IMPACT STATEMENT

The target beneficiaries of RUWOYSI’s intervention activities include women, youths and children.

Through our economic empowerment activities, we have trained and empowered over 10,000 adolescents and young women over the span of 20 years with economic skills, start-up kits/equipment, and start-up capital to engage in economic ventures across all 65 LGAs of Kaduna, Benue and Lagos states.

Our activities stem from our thematic priorities and integrate several components that feed into data generation to identify areas of needs, capacity building to enhance sustainable local leadership in advancing solutions and sustaining them, humanitarian response initiatives during conditions of civic unrests or natural disasters, and social development interventions promote equitable and balanced societal structures. Furthermore, we develop and disseminate Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials as well as Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) materials to advance ”top-of-mind” awareness of key messages and adoption of simple doable actions to sustain and promote good social practices for preservation of health, social cohesion, general advancement of society and strengthening of its institutions

Annual Summer School Project

RUWOYSI hosts an annual summer school engagement for teenager and adolescents. This typically features sensitizations in good hygiene practices and home economics, leadership fundamentals training, proper public speaking and debating, social etiquette and career counseling.

Sanitary pads are also routinely distributed to girls transitioning into menstruation and puberty.

Surveys are also conducted to assess the academic challenges of participants to influence programming and engagement curricular for optimized impact and usefulness of engagement.

This is usually conducted in collaboration with the CEE Hope Foundation who provide support funding and resource materials to be distributed to the participants.

STEER PROJECT

In 2015 -2018 RUWOYSI implemented the Systems Transformed for Empowered Action and Enabling Responses for vulnerable children and families (STEER) project with support from USAID through SCI with activities encompassing 5 thematic areas including health and nutrition, education, child protection, food security, livelihoods and social protection, aimed to provide comprehensive coordinated care for vulnerable households. Under the project, RUWOYSI worked with 5000 beneficiaries in 10 communities of Kachia LGA of Kaduna state and 1000 caregivers who were empowered with economic skills under the Household Economic Strengthening for improved welfare and capacity to provide support and nourishment for the 4000 primary beneficiaries. The 5000 Beneficiaries underwent HCT with referrals where necessary, and nutrition training with demonstrations for improved nutrition for malnourished women and vulnerable children (including pregnant women) affected by HIV.

Partnerships for Transforming Health Systems (PATHS) PROJECT

In 2006, RUWOYSI partnered with several other CSOs in collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with support from the Department for International Development (DFID) in the conduct of a pilot health survey titled Partnerships for Transforming Health Systems which targeted 2000 households in Benue State of Nigeria, systematically selected according to predetermined criteria and demographic considerations. The objective of the survey was to obtain state level representative estimates of selected PATHS log-frame indicators with enough precision and power to detect potentially significant differences with another estimate of the same indicators to be carried out in the future, around the end of the PATHS timeline.

Implementation entailed advocacy and engagement to gather information on the households structures, members and their various socio-cultural orientations as they relate to health practices, health facility coverage of the target localities, child illnesses prevalent and immunizations records, live births, and general healthcare knowledge of respondents.

RUWOYSI Community Nutrition Education & Growth Monitoring Exercise

In the heart of our partner communities, RUWOYSI’s commitment to maternal and child health comes to life through our Routine Nutrition Education and Growth Monitoring Exercises.

At RUWOYSI, growth monitoring is more than just a measurement; it is a holistic touchpoint for family wellness. Our routine exercises include:

  • MUAC Screening & Weight Tracking: Regular assessment of children aged 0–5 years to detect and prevent stunting and wasting.

  • Nutrition Education for Caregivers: Hands-on workshops teaching mothers and guardians how to prepare balanced meals using affordable, locally available ingredients like moringa, groundnuts, and seasonal vegetables.

  • Exclusive Breastfeeding Advocacy: Providing support and counseling for nursing mothers to ensure infants get the best start in life.

  • Hygiene & Sanitation (WASH) Training: Educating families on clean water practices to prevent waterborne diseases that often lead to nutritional loss.

  • Referral Pathways: Connecting severely malnourished children to specialized medical care and therapeutic feeding programs.

Through these consistent community outreaches, RUWOYSI isn't just monitoring growth—we are nurturing potential. Every millimeter on that MUAC tape represents a child’s right to a healthy, vibrant future.

