Scaling with Partners

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

Vision

Our Vision

Goal: Reach 30,000 widows by 2030 through direct and partnership implementation of Voice of Change

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.

AWR will scale her impact and NOT the organization as our purpose is to reach widows in multiple regions while reducing cost per widow, ensuring long term local ownership and importantly, creating a movement rather than a dependency on a single organization.

North Star

30,000

Widows empowered by 2030

Approach

Movement-first scaling

Partnering with local organizations keeps ownership grounded in the communities that lead change.

Widow leaders planning how to scale the program — Voice of Change

Partnership Engine

Voice of Change Partners

This is AWR's strategic growth engine, enabling expansion beyond direct implementation by equipping partner organizations to replicate and sustain Voice of Change implementation locally using a 3-Year Partner Capacity Model.

Stage 1

Partner Selection

Organizations able to mobilize 1,000 widows and commit to the Invite-Prepare-Transform model.

Stage 2

Co-funding for Sustainability

AWR leads training (Years 1-3) while building partner fundraising skills.

Stage 3

Year 4 Transition

Partners assume full funding locally; AWR provides technical assistance and M&E. Graduating widows form SACCOs led by partners to ensure long-term financial resilience and group cohesion.

Stage 4

Movement Building

This workstream turns AWR into a regional movement builder, creating a network of empowered partners capable of scaling widow empowerment across Africa.

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

Partner Enablement

Partner Three-Year Training and Certification Pipeline

The Invite - Prepare - Transform methodology keeps partners moving forward each year with clarity on skills, funding, and accountability.

Invitation

Year 0

Partners Mobilize Widow Circles

Partners mobilize widow circles in their communities ensuring at least 1000 widows reachable.

Preparation

Year 1

Training Partner Widow Trainers

AWR conducts foundational training for each partner's selected widow trainers across 4 Voice of Change topics. Trainers begin facilitating learning circles with their local widow communities under AWR supervision.

Outcomes

Each partner has a cohort of certified Widow Trainers
Capable of running basic group sessions

Preparation

Year 2

Selecting Widow Mentors & Providing Advanced Training

Partners nominate high-performing widow trainers to become Widow Mentors. AWR delivers advanced leadership, mentorship, psychosocial support, community mobilization, and project management skills.

Outcomes

Mentors practice by coaching Year 1 trainers
Supporting widows in their communities
Participating in small-scale advocacy activities

Preparation

Year 3

Certifying Voice of Change Facilitators

Widow Mentors undergo assessment, field observation, and final training. Successful trainees are certified as Voice of Change Facilitators.

Outcomes

Can independently train widow groups
Can replicate and scale the program locally
Can mentor new trainers without AWR's direct involvement

Transformation

Certified Voice of Change Facilitators turn each partner into a self-sustaining training hub that continues to mentor widows, launch SACCOs, and advocate locally long after AWR shifts into a light-touch support role.

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.

Co-Funding Model and Sustainability Plan

Africa Widows Rising Contributions

Years 1-3 (AWR-Led Skill Development)

•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 for partners leaders
•Proposal writing, resource mobilization strategy, community fundraising events, donor reporting and communication, SACCO-linked financing

Partner Co-Funding Model

Years 1-3

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

Year 4 Onward

Partner-Led Funding and Implementation

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

AWR Role After Year 3

Technical Assistance & Quality Assurance

•Technical assistance for partners and Voice of Change Facilitators
•Annual quality assurance audits of training outputs and widow outcomes
•Impact measurement using standardized M&E tools
•Periodic refresher training 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.