AFASA is a Christian women’s development organization  comprised of 1000 women from twenty-five village women’s groups in Togo, West Africa. Founded in 1995, AFASA champions the issues of literacy, health and income for these women who are often the sole providers for their families.

THE LITERACY PROGRAM
This year (2009) the NATIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF TOGO tested the literacy level of women learning to read in the AFASA program. Out of 171 women being tested 160 passed! This covers beginning readers up through advanced readers. Each of these women received official reading certificates from the government.

It has been proven that mothers who know how to read, have healthier children. Their children are more often enrolled in schools and are more likely to succeed in education and life. For this reason, one of the primary purposes of AFASA is to teach the women of the country to read and write in Kabiye, their own language, and then they are able to master French, the language of the government and schools. Knowing French then opens additional doors of opportunity to them and their families.


A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM
A 2-year once-a-month program trains health workers from 25 villages. AFASA’s nurse presents and discusses topics such as clean water, hygiene and disease prevention. These workers then share their knowledge with their families and neighbors in the remote villages. As a result of this program, 20 wells have been dug providing good water, hygiene continues to improve and more medicines are available, along with the knowledge of when and how to administer them.

INCOME GENERATION INSTRUCTION & TOOLS
In its formative years, AFASA encouraged the village women to take their sick children to the clinics quickly for care. However, they didn’t have the funds to purchase medicines. Realizing that their future depended on their ability to sustain themselves and provide for their families, AFASA developed projects to assist the women in generating income, such as: making and selling donuts, raising chickens, making compost, producing quilt squares and other useful products using local fabrics. These varied projects and businesses have resulted in a business enterprise in the U.S., AFASA AFRICA which markets the goods created by AFASA women. The women are paid immediately for their work, which helps them meet the ever present needs of their families.  

The Togolese women have many  talents and a deep desire to lead productive lives. Making money from their work means food and medicine for their families, stronger and healthier children and the well earned satisfaction of knowing they have accomplished much. Your support, whether through the purchases of products on this site or through donations, makes a huge difference in the lives of these women. They are gracious, thankful people who have come to believe they too, have a purpose in life serving God with their talents and gifts.

For more information about AFASA, e-mail: inquiries@afasaafrica.com