the talking stick issue 13 - Summer 2008

What has African Initiatives achieved in the past 5 years?

African Voices and Global Justice

Breaking Barriers to Education 4 page #

www.african-initiatives.org.uk page 1 The Cost of Conservation highlighting the different uses the land is put communities. African Initiatives’ principle that In a world that often professes utopian ideals to and can then be used to help communities the project should be ‘owned’ by the local of egalitarianism and environmentalism, it resist illegal land grabbing. LUPs have also led to community is justified as women are managing Article head is a sad irony that those communities which the improved management of 23 water sources their own affairs and local resources, especially come nearest to attaining that dream are in and rivers, forests and charcoal production in for education. African Initiatives works with PWC danger of being wiped out. Hunter-gatherer’s 13 villages, and the development of 10 health to strengthen women’s leadership, and in the and pastoralists have the least environmental dispensaries and 2 health insurance schemes. last 5 years, for the first time, probably in Maasai impact, the smallest ecological footprint, than history, women were represented at the regional any community on this planet. Yet they face Active Participation and national forums through the participation of extinction. If they were animals they would Participating in decision making and democracy the Pastoral Women’s Council. 400 women have be accorded endangered species status; is important for all marginalised groups. Over the attended public meetings on women’s rights and documentaries would be made; thousands of past five years, community awareness activities education and 600 women have participated in dollars raised. The tragic irony of this injustice is in Tanzania have increased understanding of community workshops on women’s rights, adult that the conservation lobby is one of their major democratic processes and responsibilities. literacy and girls’ education. Village councils and threats. African Initiatives and our partners have Natural Resource sub-committees now contain worked with fifty village councils, supporting 33% women and community organisations were “The parts of the world left with wildlife are communities with training in roles and able to throw a local MP out when faced with his responsibilities of councillors, education and corruption, which is an indicator of the increased peopled with pastoralists, the world should water committees. democracy and accountability at a regional level. come here to learn from the Maasai the way to conserve land. Come and see that there are CRT has initiated community led Land “Historically Maasai women were not allowed trees, there are cows and wildlife” Campaigns in 5 districts culminating in a to participate in meetings with men, hence regional forum and national gathering. Local Tanzania: “little by little, a they could not influence the decisions affecting government accountability has been improved Shinan Ole Moinga, Endulen and corruption reduced while an increase in their livelihood. Gradually women’s role democratic participation has been identified are changing; Maasai women have found little becomes a lot” It comes down to land. Development policies in 38 Villages. The real success of community themselves challenging the marginalisation attempt to force them to settle in one place and awareness activities and recognition of the give up a semi-nomadic existence, and their and oppression of their gender. Women are in (Tanzanian proverb) responsibilities held by MP’s was shown in the traditional lands are then lost to commercial the position to own properties generated from general election of 2005-6 when the incumbent interests, primarily agricultural. their own initiatives. Education is the key to MP for Ngoronogoro, a critical pastoralist area women’s liberation - a process that will only Five years on was thrown out. His replacement is already in contact with CRT and PWC and regularly seeks occur when women join efforts”. Together with our partners, African Initiatives has their advice and input. Similarly, attempts by based its work on the existing Tanzanian law & Tanzanian National Parks to expand Serengeti constitution which recognises the legitimacy of (Manyara, Chair of PWC) National Park boundaries were stopped by traditional land tenures. Traditional democratic community members armed with knowledge of structures such as the village council have been their rights. utilised to successfully resolve conflicts and Knowledge is Power Community centres are running classes in adult secure access to land and community natural Tanzanian Women Raise their Voices resources. Land Use Plans, aimed at increasing literacy for women, primary and secondary ‘Educate one woman and you educate a whole participation and strengthening land rights school preparation for children as well as community’ Swahili saying. awareness have been agreed and implemented nurseries. The education component also in forty two villages in twelve districts. They includes training in human and women’s rights Women’s groups are increasing as more women involve the geographical mapping of areas awareness; natural resource management; hear of the success and request support for their used by pastoralists and hunter gatherers by reproductive health and HIV/AIDS awareness. An

How do we know how far we’ve come in the last 5 years? Val Bishop explores the achievements of African Initiatives’ programmes in Tanzania.

