YR2025 WAU 4th Quarter Newsletter

Highlights: Community Impact and Holiday Giving

In the 4th quarter of 2025, The Wichita African Union, Inc. (WAU) made significant strides in community outreach and holiday giving with the generosity of Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) and other partners. The organization's commitment to connecting the African diasporas, promoting educational excellence, and supporting local families shone brightly during this last season of giving. This blog post details our activities, achievements, and KHF's and other partners' generosity.

On October 7, we visited Washington Elementary School for a meet and greet with newcomer students there, whom we are supporting through WAU's mentorship program. This initiative is designed to help these children and their families adjust to their new environment in the US, addressing challenges related to culture, language, new education system, and school supplies. Our goal is to fill in any gaps and provide guidance as they settle into their new community.

At our general meeting on October 10, we awarded a scholarship to a Butler County Community College Nursing student who was unable to attend the annual celebration. The meeting also hosted Dr. Rick Bartlett, who shared his experiences in Africa, making the meeting more meaningful and engaging.

On October 14, WAU participated in the orientation to 'Opportunity on the Plains Grant' application process by United Way of the Plains.

On October 18, WAU supported Nigerian Association of Wichita at their annual cultural celebration, where the cultural dances were a highlight and beautifully showcased the rich heritage of the Nigerian community.

On October 25, WAU had the privilege of attending NAACP's 105th Freedom Fund Banquet where two of its members, Joseph & Roseline Onijala were honored with 'Legacy Award' for outstanding actions and services which have benefited the Wichita Community for many years.

On October 26, WAU board met and discussed the importance of establishing committees within the board, with each committee assigned to specific roles to enhance organizational effectiveness.

On November 7, we held another general meeting where members started planning for a Community Christmas party, continuing our commitment to community engagement and support.

On November 12, WAU attended Kansas Heartland Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' National Philanthropy Day event at Mark Arts. The day featured professional development workshops led by fundraising expert and nationally recognized speaker Rachel Muir, providing valuable insights and strategies for effective fundraising.  

On November 18, WAU Board Chair and President met with Wichita Foundation's Director of Community Impact, James Woods to present a progress report detailing the advancements made with the funding received. In the afternoon WAU was at NonprofitGO for Nonprofit Community Connections gathering by NonprofitGO. The event was attended by nonprofit organizations, donors and vendors. This provided an opportunity for nonprofits to share about their work, hear from donors and to connect with vendors who do service nonprofits.

November 19, WAU Board of directors visited NonprofitGO for continued orientation and consultation, made possible by capacity building funding from Wichita Foundation, www.wichitafoundation.org.

On December 5, WAU hosted the KHF-funded Community Christmas Party/WAU Food Security Program from the Hunger Free Kansas Mini Grants, where Christmas Dinner was served, a Christmas Program was presented. The event included a Christmas dinner of course, a festive program, and the distribution of nonperishable food and fruits to families. About100 people attended the party, making it a meaningful celebration for the community.

WAU with Kansas Health Foundation's Chief Strategy Officer Chase Willhite at Kansas Leadership Center

Community Christmas Party on December 5, 2025

WAU finished the year of 2025 with collaboration with International Rescue Committee and Mark Arts on 'Holidays Around the World' event, held at Mark Arts on December 13. It was a beautiful and well executed event, showcasing displays and presentations about Christmas traditions around the World: Japan, Zimbabwe, Congo, Central African Republic and the US (musical).

WAU Partnered with WSU Students at this Event. Taku Nhamo Presented Christmas as Celebrated in Zimbabwe

On December 17, WAU met with Dr. Kadiri & Tolulope Kadiri to share updates on WAU ongoing initiatives. During the meeting, we identified new opportunities for partnership, including the possibility of organizing a community health screening event. The Kadiris have been dedicated supporters of the WAU Scholarship Fund as well as sponsorship of WAU annual event for the past couple of years.

Partnerships