About WACIA
Our Mission Statement
"Working to alleviate hardship and suffering by funding projects which provide a sustainable benefit and help give women and children in Africa a better quality of life".
Women and Children in Africa was founded by Joanna Pike in November 2005. Born in Zanzibar, Joanna has maintained strong links with Africa throughout her life. The charity's primary purpose is to undertake manageable and sustainable projects that can make a real difference to individuals and communities, enabling them to improve their lives.
Africa is full of resourceful, dignified, proud people who want to be given the opportunity to look after themselves and their own. They want and need a hand up, not a hand out. We help by finding the right people to work with and identify projects that enable them to do this.
What makes WACIA different to other charities?
Whilst some donors prefer anonymity and nothing further than the act of donating, WACIA appreciates that for many people there is a desire to know exactly to whom or how their donation has made a difference. For these people, WACIA wants to provide timely and appropriate feedback through its website.
"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life."
"Working to alleviate hardship and suffering by funding projects which provide a sustainable benefit and help give women and children in Africa a better quality of life".
Women and Children in Africa was founded by Joanna Pike in November 2005. Born in Zanzibar, Joanna has maintained strong links with Africa throughout her life. The charity's primary purpose is to undertake manageable and sustainable projects that can make a real difference to individuals and communities, enabling them to improve their lives.
Africa is full of resourceful, dignified, proud people who want to be given the opportunity to look after themselves and their own. They want and need a hand up, not a hand out. We help by finding the right people to work with and identify projects that enable them to do this.
What makes WACIA different to other charities?
Whilst some donors prefer anonymity and nothing further than the act of donating, WACIA appreciates that for many people there is a desire to know exactly to whom or how their donation has made a difference. For these people, WACIA wants to provide timely and appropriate feedback through its website.
"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life."
Nelson Mandela
The Team
Elizabeth Gunn is a health professional working both for the NHS and independently. She has worked in public, private and voluntary sector organizations and worked with WACIA as a volunteer for the past three years.
Jane and Raoul Hewitt have been supporters of overseas development for many years with a particular soft spot for Africa and became involved with Rock of Ages, Zambia as Pastor Isaac was their daughter Rebecca's secondary school penpal. The school was twinned with Isaac's school in Kitwe. Rebecca has spent time in Zambia every summer since 2005 and, in 2006 Raoul and Jane visited Zambia, including Kitwe and met up with Isaac and resolved to support his vision for Rock of Ages. Raoul and Jane live in Somerset; Raoul is a Chartered Surveyor and Jane an administrator.
Lucy Norris is a recent graduate of conflict resolution and is currently working for an international disability and development charity. She has a great passion for working in Africa and has volunteered in East and South Africa several times.
David Pike is a qualified Chartered Accountant who's role in the charity is to ensure that the financial records are maintained properly and that all donations received are appropriately used.
Joanna Pike was born in East Africa and has never lost her love of the continent and its people. She is the driving force behind the charity and has considerable administrative and organisational skills.
Joy Wishlade originally trained as a teacher and is now a senior manager of a local authority in Somerset. She is also trustee of a charitable organisation working with sufferers of drug addiction and alcohol in Devon.
Jane and Raoul Hewitt have been supporters of overseas development for many years with a particular soft spot for Africa and became involved with Rock of Ages, Zambia as Pastor Isaac was their daughter Rebecca's secondary school penpal. The school was twinned with Isaac's school in Kitwe. Rebecca has spent time in Zambia every summer since 2005 and, in 2006 Raoul and Jane visited Zambia, including Kitwe and met up with Isaac and resolved to support his vision for Rock of Ages. Raoul and Jane live in Somerset; Raoul is a Chartered Surveyor and Jane an administrator.
Lucy Norris is a recent graduate of conflict resolution and is currently working for an international disability and development charity. She has a great passion for working in Africa and has volunteered in East and South Africa several times.
David Pike is a qualified Chartered Accountant who's role in the charity is to ensure that the financial records are maintained properly and that all donations received are appropriately used.
Joanna Pike was born in East Africa and has never lost her love of the continent and its people. She is the driving force behind the charity and has considerable administrative and organisational skills.
Joy Wishlade originally trained as a teacher and is now a senior manager of a local authority in Somerset. She is also trustee of a charitable organisation working with sufferers of drug addiction and alcohol in Devon.