Thank you for your interest in supporting our UIUCares projects! This year, we are aiming to raise $150,000 by the end of 2025 through our fundraising campaign. We plan to continue with our legacy programs as well as expanding the following:

Restoration Series: Build 2 more sanitation facilities and renovate more classrooms.
Scholarships: Offer 10 (ten) $1,000 scholarships to Igbo students in the U.S. and support 40 students in Anambra and Enugu with school fees, supplies, and stipends.
Technology Program: Expand from 12 to 18 students, teaching computer literacy to secondary school students in Eastern Nigeria.
Girls Health Program: Expand our efforts to provide sanitary products and health education to girls.
Relief Projects: Continue providing food aid to underserved communities in Nigeria
Apprenticeship Program: Expand to 6 candidates per year, empowering them to gain skills and start their own businesses.

This year, UIUCares aims to align our initiatives, projects and programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Some of the goals we have met so far, are as follows:

1: No Poverty – Supporting underserved communities with essential resources (Apprenticeship)

2: Zero Hunger – Addressing food insecurity and providing immediate nourishment (Feeding).

3: Good Health and Well-being – Promoting healthier lifestyles and improving health outcomes (Girls Health).

4: Quality Education - Ensuring that every child has access to learning materials and opportunities to thrive academically (Technology).

5: Gender Equality - focuses on equal opportunities for girls and women ( Apprenticeship and Technology).

6: Available and sustainable management of water and sanitation - Building of toilets, sinks, wells, etc. (Restoration series)

8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - promoting workforce and building generational wealth (Apprenticeship and Technology)

9: Infrastructure - building classrooms, libraries, labs, sanitation facilities, etc. (Restoration series)

10: Reduced Inequalities - Bridging the gap for underserved children by giving them the tools they need to succeed (Relief and Scholarship).

17: Partnerships for the goals - building partnerships with other organizations who have like minded mission and vision (Community Outreach).

We invite you to learn more about our completed projects and future plans by checking out our story. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!

Who are we?

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, Austin, Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, DMV, Houston, Los Angeles, New England, North Carolina, Tristate (NY, NJ, CT), Wisconsin, and Toronto.

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 has focused its primary community service initiatives on making a significant impact in Nigeria, targeting the most underserved populations. To enhance our efforts, we established a UIUCares office in Enugu State, Nigeria. The office is staffed by three full-time employees who manage and oversee projects in our key focus areas mentioned above, ensuring effective execution and positive change in the community.

In the field of education, we offer scholarship programs, a technology initiative, and renovations for classrooms, laboratories, and libraries. For healthcare accessibility, we have the Girls Health Program and sanitation facility renovations. Our relief programs include feeding initiatives for children, disabled citizens, widows, and other vulnerable populations. To support wealth creation, we offer an apprenticeship program. Learn more about our efforts and consider sponsoring a child's education or trade training, purchasing a laptop, providing sanitary/hygiene products, or contributing to building renovations.

1. 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, in 2024, we 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:

Abakpa Girls Secondary School, Capital City Secondary School, City Girls College, Community Secondary School Agulu Awka, Day Secondary School, Girls Secondary School Amaenyi, Government Secondary School, Government Technical College, Igwebuike Secondary School, Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School, and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School.

3. Technology Program - Provide access to laptops to introduce basic computer knowledge and skills to secondary students in 6 month sessions.

UIUCares offers two six-month sessions annually to eligible students, with the number of participants varying each year. The program provides laptops and comprehensive training in computer literacy, empowering students with essential skills that enhance their marketability and pave the way for success in their chosen careers. Upon completing the program, students will be proficient in navigating various computer programs, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and email. The program started initially as three 12 (twelve) week sessions but has progressed to 6 months per cohort to ensure that all students receive comprehensive training.

There has been a great interest in our technology program, and we have more students clamoring to get into this exceptional course. We have decided to expand the program to 18 students in each cohort. Therefore we are expanding the classroom to a bigger area, adding 12 more laptops, a projector and screen and building larger desks to accomodate more students. Would you like to partner with us?

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. In 2024, 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.

In 2024, we were fortunate to be able to add 4 more participants in the apprenticeship program (nylon making, tailoring, make-up, and automobile electrician).

6. RESTORATION SERIES:

Classroom Renovation

Following the success of our pilot sanitation project in Trans Ekulu in 2023 (see pictures below), UIUCares completed a comprehensive renovation of a five-classroom block at Capital City Secondary School in Awka, Anambra State, in 2024. 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 floors and tiles, 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.

.

Sanitation Programs-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 luncheon with the students and some community members.

In December 2024, UIUCares also built a 10-room toilet facility at Urban Girls Secondary School, Ekwulobia, Anambra State!

With a total student population of 950, the school faces a pressing need for improved sanitation facilities to ensure a safe and healthy educational environment for all students and staff. This transformational project was made possible by the incredible generosity of our donor, Ms. Angie Nwandu. Your support empowers these young girls with better health, dignity, and an enhanced learning environment. ✨ Thank you, Angie, for inspiring change and making a difference.

This project aligns with a few of United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation speaks directly to the facilities we provide. SDG 4: Quality Education ensures that students learn in a clean and safe environment, while SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure shows our commitment to building long-lasting solutions.

Together, we’re shaping a brighter, sustainable future for all!

We’re committed to making these stories of transformation a reality in even more schools. Together, we can make a difference.

Classroom Renovation of Owerri City Secondary School, completed on December 15, 2024.

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.

Tiles and roof completed.

Our interventions are designed 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, inspiring continued progress. Our success is only possible with your help. Partner with us to expand our reach to other parts of Igbo Land. We deeply appreciate your support as we strive to make a positive impact both at home and in the diaspora. Dalu nu (Thank you all).

7. 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.

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.

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.

Where should we go next? Send your ideas to uiucares@umuigbounite.com

2025 UIUCares Campaign

Community | Education | Healthcare

Team Leaderboard

Team Members