It is estimated that the programmes African Initiatives runs in Tanzania directly benefit over 125,000 people and are spread across 34 villages in 8 Districts in 5 Regions; Arusha, Manyara, Mara, Kiteto and Tanga. 50% of the beneficiaries are women. Together with the Pastoral Women’s Council (PWC), the Ujamaa Community Resource trust (CRT) and CASEC, African Initiatives seeks to secure access to land and improve education and representation, especially for women.

(gudi&cris, Flikr, copyright) 4 page # 4 page # page 2 www.african-initiatives.org.uk www.african-initiatives.org.uk page 3 Article head

indicator of the passion Maasai women have for Livestock is the key to economic empowerment another source of income in Soit Sambu village, beneficial to my family, my community, my information and resource centre that will provide education is that they are holding harambee’s for Pastoralist women. Initially men would not where, with PWC and the support of a private community. African Initiatives is helping to skills based training and education in areas (local fund-raising events) to build and run allow them land for grazing or access to water company, participants have established an eco- increase the amount of girls going to school and nation. I am self confident and self controlled. such as micro-business and entrepreneurship, community education centres. It is through sources and women had no market to sell tourism project. in local employment. PWC is supporting over 100 We have to kick away our inferiority girls from primary school to university and into tourism, computers, HIV and AIDS, a “back knowledge that women and their communities or exchange goods. Now, after 3-4 years of complexes that we are less important than to school” programme and music and drama. will be empowered and enabled to change their work women are now involved in small scale Girls’ Education employment. Over 1,300 children are attending men. We are equal.” Young People will be encouraged to raise funds lives and fight for their rights. gardening and livestock. The Women’s Solidarity Barriers to girls’ education are primarily nursery and pre-primary classes, 50% of them to contribute to the activities that they are Economic Empowerment Boma (or homestead) has allowed women to economic and social/cultural. Poverty remains are girls. The difference that African Initiatives and their participating in. build up a herd of 248 cows, goats and donkeys. the single major deterrent to education, and partners can make in communities such as The boma is based on the whole concept of lack of education is a major cause of poverty. “One girl approached PWC when her father Lilian Nandoyie’s is one of access. With access Similar to the Sustainable Livelihoods women empowerment and allows these women Uneducated girls become illiterate parents had wanted her to marry an old man. The girl to knowledge, the means that will empower and Programme underway in Ghana it is hoped that an opportunity to manage their own project, to unable to support their children, and the cycle knew her rights through PWC and refused. enable change, individuals and communities African Initiatives and CASEC will be able to work generate income and to use this asset to fund continues. When families face poverty girls Through PWC she was able to get 50% of her can work together. The voices in Tanzania were with farmers in the central area of Tanzania girls in education. But most importantly it has are the first to be taken out of school and put school fees paid.” already there, African Initiatives has just shown who are struggling to sustain their environment established the right of women to own livestock, into very poor paying work in often dangerous them the way to the megaphone. and income from agriculture. Farmers are not the primary economic and social status in conditions. Some