NewLife Timeline

1994 - 2001

One evening whilst at the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College, three women – Sonia, Brenda and Adiatu reached out in love to young at-risk ladies in Government Wharf, Sierra Leone. What emerged from that experience for Brenda, is what has come to be NewLife Project Inc.

 

2001 - 2003

NewLife Project Inc. experienced a new dimension of glory. Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) sent young women for training and vulnerable women in the surrounding neighbourhood also joined the project. A clothing drive and free medical assistance program was put in place, meeting the needs of hundreds of women, men and children in the Project and surrounding impoverish communities. We organized various exhibition programs to display the talents of our students. A job placement program and micro financing business was added to our curriculum.

2003 - 2006

Standardized NewLife’s education syllabus with the Ministry of Education in Sierra Leone to acquire certification for programs. We established NewLife Project Côte d’Ivoire which is Rehabilitation centre to help rescue and rehabilitate women from an undesirable lifestyle due to trafficking from neighboring countries. Commencement of the delivery of Medical assistance in Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire to treat malaria, Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), etc.

2006 - 2009

In collaboration with organizations like Geneva Global Inc., NewLife Project Inc. expanded its outreach and training programs to more communities, churches, and local organizations. We acquired USA 501 (C) 3 Not-for-Profit Organization registration. The Ministry of Education in Sierra Leone granted NewLife’s education licence and official certification for their graduates. NewLife Project Inc. was also registered with Government of territorial affairs as a Non- Governmental Organization in Abidjan. We involved the Ministry of Health in our HIV/AIDS, STDS awareness campaigns in various parts of Abidjan.

2009 - 2013

With our vocational training certificates, NewLife students acquired jobs in renowned companies and establishments in Sierra Leone. The project also opened a center in Azope, Côte d’Ivoire where we continue to train women in various subjects such Catering and Tie and dye and Craft. Women acquired micro-financing for their business and the Project opened bank accounts in a renowned Cooperative Bank.

2014 - 2016

The project expanded to Canada where we obtained our Non-Profit status with the goal to inspire, educate and empower women and children.  We organized various exhibitions in the city of Gatineau and Ottawa on Cultural day celebrations, Salon de Femme during the Women’s day celebration and Black history month in Chase Bank Ottawa. The Sierra Leone Institute was closed due to the Ebola virus. NewLife, continue sponsor tutoring classes for students during the Ebola epidemic to help them continue with their education. This was done through other organizations such as Scripture Union. The Azope Rehabilitation Centre in Cote d’Ivoire e was also closed due to vandalization, but we partnered with NGO Women with a Mission in Development to sponsor women and students to pursue their education. We are presently providing computer-training classes to economically disadvantaged women in Abidjan. In February we shipped used clothing and items to Abidjan in collaboration with Network of Black Business and Professional Women during their Dress for Access Program. The goal is to give young women the opportunity to dress appropriately for jobs after their training.

2017-2018

NewLife continues to grow in Canada and abroad.  We expanded our international relief program by sending nine barrels to assist victims of the mudslide in Sierra Leone from Canada. This was followed by fundraiser events with the Ottawa community to sponsor education via our Backpack and School Supplies Drive to Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana, meeting the education need of hundreds of kids.  Several events including exhibitions at renowned centres like EY Centre and Barbecue (Taste of Africa) which raised funds for our shipping project and assisted Restoring Hope Shelter in acquiring more beds. The project organized several forums through the NewLife Women’s Forum which was sponsored by the Government of Ontario to give women a space to inspire, educate and empower each other. Various workshops from Entrepreneurs and professional was a good source of empowerment for women who are planning to take a bold step towards being self- employed. The project acquired its office in Dec 2018 at 5-2000 Thurston Drive, Ottawa ON K1G 4K7. This location is used as the head office, at the same time serving as the NewLife Designs boutique and space for project activities namely, the Women’s World Forums, Afro-Canadian Craft and Tutoring classes. NewLife had new partnerships such as We Care Focus, Infusion Global, etc.  

2019 - 2020

We established our exhibitions in various parts of the Ottawa city and outskirts. We also developed our marketing and sales department through the various platforms to raise funds and support the various activities of the Project. We developed the NewLife Designs (Fashion and Craft) as a channel of education about the Black culture and its values through crafts and fashion. Determined to see women rise to a place of accomplishment, we worked with women who wants to establish their own business as Entrepreneur. In collaboration with established female entrepreneurs, wee served as a link for new female entrepreneurs. Since 2018, the Afro-Canadian craft classes have been developing skills, self-esteem and confidence in kids and teens. In collaboration with Youth Service Bureau and Causeway, Youth Service Bureau and the Ecole Alternative of the Public-School Board of Ottawa the Project have been providing training and employment for youth and adults. Due to COVID 19 we moved our French tutoring online and offered both paid and free classes. NewLife Designs produced thousands of masks (printed with company logo or African print fabric) to help prevent the spread of COVID 19.