Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has served the needs of the community since its inception on the campus of Howard University in Washington , D.C. in 1920. In 2002 under the auspices of the International President Barbara C. Moore, Zeta Phi Beta adopted program Z-HOPE: Zetas Helping Other People Excel. Their altruistic activities and programs have been implemented across the United States and to Africa.

Z-HOPE is a holistic, multidimensional outreach service program that focuses on enhancing the three essential elements of life: mind, body and spirit. They address issues such as responsible sexual behavior, domestic violence, stress management, caregiving, estate planning, homeland security, and disaster preparedness, as well as, the common physical illnesses that affect persons of color (stroke, diabetes, heart attack, and cancer).

The program focuses on five target populations: women, youth, seniors, men, and international women. Keeping mind, body and spirit, the three key elements of life as their guides the women of Z-HOPE have initiated and support many empowering projects that encourage healthy lifestyle choices oat all stages of life.

Mary E. Singletary, Z-HOPE’s international coordinator for International Women of Color, chose Ghana as the recipient for many their projects because she worked extensively with Ghana in her capacity as the United Nations representative for the National Council of Women/USA. She believes that by concentrating efforts in one country in Africa , Z-HOPE is making a significant inroads there rather than if their projects were scattered throughout the continent. In addition Ghanaians speak English making communication easier.

Digging water wells has been one of Z-HOPE’s most important projects in Ghana , along with education for girls. According to Ms. Singletary, “ Ghana lacks health care because the doctors’ salaries are so low that they regularly leave Ghana to work in the United States .” Young girls are often the last to be assisted by local resources.

Through Ms. Singletary's leadership, a five-room Health Center was built in the Village of Apatrapa , Ashanti Region, Ghana , West Africa . She was also responsible for conducting a Train the Trainer - Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Program nationwide in Ghana .

In addition to their work in Ghana , the sorority has donated supplies for AIDS patient and caretakers in South Africa . Medical kits, food baskets, as well as baby formula for patients who can no longer eat solid food provided much need sustenance and support.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's International Service Initiative, Z-HOPE is a prime example of an organization working for the greater good. Z-HOPE deserves the highest praise for its inspirational leadership in altruism, generosity, service, and its influence on Ghana and society as a whole.

For more information on the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Z-HOPE please visit their international website www.zphib1920.org.

Z-HOPE Projects In Ghana

MIND

• Z-HOPE Children’s Library – In November 2007 Zeta commissioned this much-needed resource located on the second floor of the Cape Coast Slave Castle in Ghana . Computers and reference materials donated by Z-HOPE enhance and encourage educational development and foster literary skills. The older students also use the computers to write letters for the local inhabitants. Below the library, the original dungeon where slaves were held before being transported overseas still remains.
• Scholarships – Z-HOPE scholarships cover tuition, personal effects and support funds for Ghanaian girls. A semester of school in Ghana costs only $400-$1000, so scholarships an economical way to greatly improve the futures of the girls and their society as a whole.

BODY

• Water Project – 35 electric metered water wells dug in remote villages that did not have access to clean water. Ghanaian water experts identify villages with the most critical needs and complete the installations at a cost of a few thousand dollars for each well. Z-HOPE expects to complete an additional 15 by June 2008.
• Rice Donation – Rice is a staple that cannot grow in Ghana ’s dry soil. Z-HOPE donated 100,000 pounds of rice to Ghanaian villages. Ghanaian families must often ration their provisions to ensure they will be able to eat regularly. A 60-pound bag of rice can feed a family of thirty people for about one month.
• Z-HOPE Health Clinic –At Afua Kobi Ampem Girls Secondary School in Trabomum , Ghana servicing 1500 intellectually talented young women is targeted for completion in early 2000 and will be run by local doctors. The clinic will house twenty-four beds, examination rooms, a dispensary, a laboratory, consultation rooms and a waiting area.

• Domestic Violence Center - Necessities for abused women and abandoned babies at the domestic violence center in Ghana ’s capital and largest city, Accra .