The Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania (LIMAP)
A culturally grounded, community-led organization dedicated to empowering one of Pennsylvania’s most vibrant yet underserved diasporas.
Rooted in tradition and driven by purpose.
Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania (LIMAP) Mission
- To preserve and uplift the cultural heritage and community values of the Liberian Mandingo diaspora in particular, and the West African diaspora in general.
- Through education, youth empowerment, women’s leadership, health equity, and civic inclusion, LIMAP fosters a culturally rooted yet forward-looking ecosystem that strengthens families, builds intergenerational solidarity, and advances equitable opportunities for all.
- Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania (LIMAP) is a bridge between past legacies and future progress—honoring tradition while enabling transformation.
Modern & Result Oriented
OUR VISION
Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania (LIMAP) envisions a vibrant, unified, and culturally empowered Mandingo and West African diaspora community in Pennsylvania and beyond—one that is:
- Socially cohesive across generations and geographies
- Economically uplifted through entrepreneurship and inclusive opportunity
- Culturally confident, preserving ancestral wisdom while embracing innovation
- Civically engaged, shaping policies and institutions that reflect our collective voice and values
- Youth-centered, nurturing the potential of younger generations as leaders and values
THE PROBLEM
- Cultural Erosion: Less than 20% of Mandingo youth in Pennsylvania are fluent in the Mandinka language, leading to a rapid decline in cultural traditions.
- Youth Vulnerability: Philadelphia has seen a significant increase in youth gun violence victims, with numbers rising from 81 in 2015 to 181 in 2022.
- Women’s Marginalization: Approximately 44% of African-born women in Philadelphia report limited English proficiency, restricting access to employment and healthcare services.
- Health Disparities: Black communities face higher rates of chronic illnesses and mental health issues, yet encounter barriers to accessing culturally competent care.
- Legal Barriers: Only 37% of low-income African immigrants receive the legal aid they need for immigration-related issues, leaving many without proper representation.
- Civic Underrepresentation: Mandingo voices are largely absent from local policy forums and decision-making bodies, limiting their influence on matters affecting their community.
what makes us different
THE SOLUTION
CULTURAL REVIVAL
Language Classes, Storytelling Circles, And Heritage Events To Preserve Identity.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Safe Zones, Leadership Programs, And Digital Literacy To Build Confident Futures.
WOMEN’S UPLIFTMENT
Microbusiness Training, Maternal Wellness, And Peer Support To Unlock Potential.
HEALTH ACCESS
Mobile Clinics And Trauma-Informed Care Tailored To Cultural Needs.
IMMIGRATION SUPPORT
Free Legal Aid, Peer Navigators, And Simplified Guidance For TPS And Green Cards.
CIVIC INCLUSION
Voter Education, Youth Fellowships, And Training For Leadership Roles.
TARGET AUDIENCE & COMMUNITY PROFILE
Geographic Focus
→ Core presence in Southwest Philadelphia (ZIPS 19142, 19143, 19139) with expanding communities in Darby, Chester, Allentown, and Harrisburg. → Estimated 6,000-9,000 Mandingo individuals in Philadelphia County alone (ACS 2022).
Demographic Highlights
→ 60.3% of African immigrants in PA are under age 40 -youth-heavy and family-centered. → Predominantly multigenerational households; strong role of women in caregiving, culture, and informal leadership.
Economic Landscape
→ High participation in retail trade, transport (Uber/Lyft), and home-based services (tailoring, food). → Most operate informally, with limited access to capital, zoning support, or business registration (PACDC, 2023).
Five reasons we're the best
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATIONAL RESILIENCE
Academic & Digital Literacy
After-school tutoring, college readiness, and digital storytelling labs (in partnership with WHYY, Philly CAM) to build 21st-century skills.
Leadership & Mentorship
Peer-led youth mentoring, summer leadership academies, and inclusive programs for youth with disabilities.
Cultural Education & Identity
Mandingo language classes, storytelling workshops, and arts-based heritage programs to strengthen self-identity and cultural pride.