cultures, like the Maasai, see It’s not only girls who are breaking down organized or educated in the issues that they Maasai culture. no value in ‘investing’ in their girl’s education barriers: Over 700 people now participate in What next? are facing, including the dangerous misuse of because of planned early marriages when she adult education classes of which almost 75% African Initiatives, together with CASEC, is hoping agrochemicals and post harvest security; nor For African Initiatives, empowerment is a process will leave for another family and bring money into are women. Communities are working together to introduce some exciting new programmes in are they aware of any alternative sustainable not a destination and importantly, the Women’s that one instead of her own. More specifically to establish and maintain 22 nursery schools Tanzania over the coming months. Foremost of agriculture practices. Credit project has established 15 savings and on a day to day level there are more every day and community education centres. In one case these is the Youth at Risk programme, designed credit groups with 100% repayments. Through household tasks for girls than boys as well as the £17,000 has been raised to build a new primary to support young people in the squatter and CASEC will mobilize farmers into establishing this initiative a group of women have bought a responsibilities of looking after younger siblings school and an extra community education slum areas of urban Arusha who are at risk from their own farmer based organizations and with posho (grinding mill) and received management on market days or while their parents are at centre. HIV/AIDS, likely to engage in crime and anti- the support of African Initiatives they intend training on how to organise and run their work. social behaviour and are discriminated against to start a popular education campaign on the business effectively. In what has possibly been Thanks to African Initiatives’ support, local by the authorities, communities and potential dangers of the misuse of agrochemicals through the major breakthrough in women’s property It is clear that education is still the key to women’s groups are overcoming the obstacles employers. Because of this, youths don’t have research, education and the dissemination rights, housing construction has improved, 50 reducing poverty and developing communities, that prevent girls getting an education. Lilian access to basic services and are often ignored of findings and case studies nationally and low cost houses have been built and 17 made Albert Meigiroo from Child Hope, Tanzania puts Nandoyie, who is now working for the district by NGOs. internationally. page 4 availablewww.african-initiatives.org.uk to widows who previously, after the it best when he says that “We believe when a girl government in her own community, says: death of their husbands were vulnerable to the is educated the whole family will be educated”. Working with their parents who are committed to pillaging of their belongings and wealth by male Mothers will be able teach their children, and “Individual empowerment will come through supporting them, CASEC hopes to establish an relatives. Even tourism has provided a means to the benefits will therefore be seen across4 page the # education—and I have education. It is page 4 www.african-initiatives.org.uk www.african-initiatives.org.uk page 5 “There has been an increase in the number of trees, zinc roofs, donkeys, carts and bikes. People now have a wide range of knowledge especially things like female genital mutilation and Aids. Here people talk. The Assemblyman has been MOVING FORWARD IN challenged, even the MP. People are listening to the news more. In family compounds different people support different political parties and discuss them. And there has been no conflict over land, politics or tribe. There is unity.”

