About.

Hand in Hand with African Women / Main dans la Main is a Canadian non-profit organization supporting women, children, and communities across Africa through education, leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, food security, and sustainable development.

Founded in 2020, the organization grew from Projet Afrique — an educational initiative created at Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta Inspired by educator John Goodlad’s belief that “we cannot educate teachers within four walls,” a credited university course was created to allow students to engage with communities both locally and internationally. What began as transformative leadership journeys for students in Kenya, Tanzania, and Togo evolved into long-term partnerships rooted in dignity, collaboration, and shared humanity. Today, Hand in Hand with African Women, continues this mission by supporting community-led initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact.

Background & Vision

Launched in 2008, Projet Afrique encouraged students to engage with global citizenship beyond the classroom through immersive experiences in Africa focused on listening, learning, and shared humanity rather than voluntourism. Over 120 students participated in these transformative journeys, creating lifelong connections that later inspired the creation of Hand in Hand with African Women / Main dans la Main. As participants often reflected: “Now that we know, we cannot not know.” The real work began upon returning home to Canada. After each three-week leadership program, students committed themselves to continuing to share the stories, realities, and lessons they had encountered — carrying these experiences into their personal lives, careers, classrooms, and communities.

From Connection to Action

Through the dedication of students, educators, alumni, donors, and local supporters, fundraising initiatives were created to respond directly to needs identified within partner communities across Africa. Today, the organization collaborates closely with inspiring women leaders including Charity Vodjogbe, in Togo, Siteya Nabbala in the Massai Mara in Kenya, and Sister Pamela in Western Kenya — supporting initiatives that strengthen communities through education, leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and sustainable opportunity. Together, projects have supported:

Education & Youth Support

Supporting access to education, school initiatives, and opportunities for children and youth.

Women’s Leadership & Entrepreneurship

Empowering women through leadership opportunities, entrepreneurship, and community initiatives.

Healthcare & Wellness

Supporting healthcare access, wellness programs, and community wellbeing initiatives.

Food Security & Agriculture

Encouraging sustainable agriculture, food programs, and long-term community resilience.

Community Development

Collaborating with local communities to support sustainable, community-led solutions.

Global Citizenship & Advocacy

Encouraging education, awareness, and lifelong advocacy through global human connection.

Our Philosophy

Hand in Hand was built on the belief that meaningful change begins with listening. Rather than imposing outside solutions, the organization works alongside local women leaders, educators, caregivers, and communities to support initiatives already grounded in local knowledge, resilience, and leadership.

Our work is guided by:

dignity and mutual respect
long-term collaboration
education and empowerment
sustainable community development
community-led solutions

Because lasting impact is created together, hand in hand.

Who We Are

Hand in Hand with African Women / Main dans la Main brings together educators, healthcare professionals, strategists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders united by a shared commitment to sustainable, community-led impact across Africa. Our work is rooted in collaboration, long-term relationships, and the belief that meaningful change happens when communities and global partners work hand in hand.

Lucille Mandin PhD

Founder & Change Agent

Eliana White

Community Development & Communications

Diane Matthews

Finance & Administration

Marie Constant, B Ed

Leadership & Non-Profit Development

Claudette Croteau, B Ed

Leadership and Non-Profit Development

Dr. Michelle Dion

Health Care Advisor

Ivet Koleva

Social Media Consultant

Alby Kacou

Senior Bilingual Communication Specialist Cultural Entrepreneur & Visual Artist

Yara Medrano

Leadership & Organizational Development

Our Community Partners

We proudly collaborate with inspiring women leaders. Through their leadership, vision, and dedication, communities continue to create opportunities and brighter futures for generations to come.

Charity Vodjogbe – (Mama Charity)

Togo

Siteya Nabaala – Maasai Mara | Kenya (Mama Dinah)

Kenya

Sister Agnes

Western Kenya

Sister Pamela

Western Kenya

Be Part of the Story

Your support helps strengthen communities, support women-led initiatives, and create opportunities for future generations. Together, we continue building lasting change.