Programs
Happiness requires something to do, something to love and something to hope for.
Swahili Proverb
It is the mission, duty, and purpose of Mimosa International Foundation of America, Inc. (MIFoA, Inc.) to support and raise awareness of disadvantaged children, families, and communities in developing countries to help them achieve self-sufficiency. Our desire is to empower women, children, and families by providing support and resources in the areas of education, healthcare, and vocational training that will provide them with the skills to rise above their current conditions. MIFoA will attempt to accomplish this by developing international partnerships through volunteer interpersonal connections and who are committed to global service through our programs.
MIFoA is a non-profit corporation that was organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code.
How it Started…
In December 2017, the co-founders of the MIFoA (Gwen Thornton, PhD LCSW and Jane Parker, MSW, Department of Social Work faculty members) in partnership with the Virginia State University Office of International Education sponsored a faculty-led study-abroad trip that offered students a two-week global service-learning opportunity in Jukwa and Winneba, Ghana, West Africa. Students and the faculty worked alongside local community partners to identify and complete needed tasks for a number of community projects. While working with local community partners, they had an impactful, immersive, and life-changing experience. During their time in Ghana, they were approached by Ghanaian children and families asking for their help. These individuals were not merely seeking handouts but opportunities to have a better life than what they were accustomed to in their experiences. While in Ghana during this time, the faculty and students developed relationships with Ghanaian residents and community partners that have remained strong for more than 3 ½ years.
In 2019, between August and November, Dr. Thornton spent three months on sabbatical in the Central Region of Ghana where she initiated various activities that set the foundation for creating the MIFoA. The primary objective of Dr. Thornton’s sabbatical was to engage in and collaborate with community leaders regarding community, healthcare, and educational needs in the Central Region of Ghana. During this time period, in collaboration with school administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and community leaders, she provided her expertise, knowledge, and skills in community and program development. She assisted in the development of a 5-year Educational Strategic Plan for Divine Kids Academy (DKA). As a result of this initiative, she assisted in identifying a network of international donors (colleagues and friends) for the provision of educational resources and equipment for the academic success of children attending DKA. The engagement, collaboration, and partnership with donors resulted in the purchase of desks, textbooks, computers, and building of a computer lab for grades one through grade six. These collaborative efforts inspired the formation of the Mimosa International Foundation of America, Inc.
Upon Dr. Thornton’s return to the United States, in December 2019, the Mimosa International Foundation of America was founded by a group of individuals who shared a common interest in providing healthcare, educational, vocational training, other charitable services and resources to underprivileged women, children and families in underserved remote areas across the continent of Africa and the African Diaspora to help them to achieve self-sufficiency. We aim to foster a better understanding of the multicultural nature of Africans through interpersonal connections that our volunteers will make in various parts of Africa, including Ghana and Uganda as a start.
The Mimosa International Foundation of America is working to bring together a larger global network of educators, health professionals, and qualified vocational trainers, researchers, individuals, and communities who are dedicated to quality education, accessible healthcare, and the provision of various vocational training opportunities. We understand the importance of the African proverb, “it takes a village” concept, and we are building foundations with people to collaborate in this collective effort globally.
MIFoA hopes to accomplish its mission and goals through the Education, Health, Vocational Training, and Volunteer Programs and activities as described below.