OUR STORY

Care4Africa started as a passion project for  our founder, Assia, who wanted to give back to the community where she grew up in the Ivory Coast as well as in Guinea, where her parents were born and raised.

HERE IS ASSIA'S STORY IN HER OWN WORDS...

I was born and raised in the Ivory Coast and have firsthand experience with the issues near and dear to Care4Africa. My parents were placed in an arranged marriage at a very young age and never had the opportunity to get an education but they were determined to break the cycle. They made sure all their children got an education and also helped many other families do the same for their children.

At the age of 19, I was the victim of a horrible bus accident and my eyes were opened to the "money first" hospital system in the Ivory Coast. I remember

my father carrying me to the hospital and upon arrival, being told that a deposit was required before they would treat me. My father could afford to pay but I always wondered about the many other victims who could not afford care. I carry this memory with me always and vowed to one day help those without a voice. 

After that ordeal, I was placed in an arranged marriage and sent to the United States.  I wanted to honor my parents’ wishes but it was a bad situation and eventually I built up the courage to break free and become independent for the first time in my life. 

I overcame my obstacles and was able to continue my education on my own by working full-time all the way through my MBA. I was also lucky enough to have the support of family members and friends who helped keep me on track. I now want to be that helping hand for those who need it back where I grew up in the Ivory Coast and where my parents grew up in Guinea. 

I strive to be an inspiration for young girls in Africa and to make sure they know that no matter what life throws at them, they can persevere. They just need to believe in themselves and know that others believe in them too. Please join in our cause and experience for yourself how rewarding it can be to have a meaningful impact on those in need.