 At NigerianNGO, we are passionate about highlighting the inspiring stories of individuals making meaningful change across the nation. In this feature, we shine the spotlight on Mary Fidelis, a driven humanitarian, educator, and social impact leader who is making waves in underserved communities through her organization, Heartmenders Charity Foundation. Join us as we take a closer look at the story of Mary Fidelis, a woman using education, compassion, and action to mend hearts and build hope.
NigerianNGO: Tell us about yourself Mary Fidelis: My name is Mary Fidelis, an Elocution and Literacy teacher, teen coach, and passionate advocate for development and humanitarian causes. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the National Open University of Nigeria and a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Yaba College of Technology. Hailing from Akwa Ibom State, I currently serve as the Executive Director and Founder of Heartmenders Charity Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to meeting the essential needs of vulnerable children and adults in underserved communities. My work over the past decade as a serial volunteer with numerous non-profits, both for-profit and non-profit, has equipped me with the skills, exposure, and networks needed to lead effectively in the humanitarian space. My experience spans project management, community liaison, and consulting for new non-profit startups. Beyond my NGO work, I am also an entrepreneur crafting handmade beauty accessories and perfumes. NigerianNGO: What inspired you to start the Heartmenders Charity Foundation? Mary Fidelis: The inspiration to start Heartmenders Charity Foundation was born out of a strong passion to give back and make a difference in the lives of people who are often overlooked. I realized early on that so many children and families in low-cost communities lacked access to basic needs like education, nutrition, and hygiene. My consistent involvement in volunteer activities gave me a deeper understanding of these challenges, and I felt compelled to do more. That desire birthed Heartmenders. NigerianNGO: This is so inspirational. What are some of the success stories from Heartmenders Charity Foundation? Mary Fidelis: There have been many impactful moments, but a few stand out. In 2023, Heartmenders Charity Foundation received the Nigerian Volunteers Award, a recognition of our continued service and outreach. In 2024, I was honored by the West Africa Youth Summit for my contributions to education and was nominated under the 25 Change Makers category. In 2022, I was spotlighted by Gift A Child Initiative (GACI) as one of the women creating positive change in society. On the ground, we've helped hundreds of children develop literacy skills, supported nursing mothers with essential supplies, and provided food and resources to struggling families. These stories are the heartbeat of Heartmenders. NigerianNGO: How does your organization receive support in terms of funding? Mary Fidelis: We rely heavily on the goodwill of individuals and corporate donors who believe in our mission. Many of our projects are funded through personal donations, community drives, and collaborative campaigns with other organizations. We're also open to partnerships that align with our goals and have received support in kind, materials, supplies, and volunteer services from both individuals and groups. NigerianNGO: What are the challenges you faced in bringing the vision of Heartmenders Charity Foundation to life? Mary Fidelis: Like most NGOs, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, especially in terms of funding and mobilizing consistent volunteer support. There were moments when I questioned if we could continue, but staying focused on the impact helped me push forward. Additionally, gaining trust and access in certain communities took time. But with patience, transparency, and collaboration, we’ve managed to build strong relationships in the areas we serve. NigerianNGO: What events or projects do you have coming up in the near future? Mary Fidelis: We have several exciting projects lined up. We're currently planning:
NigerianNGO: Do you have any words of encouragement? Mary Fidelis: Yes. I want everyone reading this to remember that no act of kindness is too small. You don't need to be wealthy or have a big platform to make a difference. Start with what you have, where you are. Consistency, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve will always create ripples of change. Never underestimate your ability to make an impact. NigerianNGO: For readers that are interested in your work, how can they connect with you and support your initiative? Mary Fidelis: We welcome support in every form, from volunteering to donations, to simply spreading the word about what we do. You can connect with me directly on social media: LinkedIn:Mary Fidelis Facebook: Mary Fidelis Instagram: Mary_fidelis07
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |