More Than A Mission. It's A Promise.
To the survivors, the dreamers, and the future leaders of our community. We are building a legacy of resilience on Staten Island.
- Our Mission
Empower. Uplift. Connect.
Our mission is to empower and uplift the West African
immigrant community on Staten Island by providing
culturally responsive programs and essential services
that promote social integration, economic
advancement, education, health, and intergenerational
connection.
We strive to preserve our rich African heritage while
fostering unity, inclusion, and active civic
engagement within the broader Staten Island
community.
- Our Vision
A Thriving, Integrated Future
Our vision is a thriving West African immigrant
community on Staten Island that is empowered, self-
sufficient, and fully integrated into the social and
economic fabric of New York City.
We envision a future where we celebrate our heritage,
nurture our youth, care for our elders, and contribute
meaningfully to a united and vibrant multicultural
society.
Born From Necessity, Built on Hope.
ROZA Promotions was established in February 1981 during a critical
wave of refugee resettlement. Staten Island became a new home for
thousands fleeing conflict in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and
Guinea.
The reality on the ground was stark. Many of the newly arrived
children had faced severe interruptions in their schooling due to war.
A community needs assessment revealed that approximately 85% of refugee children were functioning below grade level, putting them at high risk for school failure and social isolation.
Our Founder, Mr. Rufus Arkoi, saw that these children didn’t just need
tutors; they needed a sense of belonging. In 1995, he launched the
“Park Hill Rangers” soccer program. What started on a dusty field as
a way to engage youth has evolved into a comprehensive institution
supporting thousands of families.
ROZA
noun • /ro-za/ • “Survivor”
The name ROZA means “survivor” in an African language. It also serves as
an acronym for our founder’s name, but its spirit belongs to the community.
It reflects our core purpose: to support children and families who are
survivors of war, displacement, and hardship as they build new, successful
lives in America.
Beyond Staten Island
A Growing Legacy
From our headquarters in New York, our mission has resonated across the diaspora, leading
to branches that serve West African communities across the globe.
Kansas City, MO
2001 to 2003
Brooklyn Park, MN
2000 to 2005
Cleveland, OH
2001 to 2005
Buduburam, Ghana
2002 to 2007
Newark, NJ
2002 to 2005
"We believe that when families thrive culturally,
economically, and socially, entire communities flourish. We
don't just help people survive; we provide the tools for them
to succeed."
"We believe that when families thrive culturally,
economically, and socially, entire communities flourish. We
don't just help people survive; we provide the tools for them
to succeed."