Organizational structure: |
Maman Jeanne founded The Shalupe (Life Boat) Foundation in 2000. The foundation subsequently expanded its reach to disenfranchised women and children. Shalupe Foundation was fully funded by Maman Jeanne's businesses and through gifts and member contributions. To better accommodate the lives of these victimized women and children Maman used the capacity building approach to develop sustainable programs. These programs help generate funds for tuition assistance, hospital bills, skills training, economic opportunity, financial literacy, and micro-credit loans. Selling products made by her established "Mashala Women's Program" helped in three ways: funding children's education, employment training, and sustainable income for women. In late 2005 Shalupe Foundation was headquartered in the USA and obtained 501 c 3 status in 2008. Shalupe continues to fulfill its mission in the USA by catering to refugees and immigrants through relevant programs. Shalupe Foundation’s organizational mantra- 1. To Systematize: by creating a strong annual agenda which serves as a guideline for the entire board of directors, staff, and constituents. 2. To Motivate: by inspiring constituents to reach a common goal of self-reliance. 3. To Educate: to provide clear and purposeful knowledge for staff and constituents in the organization. Education The Shalupe Foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for individuals in need, specifically women and children. Shalupe, provides resources such as: 1. classrooms and learning centers to help promote intellectual growth and ultimately develop stronger communities. 2. quality primary school education to over 550 children from first through seventh grades. The three learning centers also provide daily meals, school supplies, and uniforms. Shalupe also foster programs that go beyond primary education and into secondary and technical school training. 3. mentors who are readily available as most children have never been to school before and may need nurturing and guidance. Women As part of Shalupe’s female empowerment efforts, the “Mashala” program offers group or occupational therapy that involve skill building in sewing, farming, agriculture, and basket making. It is our belief that women have potential to go beyond the home and for this reason Shalupe offers microloans as incentives for women to become politically and financially independent. This economic empowerment training program mobilizes women to create and run their own businesses to meet basic needs through micro lending. Shalupe has also set up a counseling group therapy center in Bukavu that aims to help victims of rape in their emotional and physical journeys to recovery. Empowerment The purpose of Shalupe is to not only identify issues affecting DRCongo but also to develop and implement strategies to relieve some of the damages done to victims. Thus, Shalupe strives to instill a greater sense of being, back to those affected through integral programs that provide financial stability and nurture confident, successful individuals. Shalupe also participates in discussions, conferences, and forums to help spread awareness of the atrocities happening in the Congo in hopes that audiences are empowered to spread the word and collectively demand a more just Congo. |