MODULE 2: Advancing with WEP Through Partnerships

Last year during what is now an annual sickle cell awareness campaign in which I use fashion and style to raise awareness on sickle cell and how it affects those going through this chronic health condition, we did a fund raiser in June in lieu of sickle cell day. Through this fund raiser, we were able to provide over 250 people with sickle cell in four towns with routine daily medications like Folic Acid. It was during this campaign on routine medicine distribution that I had the idea to do more than just give the warriors drugs. 

You see, a lot of these amazing humans are sidelined when it comes to gainful employment, not because of a lack of ability but due to the stigma and misconceptions many in society have towards people with sickle cell. Add to that, most who really want to do something for themselves are often left sad and depressed. So I thought about how to empower them to better take care of themselves. And so, when we had to go to Bamenda, I had a discussion with the Chair lady of the Association of persons with sickle cell in Bamenda on how we can do more than just provide basic drugs. We brained stormed and came up with simple basic skills which could also be quickly and gainfully implemented for financial gain such as learning how to make scotch eggs, puff puff, manicure etc. 

Feedback was so encouraging that we decided to do this as part of our many official programs at Joy2Endure Foundation. Our goal is to bring hope to persons living with sickle cell disease, helping them find joy and meaning in life in spite of the numerous challenges that we deal with daily.

Applying Module 2 of the Change Makers Lab Lessons.

I planned this launch as part of the June campaign program this year. I started a fund raiser like I did last year but I travelled to the U.S.A for the WILD program and the fund raiser was flat... we raised just barely enough to help less than two people. Discouragement was already setting in coupled with the multiple losses of loved ones but yet, I  had to press on.

Now that the fund raiser was flat, I had to use what I set as start income before I launched the fund raiser and with what gifts in cash I received while in the US to carry on the program.

The module helped me see that I was tapping at the different powers I have.
The power within helped me see that my determination in life couldn't let me give this project up in spite of the huge financial challenge. I taped on my ability to rally people to a cause and with a small team of volunteers, we quickly put things into place. We had others look for willing teachers who could share their expertise in soap making, beads making and basic graphic designs pro bono while I focused on making gadgets , getting the necessary medications and refreshments. This led to me tapping into the power to and power with because, by working with the other volunteers, we formed a collective with capable hands to bring in a positive change to our target community. Power over was a bit of a challenge as our coffers were a bit dry but in some amazing way, we got some huge support meant for personal use one week to the program but which was redirected to the program. And so after many ups and downs, on Saturday, August 20th, We had our first official launch of the Warrior Empowerment Program (WEP). We had about 26 participants including teachers and parents. 20 warriors benefited from routine daily medications to last them at least 3.5 months, a mini hot water flask to help with the cold weather in Yaounde now. 

The joy from the warriors was well worth the efforts and sacrifices that went into it and the feedback of a few saying they are getting ready to put the lessons into practice warmed the heart. It ties well with my desire of not only giving them fish but also teaching them how to independently catch fish to take better care of themselves and be valuable members of the society. Yesterday, I was inspired to get over my fear after going through the different videos of module 2 and reach out to ask another sickle cell related organisation if we could partner to reach more warriors with our WEP program. So, far, they are showing interest in the partnership and one can only wish. Raising independent warriors is our focus with this program.

We are also opened to others who may be interested to walk with us in this journey to impact more warriors with valuable life skills.

Thank you.