Working in The Province of West Africa

The Province of West Africa was formed in 1979 and Mothers' Union is active in Ghana, Cameroon, Guinea, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

One of the main ways Mothers' Union members serve their local communities in this region is through their work in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS.

One example of this work is in the diocese of Sunyani in Ghana. Mothers' Union members have embarked upon an HIV/AIDS education programme, focussing on those people who are less informed about the subject because of poverty and lack of social amenities.

As part of this programme, Mothers' Union members have been visiting schools and giving health talks on HIV/AIDS and sexual health. The diocese hopes that these children will also educate their peers and pass the information on to families within their local communities.

Working with young people is vital with an estimated six young people in Africa being infected by HIV every minute (UNICEF).

Mothers' Union members are also keen to address the problem of illiteracy, which is still extremely prevalent across the province. In Sekondi, the Nursery Project started in 1999 with one child - and is growing rapidly. The project now has 8 teachers and a cook. There are many examples of this kind of project in West Africa with members initiating day care schools to address the problems. Members are also involved with a number of other projects including hospital and prison visits, and encouraging prayer and fellowship among members.