The Love Gogo (Grandmother) Campaign at the Women's University in Africa

Overview of initiative

The Women’s University in Africa Marketing students in the Faculty of Management and Entrepreneurial Sciences conducted an initiative tour. The main objectives of the trip were for students to address the pressing challenges faced by grandmothers who serve as primary caregivers for their orphaned grandchildren. These grandmothers often struggle with poverty and lack access to essential resources, making it difficult for them to provide adequate care. The campaign embraces awareness, community cohesion, healthy food, education and sustainability.

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Impact of initiative

The initiative resulted in students being more aware of the change and impact that they can make in sustainability issues through influencing awareness in the community of the plight of the grandmothers and the orphans in their care. The staff accompanying students supported the students on how to approach the gatekeepers in the community, and how bringing awareness to the community can help fight poverty and lack of access to medical care. The staff also taught students on how they can be influential through use of media to make the initiative known to the community and the country as a whole.

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Role played by Responsible Futures

Responsible Futures has played a role in the institution learning that outreach programmes such as the “Love Gogo Campaign“ that ensure the involvement of students and engagement of staff support embedding elements of sustainability in all areas of learning. The Responsible Futures criteria are fostering students being at the forefront of sustainability issues in areas such as wellness and gender. It also assists the students and staff in finding ways of addressing Sustainable Development Goals and how each student and staff member can contribute in their own capacity whether they are in marketing, social sciences or agriculture.

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The RF criterion that served as a catalyst for the activities is listed below:

• OU004 - The partnership has published case studies highlighting sustainability-related achievements, impacts and outcomes.

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"Teaching effectively involves connecting students with the community to gain insights and identify gaps that can inform both theoretical and empirical recommendations.  It is critical to think about the future generations in whatever we do socially, financially or otherwise." - Women's University in Africa

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Additional comments

Students and staff are able to develop capacity tools to assess the impact on entrepreneurial activities, and not only focus on profit but ensuring that the coming generations are able to sustain their families.  It is also of importance to ensure both students and staff engage in projects that contribute impactfully to the society. Empowering grandmothers through awareness, community support, and access to resources is essential for achieving sustainable development. Addressing their challenges aligns with SDG 1—No Poverty—and SDG 2—Zero Hunger, ensuring that no one is left behind in building resilient, caring communities.