-Transforming Hope into Action: Empowering Liberia’s Future, One Woman at a Time

On Saturday, September 26, 2024, in a heartwarming evening at a  gala event in Champaign, Illinois, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. – Epsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter solidified its continued support for Change Agent Network (CAN), a nonprofit organization founded by Mr. Eric Willise Wowoh. For nearly three years, the sorority has partnered with CAN to uplift communities in rural Liberia through educational and vocational programs.

This partnership began with the launch of a tailoring program at the CAN Leadership Academy which equips students and community members with vital skills for sustainable futures. The Academy is located in Bong County, Central Liberia.

Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Stefania Forte, CAN’s Board President, and the initiative of Dr. Sammer Jones, this program has been a life-changing opportunity for many.

A milestone moment occurred during the event as an initial US$5,000 donation was presented to expand the tailoring program to the CAN Leadership Academy in Fissibu Town, Zorzor District, Northern Liberia. This expansion will empower even more individuals, providing them with the tools to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for their families.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Wowoh remarked, “This partnership with the oldest African-American sorority marks a significant step forward for CAN. We are humbled and inspired by their commitment to Liberia’s growth.”

CAN’s Work and Impact in Liberia: A Catalyst for Change

Change Agent Network (CAN) has been critical in Liberia’s development, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Since its founding, CAN has built 23 schools across six counties and established a university, providing quality education to thousands of children and creating sustainable opportunities for adults. These efforts go beyond simple education; CAN fosters self-reliance, vocational skills, and leadership, giving the next generation the tools they need to rebuild their country from the ground up.

In a nation where over 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and educational infrastructure is scarce, CAN’s impact is transformative. The organization plays a crucial role in combating the ‘darkness of the mind’ by promoting education and critical thinking and the ‘darkness of the heart’ by embedding strong Christian values and a heart for service within its students. The schools and vocational programs   provide   a   pathway   to   self-sufficiency,   economic independence, and community leadership, making CAN a beacon of hope in Liberia’s post-war recovery.

The tailoring program, in particular, has been instrumental in empowering women and girls, many of whom face limited access to education and financial independence. By teaching practical skills,  the program enables them to generate income, support their families, and break the generational cycle of poverty. This program is part of a broader vision for a self-sustaining Liberia, one that CAN is steadily building through education, community empowerment, and faith- driven leadership.

Dr. Sammer Saleh Jones: A Visionary Leader Committed to Liberia’s Future

Dr. Sammer Saleh Jones, whose leadership has been instrumental in building this partnership, serves as the Director of Global Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In her role, she fosters international relationships at the institutional, national, and international levels. With a passion for education and social justice,    Dr. Jones has deep roots in Liberia, where she was born and attended Cathedral High School in Liberia before relocating to the United States. Despite leaving Liberia, her connection to her homeland remains strong, with much of her family, including her parents, still residing in Monrovia.

Dr. Jones’s academic accomplishments reflect her commitment to creating change, especially in underserved communities. She holds  a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med and African-American Studies from Simmons College, a Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Boston University, and both an MBA and a PhD in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. Her research focuses on the nineteenth-century educational history of Liberia, demonstrating her dedication to understanding and addressing the historical context of the country’s challenges.

Her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is long-standing, as    she is a Life Member and Silver Soror, celebrating 31 years of active service. Dr. Jones is also a proud chair of the Women and Girls Empowerment (WAGE) Project, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to combat poverty by providing women and girls in Liberia with vocational education, starting with tailoring.

AKA Sorority’s Commitment to Empowerment in Liberia

As part of the WAGE Project, the Epsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Winding Ivy Foundation have continually sought ways to make a lasting difference. Their efforts have supported initiatives in Liberia since 2009, from book donations   to tackling period poverty. In 2022, they donated over 200 undergarments to support the Eta Beta Omega Chapter’s project addressing menstrual hygiene needs.

“Our vision is to create a better world for women and girls where they have options for education and financial sustainability,” Dr. Jones emphasized. “It’s about empowering communities to become self- sustaining and independent. The work we’re doing now is laying the foundation for long-term transformation.”

Dr. Jones’s profound connection to Liberia and her ongoing work with CAN exemplify the unity of purpose that drives the sorority’s mission.

Together with CAN, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority aims to continue expanding educational and empowerment initiatives that uplift underserved communities, making a lasting impact both locally and internationally.

For more information on CAN’s work, visit: www.canintl.org .  To learn more about Winding Ivy Community Development Foundation, Inc.., visit:  https://www.windingivy.org/