Organization Overview/ General Purpose
For the past 18 years, Mission Africa has been at the forefront of ensuring the holistic well-being of African residents across Western Washington. Our work empowers African immigrants to live vibrant lives by providing critical programs and resources for the entire family unit.
Our History
Our work increases access points, providing interpreters and translated materials in major African languages, culturally relevant and specific services and information that supports assimilation, and ongoing opportunities for connection to community and resources for long-term stability.
As families work to navigate a society laced with racist and xenophobic systems, we actively work to increase the mental resilience of those served. For adults, we create onramps to varying competencies and increase access to basic needs resources, and opportunities for economic growth, health, and wellness. For youth, we actively work to develop positive identity associations through leadership, advocacy, and life skill development programs. All of our programs honor the diversity and cultural richness of the different countries and values of those served while fostering community and ensuring families know they are not alone.
As a community-based, community-rooted, and community-led organization with over a decade of consistent service to African families across Washington State, we pride ourselves on cultivating an inclusive and equitable culture. This is reflected in our intentional hiring practices, commitment to authentic program design, centering of community voice and need, and allocation of organizational resources. Our staff and board leadership embody the diversity of the African diaspora. We welcome and celebrate differences and work to ensure that all are equally engaged and invested, sharing power and responsibility for the organization's mission while not discriminating against any community that wants to participate in our programs.
Ikoro and Ndudi Chuku
Were born and raised in the Ibo tribe of Eastern Nigeria. They relocated to the U.S. in 2003 and 1996, respectively, and have since become United States citizens.
The Chuku’s have firsthand experience living with inequity and poverty. They founded Mission Africa in 2002 with the mission to provide children in remote African villages with the opportunity for better lives. Originating from the mission department of their church, International Living Word Ministries, Mission Africa later separated and was incorporated as a 501c3 in 2006.
Ikoro and Ndudi have made a commitment to create strategic alliances and partnerships to help obtain needed resources to assist underprivileged children and families in Africa. Their focus is to engage in self-sustaining projects and programs for the enhancement of vulnerable children’s quality of life.
They are both ordained Christian ministers, with the passion to provide opportunities and find resources to help people live a better life – spirit, soul, and body. They both pastored at International Living Word Ministries in Kent, Washington for ten years, and both had full-time jobs until January 2014 when Ndudi left her job to focus entirely on Mission Africa.
They are proud parents of their son, Chizaram.
Ndudi on Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Alumni Spotlight
Mission Africa Board of Trustees
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Mission Africa Advisory Board