GHANA Zakaria Arango, Community Leader With the help of generous donors and committed staff, African Initiatives has made more positive changes in Ghana over the past five years. A closer look at look at sustainable living A look back over the last five years of project work by African Initiatives sustainability of these Ghanaian projects. Farmers have been able to draw strength from local partners. The in Ghana shows that progressive steps have been made in building Communities and individuals within those communities have become foundational work done in setting up sound support networks has put more sustainable and positive livelihoods in the West African country. empowered through this support, giving them power to independently farmers on the right track. tackle the challenges that present themselves on a daily basis. African Initiatives began working with local communities in northern Stop the dumping Ghana in 1995 focussing on sustainable living in agriculture, health “African Initiatives has been working in northern Ghana for 12 One of the most notable achievements over the past few years has been and women’s rights. “The projects have touched the lives of over years on sustainable agriculture and women’s rights helping the effort by local communities in taking control to stop the illegal flow of 30000 people,” says Mike Samson, director and founder of African around 30000 people living in the project area important changes hazardous and poisonous agro-chemicals into Ghana, much of which has Initiatives. been rejected by the European Union (EU). in their lives.”

The last five years has shown very fast paced progress within these Communities have become empowered to take control of the illegal communities, especially with local farmers’ awareness towards organic Mike Samson, director and founder of African Initiatives. chemical dumping situation through advocacy, education and training farming practices and the challenges of the hazardous agro-chemicals sessions supplied by African Initiatives explains Samson. being dumped in the country. African Initiatives started pushing sustainable agricultural practices

in 1995 by forging relationships with local Ghanaian partners. They “African Initiatives has supported 12 agricultural organisations in African Initiatives has also made progress with a vast majority of created the Zuuri Organic Vegetable Farmers’ Association (ZOVFA) Ghanaian women through training and sensitisation. It is evident they Ghana with skills and strategies to strengthen their work in promoting and the Community Self-Reliance Centre. The aim of the process are becoming more empowered with issues regarding to HIV/ Aids, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.” was to address issues of local concern, such as access to land and female genital mutilation and domestic violence. sustainable agricultural practices. The project has grown over the Local community leaders have also established the Ghana Organic years, creating stability and sustainability in many regions of Ghana. Woman are gaining confidence to speak out more on issues affecting Agriculture Network (GOAN) in the Upper East region in order to campaign against the dumping of hazardous chemicals that are playing on the health themselves and their families which are important building blocks for “Greener” farming dynamic and sustainable communities. of many people in Ghana. plight of tomato farmer. The film documents how the organisation has Progress over the past few years has been evident most especially with worked to increase farmers’ prices so that they are paid more fairly for their farmers reverting to organic farming methods and tackling the misuse Positive growth in the past five years can be attributed to the hard work African Initiatives are working with GOAN and Ghana’s ministry of produce. of agro-chemicals. by African Initiatives project managers, volunteers and the financial agriculture to promote and sustain the work being carried out in the region African Initiatives has made headway in promoting organic farming support received from donors. “It is only through this support that with regards to sustainable and ethical farming practices. Through education on the wider global communities issues affecting their by setting up support and training in 26 farming communities and African Initiatives is able to make a difference in the lives of so many home markets, local communities have been able to better tackle the agricultural organisations towards the benefits of organic farming since people,” explains Samson. There has also been the creation of dialogue in a democratic format challenge. 2006. Continued monetary support is vital for the continuation and between local communities and government levels around sustainable farming and the benefits have incited dynamic and interactive progress. We have been cheated for a long time by middle-men after harvesting our crops but with the campaigns on fair price for farmers we are now “The programmes of ZOVFA are so much beneficial to me... I used to enlightened and do not ‘throw’ our crops.” apply chemical fertilizer DDT to my vegetables which was not easy to Part of a discussion around sustainable living with Ghanaian farmer afford and was also harmful to my health. Now I use organic manure Alima Harundi in 2007 in my garden, it is less expensive for me and it is not harmful to my life. Part of a discussion around sustainable living with Ghanaian farmer Sustaining and creating skills Alima Harundi in 2007 In order to create more sustainable communities African Initiatives has been working since 2006 creating “Farmer Field Schools” in eight of Tomato injustices Ghana’s local communities. There is strong emphasis by African Initiatives on educating Ghanaian The schools have provided training to over 200 farmers who in turn are communities around understanding the wider economic and market access passing on their skills to 3200 neighbouring farmers. This project is issues that affect them. important in building foundational agricultural skills to help enrich the lives of small scale farmers and their communities. One of the most startling issues affecting the Ghanaian farming economy are the trading injustices around the growing and marketing of tomatoes. In the past five years, African Initiatives has also established a network of Small scale farmers are becoming crippled financially by the cheap influx 24 agriculturally orientated organisations aimed at sharing good farming of mass produced canned tomatoes which are cheaper to buy than locally practice and the dissemination techniques to improve pest management, grown produce. post harvest storage, soil and water conservation and agro forestry.

African Initiatives has also produced a short documentary film “Trading This has significantly reduced the cost of farming inputs. Injustice, the Ghanaian Tomato Farmers’ story” drawing attention to the page 6 www.african-initiatives.org.uk www.african-initiatives.org.uk page 7 Building on women’s rights

