MCIC’s annual Development Impact Awards recognized three projects for creating opportunities for women and girls to thrive. Supported by funding from the Manitoba Government, these initiatives focus on education, job training, and financial support in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya. MCIC members have been working closely with local communities, they are making a real and lasting change toward ending poverty, improving education, and gender equality. The winning projects were announced at MCIC’s International Development Week launch event, held at the Manitoba Legislature on February 4th, 2025.
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Empowering Girls to Stay in School in Ghana
Partners: UNICEF Canada, UNICEF Ghana, Ministry of Education, Local District Governments and Ghana Education Services
Many girls in Ghana leave school because of early marriage, pregnancy, financial issues, or poor school facilities. UNICEF Canada’s UNdaunted Project is changing this by using a "whole-school approach" in five districts: Tolon, Nanumba North, Saboba, West Gonja, and West Mamprusi. A whole-school approach means that everyone in the school from teachers, staff, administrators, families, and community members, all work together to create a safe and supportive environment for learning. Since 2019, the project has reached over 29,273 students across 193 junior high schools and involved more than 15,816 community members in 250 remote communities. The initiative makes schools safer, trains teachers in gender-sensitive methods and STEM subjects, and works with families to support girls’ education. When COVID-19 hit, the team shared lessons on the radio and provided resource packs so learning could continue. They also help young mothers return to school, giving everyone a chance to succeed.
Fairuza Mutawakilu, a 15-year-old graduate of Cathedral Junior High School in West Gonja, shared how the project transformed her education: “Teaching and learning improved tremendously, especially with the science equipment. Our teacher used them to make lessons practical, and that made a big difference.” Her story reflects how the UNdaunted Project is not only keeping girls in school but equipping them with skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations.
Job Training for Women in Ethiopia
Partners: Real Humanitarian and Support Street Children and Mothers (SSCM)
In Ethiopia, Real Humanitarian work together with its local partners to provide job training for women and girls living in extreme poverty, including single mothers and caregivers. Without these programs, many are forced to take low-paying jobs like day labor or shoe shining, earning less than 2,000 birr (22 CAD) per month. In contrast, women who complete SSCM's training programs can start jobs with wages of at least 8,000 birr per month (90 CAD), giving them a stable income and a better future.
During this project, 132 women completed training in hairdressing, furniture making (woodworking and metalworking), and garment making skills that are in high demand. The programs last six to nine months and provide not only job skills but also personal counselling, financial literacy, and life skills to help them succeed long-term. Women also build strong friendships and support networks that continue after graduation.
Aster, a 46-year-old trainee in garment making, joined SSCM after years of financial hardship. During her training, she lost her husband, but the support of her classmates helped her through the tragedy. “It was very good to not feel alone. I will not forget it,” she recalled. After grieving, she returned to complete her training with renewed hope. Programs like this not only equip women with skills but also foster resilience and empowerment, enabling them to improve their lives and lift their families out of poverty.
Women Start their Own Businesses in Kenya
Partners: Tearfund Canada and Fadhili Trust
In Kenya, many women do not have access to banks or loans, which makes it hard to start a business. The Empowering Women in Kenya project sets up Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to help women save money, take small loans, and start businesses. The project has established 41 savings groups and provided business training to 1,500 people, with a strong focus on women. More than 60% of the women in these groups have become community leaders. Beyond financial inclusion, the integration of climate-resilient farming techniques like Conservation Agriculture (CA) has significantly improved food security and economic stability. This holistic approach fosters long-term resilience by equipping participants with essential skills in savings, financial literacy, and sustainable agriculture.
Christine, a Kenyan farmer and VSLA member, transformed her life through these programs. After years of struggling with depleted soil and poor yields, she adopted CA techniques, increasing her harvests by 70-80%. “An increase in yields is an increase in income, and restoration of soil fertility,” she shared. With a steady income, she purchased land for her shop and invested in her VSLA, allowing her to send her children to university. The name of her savings group means “forever, no turning back,” a sentiment that reflects her journey toward financial independence. By empowering women through financial inclusion and agricultural education, the project enables families to move beyond survival, fostering a sustainable and hopeful future.
Changing Lives for the Better
MCIC congratulates these projects which support education, job training, and finance resulting in truly changed lives. By addressing real challenges together with local communities and partners, our newest Development Impact Award winners are moving toward sustainable solutions for women and girls to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
About the photos:
Top photo: Representatives from the member organization with their certificates
First photo: UNICEF Canada UNdaunted project, girls learning about different grains by seeing it.
Second photo: Christine, Kenyan farmer in her farm who benefited from the Tearfund Canada project.