Vitendo4africa

Heartfelt congratulations to SLU Graduate Student Association's African Professionals Network on a highly successful event! The Destination Africa 2.0 was epic. Your efforts have created a wonderful platform for international students to connect with one another within the school and with the broader African community outside of academia. This academic year, St. Louis experienced a remarkable surge in international student enrollment, with Kenya and Ghana accounting for the largest share. This influx brings fresh perspectives, cultural exchange, and economic benefits to our community. Thank you for fostering a sense of belonging, cultural exchange, and professional networking. We look forward to your future events!

Investing in the mental health and well-being of children is crucial for their future success. Research shows that many adults struggling with mental health issues today trace their challenges back to their early childhood experiences. That's why it's essential to equip young kids with problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms. By doing so, we can empower them to become resilient, confident, and capable adults. V4A's after-school programs are dedicated to supporting immigrant kids in developing these critical life skills. Their programs focus on: - Social skills development - Stress management techniques - Character development By providing a safe, supportive environment, V4A is helping shape a brighter future for these young individuals.

Thank you, Arch Grants, for this incredible initiative! Supporting entrepreneurs and innovators is one of the best ways to drive regional growth. By fostering a fertile ground for ideas to take root, you are empowering businesses to thrive, creating opportunities that benefit everyone in our community. Your commitment to nurturing innovation is helping shape a vibrant, dynamic future for St. Louis and beyond! Congratulations to all award recipients and Karibu Sana St. Louis. https://lnkd.in/grh_Rj5Y

Congratulations to Raknida on receiving the 2024 Arch Grants Award! We are thrilled to welcome Raknida to the St. Louis community! Your innovative e-commerce platform is truly groundbreaking, showcasing captivating African stories through original artwork on wallpapers. By doing so, you are promoting cultural exchange, creativity, and diversity in a unique and impactful way. The Raknida platform is set to revolutionize the way we experience art, allowing people to stream art from different artists just as they stream music. In a call with Techpoint Africa, Raknida CEO Anthony “Anth” Ezeokoye emphasized that art has traditionally been appreciated through conventional means. He noted, "The same way music lovers don’t have to go to a concert to enjoy their favorite music, art lovers should also be able to enjoy art wherever and whenever." We are excited to see Raknida join the ranks of other African Arch Grants winners such as Ola Ayeni with Claim Academy and Ali Al Jabry with Kwema among others. These entrepreneurs are a testament to the African immigrant community’s significant contributions to the St. Louis economy in areas like entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, transportation, and research. Special thanks to St. Louis Mosaic Project International Institute of St. Louis African Chamber of Commerce St. Louis Greater St. Louis, Inc., and many other organizations for their great support. We wish Raknida tremendous success as you share African culture and creativity with the world! Your innovative spirit is a welcome addition to our community.

Every year (V4A) recognizes individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted immigrant families in the St. Louis region. The V4A award is presented to distinguished individuals or organizations with a reputable record of support and community service within the immigrant community. Here is the list of V4A 2024 Award recipients. https://lnkd.in/gPHf8-ZR

The Vitendo4Africa Art Therapy Program has made a transformative impact on the lives of refugee children in St. Louis, fostering emotional healing, self-expression, and community connection. This program, designed to address the unique challenges faced by young refugees, has become a vital resource for their mental and emotional well-being. Mental Health America St. Louis Children's Hospital City of St. Louis Department of Health ST. LOUIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Save the Date! Mark your calendars for our next gala, coming in November 2025. Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

It was a a pleasure to speak today at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate students taking Culture, Health and Communication class with Dr Min Liu. The students were very engaging and very interested in supporting our work with immigrant and refugee families in the St. Louis region. Fostering international students' integration into local communities, access to global amenities and networking opportunities paves the way for their academic , professional success and retention in the region

Through programs in education, health, youth mentorship, and economic development, V4A fosters community integration, self-sufficiency, and cultural exchange. Driven by a mission to uplift and inspire, V4A is a vital resource for immigrants and refugees improving their quality of life. www.vitendo4africa.org

The Maasai jump dance, or 'Adumu,' is more than just a display of strength and agility—it's a symbol of unity, tradition, and resilience. Each leap carries the rhythm of centuries, celebrating community and the boundless spirit of the Maasai people.