Mezu International Foundation Brief History
Mezu International Foundation (MIF) has a long-standing and distinguished history. Its historical origins stem from over 40 years of philanthropy. Until its recent incorporation, Mezu International Foundation has variously sought to facilitate the employment for African local indigenes, educating children and young adults , providing food and basic necessities for orphanages and contributing to the equipping and upkeep of medical facilities, through encouraging Agriculture and production of local fruits and crops.
Mezu International Foundation has given small business start-up loans free to numerous locals to begin independent small businesses in trading, farming, craftsmanship, mechanical shops, tailoring, baking business. The Foundation has given free books and tuition scholarships to cover the cost of education from elementary through college for young people in need. MI Foundation has been a leader in the provision of aid to deserving and exceptional students as well as low-income students for higher education.
Specifically, Our Lady’s Food Kitchen was established in 2004 to provide food and aid to families in need. It is expanding its mission by providing economic independence to women through trade and business ventures. Medical Missions are undertaken during which US trained physicians, pharmacists and several volunteers provide free physicals, clinical care and medications to local inhabitants in eastern Nigeria.
Since 2007, a Maternal Child Division was inaugurated to provide support in the area of prenatal care for women with high risk pregnancies and provide aid to neonatal intensive care units in need. Also the Foundation seeks to create awareness and educate the masses through programs that promote ways to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Articles of clothing and food have also been provided to communities and individuals that are less privileged in Eastern Nigera.
In 2012, Mezu International Foundation, in order to be better able to provide more effective aid to more needy people and expand its outreach beyond borders, obtained a non-profit status. Currently, the Foundation is using Eastern Nigeria as a model to promote its programs in the areas of education, good health care and economic empowerment in Africa