Tanzania: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is marking World Art Day 2025 through its Pan African Art and Fashion with Purpose Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. This initiative seeks to leverage creativity to raise awareness about critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their talents for advocacy and education, fostering cultural shifts within their communities.
According to African Press Organization, Dr. Kelej, recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans for six consecutive years, emphasized the power of art, fashion, and media in societal transformation. She stated that these elements are not merely for aesthetics or entertainment but serve as vital tools for education and advocacy. With this vision, Merck Foundation has launched numerous initiatives, including the pan-African TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation.” This program highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of the Fashion and Art with Purpose community, addressing social issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, women’s empowerment, and health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
“Our Africa by Merck Foundation” is a unique TV program conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Kelej. It features African fashion designers, singers, and prominent experts from various fields to raise awareness and create a cultural shift across Africa. The program has resonated with millions of viewers across the continent.
In addition to the TV program, Merck Foundation, in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa, announces annually eight significant awards under two themes for media, fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, singers, and young African talents. The awards focus on breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls’ education, ending child marriage, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, among other themes. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024.
Dr. Kelej highlighted Africa’s rich heritage reflected through art, fabrics, music, and storytelling, which are passed down through generations. The awards aim to inspire African youth to use their talents to address critical social and health issues, raising awareness through their creative work. Entries for the awards can be sent to [email protected].
As part of their Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has collaborated with various African artists to create over 30 songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local African languages. These songs address issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa, Merck Foundation has launched eight children’s storybooks in three languages: English, French, and Portuguese. These storybooks have been adapted into animation films to reach communities and instill change at grassroots levels. To access Merck Foundation’s songs, storybooks, and animation films, interested individuals can click on the provided links.
