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Stories of transformation and empowerment...

Executive Director
Joanna ILBOUDO, tells about the beginning of ACTS. Read about ACTS formation...
Then, read Joanna's vision for the poor...

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EMPOWERING WOMEN

ACTS-Ministry believes that sustainable development cannot be realized in countries like Burkina Faso when women who make up a majority of the population do not have access to basic necessities of life nor education.

This is why ACTS is seeking to empower women in Burkina Faso.

ACTS Ministry fosters hope
ACTS ministry was founded by Joanna Ilboudo, a woman unique for her time and country. She founded ACTS as an organization envisioned, planned and implemented by indigenous women.

The effects of poverty are discussed by world leaders as they meet together. As long as the leaders suggest stop-gap solutions and don’t look close enough to see people groups as individuals with rights and dignity, the poor are locked in a cycle of poverty, sickness and ignorance.

ACTS philosophy is that sustainable development cannot be realized until women have access to basic necessities of life and education. ACTS empowers women through training in Biblical truths, literacy, income generation and micro-enterprise, immediate medical care, practical life skill training and promotion of human rights.

Women involved in the ACTS program grow in faith, in confidence and in hope.

This is done through the following:

Literacy

Through the Literacy program ACTS is offering to widows and vulnerable women a chance to learn how to read and write and get of ignorance is one important means towards self development and that of the country. Read about the new literacy program that goes hand-in-hand with our women's co-op program.

Women's Co-op Program

Co-op program reaches more than 9,000 village women. Teaches them how to form co-ops, determine money-making projects and gives confidence to those who feel helpless. Functional literacy program gives women the ability to move towards income generating activities.

Training for Income Generating Activities

At the center, widows and other vulnerable women are trained after the first level of literacy training in Income Generating Activities such as local soap production, manufacture of shea butter, dying cloth and weaving, embroidery, and sewing.

Promote Hygiene and Wellness

More than 300 widows meet once a month at the ACTS Center for prayer and form discussion groups. They discuss immediate issues, receive lessons in basic hygiene and other immediate issues relating to village life. At various times of need, vitamins and food are distributed to the widows. HIV/AIDS testing is made available and encouraged.

Making Loans Accessible to Women

After the various training, ACTS offers loans to the dynamic women to develop their own activities. ACTS believes Microfinance was developed for women and also “Microfinance can be successfully implemented, despite the enormous obstacles that often exist ... bringing lasting changes in the lives of many very poor people.”

Promoting Human Rights

Abused individuals are more vulnerable to health risks as they turn to prostitution and hazardous jobs. As a Christians we believe we are well-positioned to teach respect for women and children and advocate justice and mercy. This breaks the cycle of AIDS and poverty in the lives of the most vulnerable people of society.

Women are given confidence to speak out against violence and abuses. They are told about laws in Burkina Faso that protect their rights.

ACTS provides a platform for women to discuss the evils of female genital mutation. ACTS is an advocate for the rights of women and meets with village leaders to discuss relevant issues.

ACTS' Editions Contact publishing house is working on a book for village women to encourage and inspire them to become leaders in their church and community.