Woman in Africa play a vital role towards the are also becoming more aware of the causes Case Study development of Africa. It is therefore important and cost of HIV/ Aids and the lifestyle changes a real success story... that African Initiatives continues promoting the required to reduce infection rates. rights of women so that progress can be made in the region. African Initiatives has also achieved considerable In order to see concrete developments within the communities, coordinator of the CSRC. success in reducing female genital mutilation African Initiatives looks for dynamic individuals within the community Becky is a real success story and going to university shows that African Initiatives has been heavily involved over through public education and links with a leading to carry out duties and tasks vital for change. Through this ideal through positive interaction by organisations like African Initiatives, the past five years empowering women with NGO who support woman’s rights. Statistics Rebecca Seidhu a young Ghanaian woman has become one of the peoples lives can become better enriched through opportunity. advocacy skills. In recent years women have show that in Binduri, Upper East region, female community members to receive financial assistance to attend a local become leaders within their communities and genital mutilation has fallen from around 90% to Ghanaian University of Development Studies. To her credit, she is the first woman from her community to go beyond so far eight women have been elected to District 10% in five years. secondary school. Assemblies, which is progress for in a male African Initiative members identified Becky as a noble recipient to dominated society. “The Ministry of Health were so impressed further advocate and develop women’s rights and leadership within With the support of the Sir Halley Stewart Trust Fund in this case with the approach they have adapted it to their the Ghanaian communities. Becky will be entitled to six months of course work, practical work Strong leadership amongst women is slowly community work,” explains Samson. and holiday. The other six months, she will continue working with the breaking down archaic views that women Becky has already become a key player in the project through her CSRC. are subservient figureheads within their Education campaigns initiated by the heavy involvement with the Community Self-Reliance Centre (CSRC) communities. organisation and local partners also address which has gained her recognition as a worthy recipient for financial She has been replaced by a CSRC intern who is being funded by the issues such as STDs, teenage pregnancy, girl’s support by African Initiatives. Trust in a full-time post and trained by CSRC, African Initiatives and “At first we women in this community education, abortion, child trafficking, child Becky. Becky has already mobilised and trained the GATs in the Binduri couldn’t sit with men in meetings and talk labour, rape, domestic violence, human rights and forced marriages. community on female genital mutilation and set of a fledgling local Becky agreed to a contract that would commit her to two years work but now we are enlightened. Personally, too, network on domestic violence. with CSRC after she completed her studies. my confidence level is raised. I didn’t used Beating the bully to be able to talk in public, but now I can do In the course of the year African Initiatives has “She has been very active with community advocacy capacity building The experience has made African Initiatives consider similar initiatives without shyness,” says a Ghanaian woman combined the work done on female genital workshops where she has become a role model for other women and as a very effective way of supporting its commitment to women’s Lamisi Mburi. mutilation with domestic violence which is an a challenge to the men,” explains Philip Ayamba, her manager and rights. obvious concern. Woman farmers Over the past few years, African Initiatives has African Initiatives has mobilised and trained supported and recognised the importance of eight community Gender Activist Teams (GATs) women in the agricultural sector. which identify and support contact points in each community for women to go to for safety, support Growing confidence amongst Ghanaian women and counselling with her husband. RAISING VOICES IN BRISTOL in the past few years coupled with the support Tory Coates explains why the African Voices and Global Justice Conference 2008 could herald a new beginning for provided by African Initiatives has seen women Education around these issues at all levels of in eight communities get secure access to the community has become an important tool the Diaspora communities in Bristol. productive, fertile land close to water as well as in curbing domestic violence. African Initiatives the