In the Okponglo and La Bawaleshie communities of Accra, Ghana, roughly 75% of residents are women and children, and many of the women are single mothers. Persistent poverty often forces children to help their mothers sell small goods, taking time away from school — and limiting their chances to break the cycles of poverty.

Stevi Dugas, a recent University of Richmond graduate in mathematical economics, is working to change that.  Dugas was awarded a $10,000 Projects for Peace grant for her project providing single mothers and youth with entrepreneurship support and career preparation.

Partnering with the Play & Learn Foundation, Dugas will build on the Mama Africa Single Mothers Entrepreneurship Project, a six-month business training and mentorship program serving single mothers in Okponglo and La Bawaleshie. While the program has helped participants gain skills, many still struggle to access capital and professional support to grow their businesses.

Through her project, Abusua (Twi for “family”) Africa, Dugas will provide seed grants and data analysis support to recent program participants, helping them strengthen their businesses. 

The second component focuses on youth. Dugas will organize a two-day career fair to help them learn more about the careers they can pursue and how to get there.

“You only know the jobs that you see around you, and in general, these kids aren't seeing accountants, physical therapists, or computer engineers,” said Dugas. “My goal is for them to have a better idea of what's out there, so they can make better plans for their future.”

The career fair will include speaker sessions featuring professionals from various fields, as well as resume-writing and interview-preparation sessions led by Dugas.

“My goal is for this project to provide assistance that is dignified, empowering, and sustainable for the women and youth it serves, their families, and the broader Okponglo/La Bawaleshie communities,” said Dugas. “I had the privilege of studying abroad in Ghana during the fall 2024 semester, and while there, I volunteered with Play & Learn. Okponglo and La Bawaleshie are incredibly special places, and I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to work with this community again.” 

When she returns from Ghana, Dugas will continue her work in economics as a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C.