Two Bates College students have been awarded Davis Projects for Peace grants to implement humanitarian projects this summer, according to an April 21 announcement. Angel Guitcha and Vyshu Viju will each receive $10,000 to carry out their respective initiatives in Ghana and India.
The projects aim to address pressing issues faced by women in different communities. Guitcha’s project focuses on economic empowerment for women porters, known as kayayei, in Accra, Ghana. Viju’s initiative seeks to improve menstrual waste disposal methods in Chelannur, India.
Projects for Peace is based at Middlebury College and is funding 142 projects across 59 countries and seven U.S. states this year. Since its start in 2007, the organization has supported more than 2,200 student-led efforts worldwide. Bates students work closely with staff from the Harward Center for Community Partnerships when developing their proposals.
Last summer, Axelle Tougouma led a similar project funded by a Davis grant that installed an irrigation system and provided agricultural training for women refugees from Burkina Faso living in Ivory Coast. “It was definitely fulfilling,” Tougouma said of her experience leading the three-month project virtually while interning in Boston. She added: “It also made me realize that the small action we do can also contribute in solving problems.” After completing her project, Tougouma continued supporting participants remotely and plans to seek further funding opportunities.
Inspired by Tougouma’s example, Guitcha designed a six-week workshop teaching kayayei skills such as beaded jewelry making and sewing reusable menstrual pads from leftover fabric. The goal is both financial independence and improved menstrual health care among participants who often lack resources or time for proper hygiene management. “I’m hoping that they leave their workshops feeling more empowered and more in control of their lives,” Guitcha said.
Viju’s project addresses challenges with menstrual waste disposal where local trash collection does not include these products due to health concerns. Residents are expected to travel two hours away or burn waste at home—a practice causing pollution—so she will work with her grandparents to install specialized incinerators around Chelannur after securing government approval. “I’m hoping it decreases pollution and creates a more sustainable pathway in the way that trash is done,” Viju said.
Both projects are scheduled for completion by September.