ownership of small livestock. has trained 200 people, including more than 50 In the Council House on March 1st members of within Bristol and the nation. This approach men, on the current law concerning women’s over 15 Bristol Community Associations joined was re-iterated throughout the day as the Alongside the incorporation of women in rights and has helped to educate key elders and other participants at the African Voices and large turn out of an estimated 160 people agriculture, African Initiatives has established the chiefs. Global Justice Conference, the first of its kind in meant that the numerous workshops were well women’s credit and income generating scheme the UK. Its aim was to create a unique arena to attended. Seminars covered a variety of topics to help them take control of their financial affairs Ghanaian Atonge Ayagrei who is involved with raise awareness of issues which impact upon and attracted a diverse number of people, and in turn benefit the welfare of their families the Women’s Rights campaign said that it has both Africa and the African communities within they ranged from Climate Change; ‘Your Africa brought much change to her family. and their communities. Bristol, currently under-represented in the local in the Curriculum’; a skills session with Kerry author and community activist. Each speaker area. It was also the launch of the Bristol African McCarthy MP to an exploration of Contemporary spoke with animation about the issues they saw The project which began has already given over “My elder husband used to beat all the wives Voices Forum, an opportunity for members of all Slavery and Migration by Professor Christien as the cause of Africa’s negative perception 1250 women economic independence. The and send them back to their parents. When I the Diaspora Community Associations to come van den Anker and Anti Slavery International. in international politics and the media and to project has become financially sustainable over got involved with the domestic violence work together on a regular basis. African Initiatives As a whole they provided what Dr Seaga Shaw, offer suggestions for the possible outcomes the past five years and continues to support 242 hosted the event but it could not have gone a journalist from Sierra Leone, described I talked to him with the help of some elders, from the day’s proceedings. The audience women who receive credit, which is benefiting ahead without the donation of the venue and as “a platform for African ideas, needs and were encouraged to write down their individual and now he has changed, the women are back over 200 family compounds. food from Bristol City Council and other generous action.” Anyone expecting a lecture was in expectations and ideas for the African Voices and living happily together again.” support from organisations as diverse as Unison, the wrong place. Stepping into each workshop Forum, yet only doing so if they were committed Tackling the taboo the Bristol Fair Trade Network and CAAT not to was both exhilarating and educational, as to following them through and becoming active Community reproductive health care advice set Coupled with the GAT project African Initiatives mention the support and hard work of the army debate was freely invited and the well informed participants in the process of change. up by African Initiatives has created awareness has also established community watch of volunteers. speakers readily met criticism with thoughtful committees on domestic violence with a link to and prevention of female genital mutilation, consideration. If you are interested in the African Voices sound family planning advice, awareness and the domestic violence and victim support unit of Wangui wa Goro, a Kenyan critic, translator and Project and would like some more information prevention of HIV/Aids. the Ghana Police Service. human rights activist, opened and chaired the Keynote speakers in the afternoon were Charles conference. Wa Goro spoke with clarity and Abugre, a Ghanaian campaigner on global please contact the office in the first instance Over the past five years, the project has seen “Although a taboo subject we have found that passion as she demanded that this conference justice; Eid Ali Ahmad, a Somalian and Deputy T: 0117 9150001 positive outcomes with miscarriage rates there has been an increase in the number should be met with realistic aims for the future Chief Executive of the Refugee Council in Wales E: [email protected] dropping by 5% and child health has seen an of victims who come forward for support,” and be the first step towards active collaboration and Paul Ifayomi Grant, an Afro-Caribbean improvement, according to health care officials according to Samson. at the community health care centre. People page 8 www.african-initiatives.org.uk www.african-initiatives.org.uk page 9