Gender-Specific Support
• Girls’ Mental Health & Empowerment: Emotional wellness, hygiene education, digital skills. • Boys of Hope: Gang prevention, role modeling, and civic responsibility training.
LIMAP Soccer Program:
Structured leagues combining sports, GPA tracking, youth leadership, and pathways to scholarships. →200+youthengagedannually through sport, resilience, and inclusion.
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Microenterprise Financial Literacy • Business incubators and culturally tailored training to equip women with the skills to grow and sustain microenterprises. Maternal Wellness & Peer Support • Community-led circles focused on maternal health, emotional wellbeing, and culturally safe health care navigation. Girls’ Identity Leadership Program (GEILP) • Mentorship, academic support, and civic empowerment for teenage girls to foster future leaders. Entrepreneurial Transition & Business Formalization • Helping women move from informal to registered enterprises through training, mobile tools, and group lending models.
Health Equity & Mental Wellness Programs
- Preventive Health Access: Community health fairs offering free screenings and early detection for chronic conditions.
- Trauma & Emotional Support: Peer-led counseling and mental wellness programs designed to address migration stress, grief, and identity-related trauma.
Maternal & Chronic Health Education: Workshops tailored to women and families on prenatal care, nutrition, and chronic disease management in culturally relevant formats.
Holistic Healing Approaches: Programs integrating emotional, spiritual, and community-centered healing practices to reduce stigma and improve wellness outcomes.
Civic Engagement & Leadership Pipeline Programs
Coalition-building with civic advocacy organizations
Civic mentorship and shadowing opportunities
Voter education, mobilization, and public service training
Increasing community participation in local governance and policy forums
Financial Sustainability Plan
Initial Investment Need
$750,000 to 1M for Year 1-2 to launch priority programs and core operations.
Growth Trajectory
Scaled to a $2.5 million annual budget by Year 3-5, aligned with expanding community impact.
join a workshop
- Youth development & safe zones
- Women’s economic empowerment Legal navigation & immigrant services
- Health equity & trauma recovery
- Cultural preservation
Blended funding model
- Federal & state grants
- Foundation support
- Major donors & community giving
- Earned income (events, merchandise, workshops)
- Corporate and diaspora sponsorships
Financial Breakdown
| Category | Year 1 (USD) | Year 2 (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Youth Development Programs
|
$150,000
|
$200,000
|
|
Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
|
$130,000
|
$180,000
|
|
Health & Wellness Programs
|
$110,000
|
$160,000
|
|
Legal & Immigration Services
|
$90,000
|
$120,000
|
|
Cultural Preservation Programs
|
$80,000
|
$100,000
|
|
Staffing & Administration
|
$100,000
|
$140,000
|
|
Communications & Outreach
|
$40,000
|
$50,000
|
|
Events & Community Engagement
|
$30,000
|
$30,000
|
|
Monitoring & Evaluation
|
$20,000
|
$20,000
|
Total Budget | $750,000 | $1,000,000
Dedicated Professionals
Meet the team
KAFUMBA SANOE
President
Expert in agriculture management and team leadership with experience at Corteva Agriscience and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Holds degrees in Agricultural Economics and Organic Farming, driving operational excellence and strategic growth.
WAJIH BUKHARI
Chief Consultant
Mohammed Kromah
CFO
Seasoned financial expert with extensive experience in financial planning, budget management, and strategic growth initiatives. Renowned for driving fiscal efficiency and ensuring sustainable financial performance for organizations globally.
Grant Research Manager
Zara Kamran leads LIMAP’s efforts in securing and managing funding from government agencies, foundations, and philanthropic partners. With expertise in proposal writing, budgeting, and compliance, she ensures LIMAP’s programs are financially sustainable and aligned with its mission.
Impact Goals for the Next 5 Years
Our 5-Year Commitment: Positively impact 10,000+ lives through programs in youth empowerment, women’s leadership, health equity, and legal access.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Higher academic success & reduced violence among youth
- Increased income & entrepreneurship for women
- Improved community access to health and mental wellness
- Stronger civic presence and immigrant representation
Let’s Build the Future Together:
Donate, Partner, Empower.
Your support drives real change where it’s needed most