necessities for their students. This building contains 10 toilet stalls, 10 sinks, pumps, 2 overhead tanks and a well. We are happy for the long-lasting impact that UIUCares will have at this school for the current students and for many generations to come. This project was completed in July 2023. Pictures below show the progress and final product with a launcheon with the students and some community members.

8. Current renovation of Owerri City Secondary School

Project Timeline: November 15, 2024 – December 15, 2024

Expected Beneficiaries: 2,025 students

Owerri City Secondary School, serving a mixed population of 2,025 boys and girls, faces critical infrastructure challenges that threaten the safety and comfort of students and staff. The school's current condition requires urgent intervention to address security vulnerabilities and structural decay. The proposed project focuses on three key areas of renovation: replacement of iron doors and windows, replacement of leaking roofs and replacing ceilings throughout the school buildings.

1. Replacement of Iron Doors and Windows: Protect school properties from theft and vandalism while fostering a safer atmosphere for academic activities.

2. Ceilings Replacement: Replace damaged or old ceilings with new materials to enhance durability and insulation. Ensure ceilings are installed in a way that prevents further deterioration and reduces exposure to extreme weather.

3. Repair of Leaking Roofs: Remove and replace damaged roofs on school blocks to ensure a more conducive learning environment.

We will update as the project progresses to the end of 2024.

These interventions are intended to create a secure, safe, and conducive environment for both students and staff. Your contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of these students and inspire continued progress. We will continue to be successful only with your help. There is more to come. Partner with us to expand our reach to other parts of Igbo Land. We appreciate your support as we strive to continue to make a positive impact at home and in the diaspora!

Dalu nu (Thank you all).

2024 UIUCares Campaign

Community | Education | Healthcare

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Team Members