(Photography: Toomas Järvet) Thank you to volunteers… How do we integrate the Global Dimension in UK Schools? Dana Al-dulaimi, David Bowerman, WHY VOLUNTEER FOR AFRICAN INITIATIVES Stella Cheung, Tory Coates, Mojca Tim Anfield is African Initiatives’ Development Education Coordinator and has battled to fill this role and maintain a focal point for the Global Sarah Ratcliff ponders the question… has been tackling the issue with two exciting projects. Dimension in Education. In February 2008 we re-launched the Bristol and Cvetek, Tom Davidson, Claire Faithorn, South Glos Global Education Network (GLEN) to build a forum of interested James Garrett, Quen Geuter, Katie individuals, educational professionals, community organisations, teacher When I did some volunteering and travelling in South Africa last year, I felt really strongly that I wanted Goldsmith, Austin Goode, Vanessa trainers and local authority advisors. Bristol & South Glos is now just to carry that on when I came back to England. I eventually hope to work in the charity sector, and am one GLEN in a national initiative to build partnerships and incorporate the Haarhoff, Ben Hague, Niall Harle, finding that volunteering withsome African valuable Initiatives experience is giving doing me differenta good idea things. of the work involved as well as Global Dimension in schools. This means that the GLEN is able to access Stephanie Harris, Mia Harris, Ben funds set aside for the South West region to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experience and together define new local projects to boost delivery of The beauty of African Initiatives being such a small organisation means that there are opportunities Hensor, Morris Kapatula, Fadhili the Global Dimension in schools. for volunteers to get involved in different aspects of the charity and play to their individual strengths Maghiya, Nima Masterton, Leila and interests. Whether it’s writing press releases, designing publicity material, organising an event The GLEN’s first project is to map and promote the wide range of or producing educational resources for schools, there’s a chance to use our skills or try our hands at Nicholas, Tom Nicholls, Joe Pochodzaj, development education services that currently exist. This will enable something completely new. It is hard workand but happya lot of to fun, help. mainly because everyone is so enthusiastic Sarah Ratcliff, Eve Subhaswasdikul, networking as well as providing a set of recommendations based on which needs of schools and pupils are and are not being met. The second piece Jilna Shah, Lucy Stephens, Helen of work builds upon the ‘Global Schools’ pilot project launched by African Events that volunteers have helped out at include a jewellery sale at the Tobacco Factory Market Strong, Kate Suttle, Omar Touray, Initiatives in June 07. Global Schools works with four schools a year to and assisting with the African Voices and Global Justice Conference held at Bristol Council House. A Jessica Vaccaro, David Whittaker and embed the Global Dimension across the whole school, both as an element team of us have also arranged an evening of films and speakers at the Cube, an Independent Cinema of the curriculum (which means supporting schools to integrate concepts in Bristol. “Films for a Fairer World” was aimed at raising the profile of the charity. It had a great Nicola Wilkes…all of whom give their such as cultural diversity, social justice and trade issues) but also in wider reception and we’re now looking at arrangingof a you music there… event in the autumn… Hopefully we’ll see some People are working together across Bristol and South Glos to incorporate school policy, tackling Eurocentric attitudes and a lack of knowledge of the time so freely to African Initiatives. a balanced global approach to education in our schools. World Jungle in connections between the UK and the wider world. The GLENS across the South Glos uses African dance and play to develop children’s awareness South West have decided to pool resources to replicate this project across If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering please contact Val, T:0117 9150001 of global issues, culture and identity. In Bristol, the Ethnic Minority the region and African Initiatives has been invited to consult upon this E: [email protected] Achievement Service (EMAS) is raising the attainment of ethnic minority process and potentially take on a further two global schools in the autumn. pupils by working with schools, parents and the community to incorporate diversity into education. There is no shortage of other examples of These are exciting times for African Initiatives’ Development Education individuals and initiatives doing their part, but perhaps where there is room programme so watch this space… for collective improvement is through better partnership working and re- using, rather than re-inventing best practice. If you are interesting in learning more about African Initiatives’ work in this area please contact Tim Anfield or Val Bishop, T: 0117 9166452 Without a Development Education Centre (DEC) in Bristol, African Initiatives E: [email protected] Thanks for Making a Difference... African Initiatives’ achievements would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters, the leadership of our Board and the huge amount Breaking Barriers in Education of time and enthusiasm put into the organisation by our growing number of volunteers. Stephanie Harris talks to Inger O’Callaghan about bringing African Initiatives’ Enormous thanks to… programme in Tanzania to a primary school in Bristol. Jim Buckle who ran the 2008 London Marathon raising over £7000 Valerie Davey & friends who organised a jewellery stall, raising £110 for Girls’ Education in Tanzania and Sarah Ratcliff, Lucy Stephens, Claire Faithorn & Ben Hague who repeated the feat 6 months later making £100. Bristol City Council, CAAT, IOM, Bristol Fair Trade Network, Unison, Okiocredit South West & all supporters who donated money to the African Voices and Global Justice Conference. Westbury on Trym Church of England Primary School who have raised over £700 for Girls’ Education Chipping Sodbury High School who raised £300 for Ghana after talks given by volunteers Fadhili Maghiya and Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw Yarmouth Church of England Primary School and the congregation of St James’ Church who raised £138 to go to St Peters School in Zuuri All the volunteers who arranged “Films for a Fairer World” and raised over £300

