Scaling with Partners

Building a movement through strategic partnerships to reach 30,000 widows by 2030

Our Evolution

Africa Widows Rising: A New Chapter

Africa Widows Rising (AWR) is a new brand from Nyanam Widows Rising. We are the same legal organization (Nyanam International in Kenya) with 501c3 in the US (Friends of Nyanam International). Our vision and mission remains the same.

Our workstream has expanded to include implementation of our unique model Voice of Change with local partners.

30,000 Widows

Our goal by 2030 through direct and partnership implementation

Empowered African women standing together

Scaling Impact, Not the Organization

Our Approach

Voice of Change Partners

AWR's strategic growth engine, enabling expansion beyond direct implementation by equipping partner organizations to replicate and sustain Voice of Change locally.

Invite

Partners mobilize widow groups, introduce the program, map needs, and identify initial participants with leadership potential.

Prepare

AWR equips partner widow trainers and mentors through structured training modules, coaching sessions, and practical exercises.

Transform

Graduated partners and widow mentors lead local groups, establish SACCOs, and champion community-driven initiatives.

Partner Selection Criteria

Ability to mobilize at least 1,000 widows within their region
Basic organizational structure capable of hosting trainings
Commitment to the 3-year AWR capacity-building model
Openness to shared funding responsibilities
Strong local networks with community leaders

1,000+

Widows per partner minimum

Application Pathway

Partner Selection Criteria

We believe in the power of partnership to create lasting change. Our selection process ensures we work with organizations who share our vision and have the capacity to create meaningful impact.

Registered organization with proven community presence
Minimum of 2 years operation in widow support
Strong governance and financial management systems
Commitment to gender equality and widow empowerment

Application Process

Partner Three-Year Training & Certification Pipeline

Our structured approach ensures partners are fully equipped to independently lead widow empowerment programs in their regions.

Training workshop session with African women

Building Local Capacity for Lasting Change

1Partners mobilize widow circles in their communities
2Ensure at least 1,000 widows are reachable
3Identify participants with leadership potential
4Map community needs and resources

1AWR conducts foundational training for each partner's selected widow trainers across 4 Voice of Change topics
2Trainers begin facilitating learning circles with their local widow communities under AWR supervision
3By end of Year 1, each partner has a cohort of certified Widow Trainers capable of running basic group sessions

1Partners nominate high-performing widow trainers to become Widow Mentors
2AWR delivers advanced leadership, mentorship, psychosocial support, community mobilization, and project management skills
3Mentors practice by coaching Year 1 trainers, supporting widows in their communities, and participating in small-scale advocacy activities
4AWR intensifies monitoring and provides supportive supervision

1Widow Mentors undergo assessment, field observation, and final training
2Successful trainees are certified as Voice of Change Facilitators
3They can independently train widow groups and replicate the program locally
4They can mentor new trainers without AWR's direct involvement
5After certification, the partner organization becomes a self-reliant training hub within its region

1Upon completing the training cycle, the widows organized under each partner form a Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO)
2Created and managed at the partner level
3Ensures continued economic resilience, group cohesion, and social support
4Strengthens long-term empowerment beyond the training timeline
5Serves as a platform for ongoing transformation, micro-enterprise, and local advocacy
6AWR and partners collaborate to strengthen SACCO governance and ensure compliance with local regulations

Post-Graduation

SACCO Formation for Post-Graduation Sustainability

Upon completing the training cycle, the widows organized under each partner form a Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO):

Created and managed at the partner level

Ensures continued economic resilience, group cohesion, and social support

Strengthens long-term empowerment beyond the training timeline

Serves as a platform for ongoing transformation, micro-enterprise, and local advocacy

AWR and partners collaborate to strengthen SACCO governance and ensure compliance with local regulations

Outcome

Sustainable capital pools

Widows finance enterprises and mutual aid long-term.

Sustainability

Co-Funding Model & Sustainability Plan

A stepwise approach ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership

AWR Contributions

Years 1–3

100% technical training and curriculum
Monitoring & evaluation systems
Training materials, facilitator guides, and digital learning tools
Coaching and assessment for certification
Capacity workshops on resource mobilization and donor engagement

Skill Development Areas:

Proposal WritingResource MobilizationCommunity FundraisingDonor ReportingSACCO Financing

Partner Contributions

Years 1–3

Venue, meals and mobilization for training
Logistics support for local events
In-kind contributions (staff time, outreach, administration)

Year 4 Onward

Partners progressively take over funding of local training and SACCO support. AWR shifts to a technical support and quality control role, not direct financing.

Women in SACCO meeting managing finances

AWR Role After Year 3: Technical Assistance & Quality Assurance

Technical Assistance

For partners and Voice of Change Facilitators

Quality Audits

Annual assurance of training outputs and widow outcomes

Impact Measurement

Using standardized M&E tools

Refresher Training

Periodic sessions to maintain standards and innovation

Knowledge Exchange

Events across partners to strengthen the regional ecosystem

Current Partners

Together, we're creating lasting change. Our partners share our commitment to empowering widows and transforming communities through compassion and dignity.