Success Stories

Project Partners: RUWOYSI & Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

Focus Areas: Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) & Women-in-Leadership (WiL)

Location: 11 LGAs across Kaduna State, Nigeria

In many communities across Kaduna State, women possess the drive and the talent, but often lack the structural support to move from the sidelines into decision-making roles. In 2020, RUWOYSI partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to change this narrative. The goal was twofold: to provide the economic foundation for independence and the leadership framework for lasting social influence.

The project targeted 11 LGAs, reaching into the heart of 30 different communities to spark a leadership revolution:

  • Economic Mastery (WEE): 100 beneficiaries received intensive vocational training and mentorship, turning local talents into sustainable businesses.

  • Leadership & Governance (WiL): 455 strategic participants were selected for a deep dive into the fundamentals of social influence. This wasn't just a seminar; it was a masterclass in advocacy, self-organization, and navigating governance structures.

The collaboration between RUWOYSI and CHAI created a new vanguard of female leaders in Kaduna:

  1. Economic Stability: 100 women now operate with improved financial literacy and business skills, providing a safety net for their families.

  2. Voice at the Table: The 455 WiL participants are now equipped to participate in community governance, advocating for health, education, and women’s rights within their respective LGAs.

  3. Sustainable Mentorship: A network was established where the 100 original WEE beneficiaries continue to mentor younger women, ensuring the project's impact outlives its timeline.

"We are no longer waiting for a seat at the table. Through this training, we have learned how to build our own tables and invite others to join us." — Project Participant, Kaduna State

From Struggle to Sustainability: Mama Aisha’s Journey

Location: Kaduna, Nigeria

Participant: Mama Aisha, Small-Scale Vegetable Trader

Following the loss of her husband, Mama Aisha found herself the sole provider for her three children. With no formal skills or capital, she struggled to maintain a consistent income. Her children’s education was frequently interrupted due to unpaid school fees, and providing a variety of nutritious meals was a daily hurdle. Like many widows in her community, she felt trapped in a cycle of "survival mode," unable to plan for a future beyond the next meal.

Mama Aisha was identified and enrolled in the Widows Empowerment Project. The intervention was designed to provide more than just temporary relief; it focused on long-term financial independence through two key pillars:

  1. Vocational Training: She received hands-on training in financial literacy, basic bookkeeping, and sustainable agricultural marketing.

  2. Startup Capital: Upon completion of the training, Mama Aisha was provided with a seed grant to launch her own micro-enterprise.

Today, Mama Aisha is a thriving entrepreneur. The attached image shows her at her well-stocked stall, proudly displaying fresh produce including tomatoes and peppers.

The impact of her empowerment extends far beyond her business:

  • Education: All three of her children are now back in school with all their school materials provided on time.

  • Nutrition: With a steady daily income and nutritional education, the family has transitioned from a starch-heavy diet to one that is balanced with fresh vegetables and proteins.

  • Confidence: Mama Aisha has moved from a place of uncertainty to one of leadership, now serving as an inspiration to other women in her community.

"I used to wake up wondering how we would survive the day. Now, I wake up thinking about how to grow my business so my children can finish their university education. My hands are busy, and my heart is finally at peace." — Mama Aisha

Location: Ushongo LGA, Benue State

Program: Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Educational Re-enrollment Campaign

For too many children in Benue State, the loss of parents or acute household poverty means their dreams are interrupted. Orphans and vulnerable children are often forced into labor or drop out simply because school fees are impossible. RUWOYSI believes no child should lose their future because of circumstance.

RUWOYSI launched a targeted campaign to find these children and re-enroll them. Our approach is holistic: paying school fees, providing complete school kits (uniforms, bags, supplies), and—most importantly—offering psychosocial support.

To reinforce the impact, the Founder of RUWOYSI visited several communities. The above photo captures a powerful moment of mentorship, some other children observe with renewed hope, she also conducted a dynamic "Educational Performance." Combining interactive storytelling, music, and dramatic skits, the performance focused on themes of resilience and the transformative power of education. She taught the children that their past does not dictate their future. This wasn't just a donation; it was a moment of collective empowerment that galvanized the entire school.

The Result: Metrics of Success

  • 150+ OVCs are now back in full-time education.

  • School attendance for re-enrolled students has reached over 90%.

  • Community leaders have committed to supporting future re-enrollment drives.

"When I looked into the eyes of these children, I saw doctors, teachers, and leaders who just needed a chance. I am proud that RUWOYSI can be that chance." — Founder of RUWOYSI