At African Women Acting, we take pride in supporting young people: our future. We offer year-round and seasonal employment and volunteer opportunities to youths—including empowering young women—while building partnerships that strengthen social inclusion and community wellbeing.
From youth employment to women’s entrepreneurship, AWA creates safe spaces where people build skills, earn income, and find belonging—through arts, training, and meaningful collaboration.
We offer year-round and seasonal employment and volunteer opportunities to youths—including empowering young women. Summer 2021, AWA employed students through the Canada Summer Jobs Program in roles like administration, video direction, and marketing.
Sonia participated in a focus group discussion with students researching service needs in Niagara—work that led to employment with AWA.
Our workshops support women aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those experiencing poverty, domestic abuse, or single mothers—who want to earn an income from home and become part of a supportive community.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Workshop — September 24, 2017.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, AWA assembled and employed crafters to sew face masks using beautiful authentic African fabrics. Masks were donated to non-profit and for-profit organizations, groups, and individuals across the GTA—including Niagara—from fall 2020 to February 2021.
Requests were overwhelming and exceeded available quantities—AWA aims to offer more in the future.
Alongside mask-making, AWA expanded into items like fancy tote bags to support fundraising and long-term sustainability—demonstrating the limitless benefits of community crafting and skill-building.
Masks were available for children (5+) and adults.
AWA’s community work combines practical support with belonging—helping people build confidence, skills, and financial self-sufficiency through arts and entrepreneurship.
The workshop launched as the first in a series for women aspiring entrepreneurs, experiencing poverty, domestic abuse, or single motherhood—supporting self-employment and safe community.
In late 2020, AWA created, hosted, and facilitated live streams addressing mental health—made available to artists and the community at large.
AWA assembled women crafters to produce and donate masks across the GTA and Niagara. The response was overwhelming—highlighting the impact of community-driven crafting and care.
Students were employed in administration, video direction, and marketing. Student research into Niagara service needs led to employment opportunities with AWA.
Watch a short highlight that captures AWA’s community work and the people behind it.
This project was proudly and generously funded by the Canadian Red Cross and Employment and Social Development Canada.
