Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2024, Acquisition International | 19 shelter, as well as broadening its community outreach, amplifying its impact through collaborations and technology. None of this tremendous work would be possible were it not for the generous donors who fund this vital cause. Funding challenges mean that Uzima’s ability to provide its fantastic service is at risk, as despite receiving small grants from the government, these do not cover the wide range of areas in which the team here are continuing to help. As Jacobet explains, “any donation, no matter the size, can make a profound difference. With your support, we can sustain and expand our programmes, impacting more lives in Canadian communities.” In closing, Jacobet takes a moment to thanks those around her for this award and continued support, stating, “we at Uzima Women Relief Group International are deeply grateful for the support we have received from the Canadian community thus far and are optimistic about what we can achieve together. Your continued support and involvement are crucial as we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of as many people as possible.” Contact: Jacobet Wambayi Company: Uzima Women Relief Group International Web Address: https://uzimawomeninternational.org/ Best Regional & International Marginalized Women’s Support Organization 2024 - Canada The primary focus of Uzima Women Relief Group International (Uzima) is poverty alleviation and to instil greater wellbeing across those groups most at risk, be it as a result of health challenges or a lack of economic opportunities. Education and nutrition are two of the primary avenues explored by the team here, with some of their recent and ongoing initiatives concentrating on distributing basic groceries and other food to seniors across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as providing them with wellness workshops to remedy loneliness. At the other end of the spectrum, Uzima also provides young people with health and hygiene kits, in addition to offering empowerment and development workshops designed to help these individuals secure a good future career for themselves. Families are another area of focus for the team, particularly those who have been on the receiving end of traumatic violence. Through its running of mental health and wellbeing educational workshops, young people and families going through these issues have somewhere they can turn for help and support. Central to Uzima’s success is a remarkable team of individuals that drive its community outreach. Embodying the organisation’s values of compassion, dedication, and innovation wherever possible, the internal culture here is unsurprisingly based on empowerment, with collaboration, transparency, and ongoing education cherished so as to encourage everyone to bring their ideas to the table. Adhering to this culture sees the team able to navigate the NPO sphere well, innovating and benefiting the wider field of health and education support. It is its enduring and multifaceted commitment to collaboration and innovation that distinguishes Uzima from other like-minded organisations operating in this space, with Founder and Executive Director Jacobet Wambayi and her team constantly seeking out new partnerships and innovative approaches that can further enhance these programmes. As for the specifics of some of these programmes, one standout has been the Flourish Project, which only recently wrapped up after being in operation for just shy of six years. Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Flourish Project was carried out with help from the Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, and engages with, supports, and empowers women impacted by FGM. By educating and raising awareness through health and community service providers, the team here are further strengthening the support network available for survivors, with a sustainable virtual access pathway and robust support links also provided to both survivors and those aged 16 and above deemed to be at risk. Looking ahead to the future of Uzima, there are a number of plans in the pipeline for the rest of 2024 and beyond, with all of this building off of the widespread interest and momentum garnered by the organisation in recent times. Aside from supporting seniors and empowering the youth as discussed above, other ongoing initiatives include aiding Ontario’s poor through the providing of resources such as food, clothing, and Uzima Women Relief Group International was incorporated back in 2012 and has been providing care and support to women and families impacted by violence and disease in its native Canada and on an international scale ever since. Contributing all that it can to global efforts concerning relieving property and improving the health and education of women, the team here are working towards a vision where women fully understand their rights, can access quality health and education services, and can achieve economic stability.
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