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.

We in the Midwest region have banded together to raise funds for these UIUCares focus areas:

Chicago: Education Initiatives

Wisconsin: Relief programs - Underserved people and Prison relief

Detroit: Technology program and Food relief

Our goal is to reflect the UIU Cares mission across Region 4 while highlighting the diverse needs our chapters are addressing in our communities.

You can find more information about UIUCares here: https://umuigbounite.com/uiucares/

Education Initiatives:

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.

Relief programs:

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.

The UIU Relief Program (UIUCares) provides vital humanitarian support to vulnerable communities in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States. Through food aid distributions, it has assisted over 1000 families with essential supplies, reducing food insecurity.

Prison Relief

Just in time for Christmas,

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?

UIUCares Midwest Campaign

Team Leaderboard

Team Members