CONCEPT NOTE
Background
Historically, the Fulbe Kingdom of Ashanti Ghana is a patriarchal tribe, and throughout the kingdom’s history there has never been a Queen appointed to the throne.
When HRM King Osman bin Ahmed The Laamiido of Fulbe of Ashanti ascended to the throne in 2017, he was determined to modernize the Kingdom and bring it to the forefront with new ideas and ways of doing things. It is for this reason that in 2019 he appointed Ameenata Koita to The Sarauniya of Fulbe of Ashanti Throne.
Together they lead the Fulbe Kingdom of Ashanti. It is under this backdrop that this organization was formed.
The Sarauniya International Development Organization (SIDO) is a pioneering organization committed to catalyzing positive change in traditionally underserved and underutilized communities across Africa and her Diaspora.
Rooted in the belief that every individual possesses the promise of potential to actualize their life goals, SIDO is dedicated to empowering women, youth, and children through comprehensive social and economic interventions.
We have two divisions, one based in Ghana which serves the African Continent, and one based in the United States of America which serves the African Diaspora globally.
Together, they form SIDO.Vision:SIDO envisions vibrant and resilient communities where women, youth, and children are equipped with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Mission:Our mission is to develop and implement innovative programs aimed at fostering social and economic development in underserved communities, with a focus on health, business, education, and economic empowerment.
Objectives and Purposes:SIDO has been established with the following objectives and purposes:
● Facilitate Self-Sufficiency in Women: SIDO aims to break the cycle of poverty by facilitating self-sufficiency in women. Through targeted interventions, we empower women with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to become economically independent and self-reliant.
● Cultural Education: We recognize the importance of preserving and promoting cultural values, traditions, and norms. SIDO develops programs that teach cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity within communities.
● Address Issues of the Girl/Child: SIDO is committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by girls and children, including access to education, healthcare, entrepreneurship opportunities, and building self-esteem. By addressing these issues comprehensively, we strive to create a conducive environment for their holistic development.
● Grow Critical Thinkers: SIDO endeavors to grow the next generation of critical thinkers who can successfully compete on a global stage. Through education, mentorship, and experiential learning, we nurture young minds to think creatively, analytically, and ethically, preparing them for leadership roles in an interconnected world.Key Focus Areas:
● Health: SIDO recognizes the fundamental importance of health in enabling individuals to reach their full potential. Through targeted interventions, we aim to improve access to healthcare services, promote preventative measures, and address health disparities within our target communities.
● Education: Education is a cornerstone of empowerment. SIDO is committed to expanding access to quality education for women, youth, and children, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their aspirations and contribute to sustainable development.
● Economic Empowerment: SIDO believes in the transformative power of economic empowerment. We strive to create opportunities for entrepreneurship, vocational training, and financial literacy, enabling individuals to generate income, build assets, and achieve economic independence.
● Business Development: Entrepreneurship is a catalyst for economic growth and community development.
SIDO supports aspiring entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and access to resources, fostering the growth of sustainable businesses that drive positive change.
Approach:SIDO adopts a holistic approach to development, recognizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and cultural factors.
Our programs are designed to be participatory, inclusive, and culturally sensitive, empowering communities to take ownership of their development journey.
Collaboration:SIDO values partnerships and collaboration as essential drivers of impact.
We work closely with governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and networks, maximizing the reach and effectiveness of our interventions.
Conclusion:At SIDO, we are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to creating lasting change.
By empowering women, youth, and children in underserved communities across the African Diaspora, we are not only fulfilling their potential but also building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Thank you for considering our concept note.
We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and make a meaningful difference together.
Sincerely,HRM Queen Ameenata Koita Sarauniya of Fulbe of Ashanti
MY INITIATIVES
1. BRIGHT FUTURES Mentorship Program for Young Girls (Ages 9-12)* At Bright Futures, we believe in empowering young girls to embrace their journey of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. Our mentorship program, tailored for girls aged 9 to 12, is designed to nurture a positive self-image, foster resilience, and encourage personal achievements. Through interactive workshops, engaging activities, and one-on-one mentorship, we focus on crucial areas such as Self-Discovery, Body Positivity and Health, Building Confidence, Friendship and Communication, Overcoming Challenges, and Celebrating Achievements.
2. EMPOWERHER FUTURES Mentorship Program for Young Girls (Ages 13-16) EmpowerHer Futures is an innovative mentorship program designed specifically for young girls aged 13 to 16. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower participants by exploring essential life areas through a carefully structured curriculum. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, we aim to help these young women develop a strong sense of self, build resilience, and lay a solid foundation for their futures.
3. VISIONARY WOMEN Mentorship Program for Young Women (Ages 17-21)* Visionary Women is a dynamic mentorship program designed to support young women aged 17 to 21 in their transition from adolescence to adulthood. Our comprehensive approach focuses on empowering participants with the confidence, skills, and networks they need to navigate personal and professional landscapes successfully. By fostering an environment of growth, learning, and mutual support, we aim to inspire these young women to become leaders in their own lives and communities.
4. FULBE HERITAGE DISCOVERY PROGRAM The Fulani Heritage Discovery Program is an immersive and interactive educational initiative aimed at introducing children to the rich cultural tapestry of the Fulani people. Tailored for children aged 8 to 14, this program provides a unique opportunity to explore the traditions, values, and lifestyle of the Fulani community, with a special focus on the Fulani Code of Conduct.
5. SOLAR-POWERED ECO-FRIENDLY COOKING STOVES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVINGThe objective of this project is to introduce solar-powered, eco-friendly cooking stoves as a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal stoves. This initiative aims to empower women in Africa with clean energy solutions while contributing to environmental conservation.
6. EMPOWERING WOMEN IN RURAL AFRICA*Sustainable Food Preservation and Canning Initiative* This program is designed to empower women in rural areas of Africa with the knowledge and skills necessary to preserve food through canning. The initiative aims to enhance food security, reduce food waste, and improve nutritional intake throughout the year. The program will offer hands-on training, resources, and continuous support to ensure that participants can effectively apply these techniques within their communities.
7. BANANA PEEL INTO CLOTHING FABRICBanana fiber, derived from the outer sheaths formed by leaves that grow around the trunk of the banana plant, is a sustainable resource with a long history. Used since the 13th century for nautical ropes and ship rigging, banana fiber is now utilized in various products, including textiles and paper. The fiber ranges in length from 1.5 to 3 meters, depending on the leaf’s proximity to the trunk. The sheaths are cut into straps, fed into machines to extract the fiber, and then dried in the sun before processing. The fiber exhibits varying degrees of coarseness, with some fibers as soft and fine as silk, while others are coarser, akin to linen. It has excellent absorption properties, dries quickly, is alkali-proof, and dyes well. Furthermore, it blends easily with other natural fibers, enhancing its performance and qualities.
8. WOMEN’S HEALTH Health is a critical aspect of life in Africa, providing significant opportunities to improve the quality of life for its people. While traditional medicine has been a cornerstone of African health practices, modern medicine has also made substantial inroads. Although there have been some successes, the overall health situation leaves much to be desired. Many Africans are forced to spend considerable resources traveling abroad for medical attention, an option available only to those who can afford it. The migration of qualified health professionals from Africa further complicates the health landscape, particularly affecting economically disadvantaged individuals. This trend poses significant challenges in addressing key health issues that are unique to the region.
