Why did ROWAN start in Mawanga?

• The word Mawanga means “a coming together of tribes and nations.” When Kelsey Young first ventured to Mawanga in 2002, she was changed forever. God impressed a vision on her heart to empower Africa’s orphans and widows. Since then, she has teamed up with the village’s pastor, Paul Nyende, to see that vision carried out.

How many villages does ROWAN reach from Mawanga office?

• As of September 2010, ROWAN has members from 13 surrounding villages! Through word of mouth, women, children and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are coming knocking on our office door daily to register.

Is ROWAN a Christian-based organization?

• Yes, ROWAN is faith-based; although, we seek to reach the community at large. We also partner with community-based organizations that can assist with the needs of ROWAN.

What are some of the most pressing problems facing Mawanga and surrounding villages?

• Lack of clean drinking water, basic education, medication for HIV + patients, Christian discipleship, and leadership training.

How many widows, orphans and people Lilving with HIV/AIDS are being helped?

• Currently over 100 widows/widowers, over 100 orphans and over 120 PLWHA are part of ROWAN.

What about medical care? Has there been progress is this area?

• A private clinic opened two years ago, which provides basic medical care. ROWAN is helping by sending people who have a passion for rural health care to the village. ROWAN also provides free health care for all ROWAN members. Currently there is no medication specifically for HIV + patients; however, ROWAN is creating a plan to implement them into our programs for 2011.

How many ROWAN members are HIV Positive?

• As of December 1, 2010: Out of 180 ROWAN members, 130 are infected with HIV.

How does ROWAN care for orphans?

• We create a safe and loving environment for them. Each child is given mentors and caregivers to teach them about the love of Christ and to help them discover their God-given gifts and talents. We offer a range of activities to assist in the character and spiritual development of each child, such as music/drama/dance as well as various leadership, vocational, evangelism and Bible-training programs.

How many orphans are being sponsored by ROWAN?

• For 2011, 16 scholarships have been given out (to high school students and one law school student).

How does ROWAN care for widows?

• We create a space for them to have a voice. The members have appointed their own chairperson and treasurer. They make their own decisions regarding micro enterprise projects in conjunction with the local leadership. ROWAN gives the women a platform to create community, start businesses, and care for one another and their children. The largest obstacle is their level of education, so ROWAN provides weekly literacy programs and Bible studies for them and the community. We will also soon be adding vocational courses.

What percent of my donation actually reaches the widows and orphans who live in Mawanga?

• 99.95% goes directly to programs for widows and orphans. ROWAN is a community-based, volunteer-run organization, based on existing resources. Click here to donate.

What can I do to get involved?

• If you represent a school, church, or organization who wishes to partner with ROWAN, or you would like to support ROWAN as an individual, visit the Get Involved page and learn how you can participate!