Imagine waking up to see your brothers leave for school everyday, while you stay at The Development Education has been implemented using the Global Citizenship home because that is where you are needed to cook and clean for your family. For Fundraising Resource Pack. The pack is designed to aid schools in providing With special thanks to the Trusts below who have donated money to fund our programmes the children of Westbury-on-Trym Church of England Primary School this is a reality new and exciting resources for young people in schools who want to learn about that was hard to comprehend throughout their Development Education programme, communities in Ghana and Tanzania and their continual struggle to campaign for Rowan Charitable Trust - £2,000 however, for many young girls across Tanzania it is a daily routine. African Initiatives their rights to land, education and equality. has worked closely with the primary school to encourage the understanding of N Smith Charitable Settlement - £750 the causes of poverty in Africa through incorporating Development Education into “Development Education is a powerful tool to make changes. It creates Noel Buxton Trust - £2,000 their curriculum. Inger O’Callaghan, Head of Key Stage 2 at the school feels that empowerment and independence through UK children becoming active about Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement - £25,000 Development Education through Global Citizenship is a crucial part of primary global issues. To the children it becomes very personal when they are involved”. Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust - £2,000 education “Children need to understand that we are part of a Global Community and that the small things they do now, and the small shifts in attitude can have a Tanzania Day was a key part of the Development Education programme in Bryan Guinness Trust - £3,000 huge impact.’ Westbury-on-Trym CoE Primary. The children were encouraged to participate in a Dr Richard Solomon’s Charitable Trust - £3,000 day of activities which began with dressing up in the colours of the Tanzanian flag. Gibbs Charitable Trust - £2,000 “The children have learnt how to challenge negative stereotypes that they see in The main aims of the day were to prioritise global issues and to raise money for Diana Parker Charitable Trust - £250 the media. They understand global issues that will affect their lives as they grow African Initiatives. The need for Development Education in primary and secondary Sir Halley Stewart - £25,170 up and they are enthusiastic and supportive of the issues in hand. The staff and schools in the UK has never been greater and as African Initiatives continues to the children related well to the ideas about the need for everyone to have an provide an invaluable resource for all teachers, Development Education in the A B Charitable Trust - £2,500 education”. curriculum is becoming increasingly accessible. Christian Aid - £1,500

page 10 www.african-initiatives.org.uk www.african-initiatives.org.uk page 11 Speaking up is a Gift and a Right If you like what African Initiatives is doing then we would appreciate your support. £10 will provide training for 2 farmers in tree planting Please fill in the form and send it back to us £20 will fund the building of a school toilet in Tanzania (NOT your bank). £40 will assist 2 Maasai women to get access to credit and training African Initiatives £45 will provide leadership training for 4 women £50 will provide information and advice to 200 farmers about Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square, BRISTOL BS2 8PE agrochemicals If you tick the Gift Aid box we can also

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African Initiatives, Start date Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square Your name Bristol, BS2 8PE

Tel: +44 (0)117 915 0001 Your address E-mail: [email protected]

Registered Charity No. 1064413

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Signature Pyrenean Pathways at Les Cerisiers, Gerde, South West France Date

A two twin bedroom holiday apartment with Single donation a spacious open plan living area and a large terrace, overlooking the small attractive Please find enclosed cheque for £ garden with cherry trees, pool and beautiful mountain views beyond. made out to African Initiatives

By enjoying a holiday here, you will also benefit the work of African Initiatives as a donation of 70% of the rental will be sent directly to us. Gift Aid To book or make enquiries please contact Maggie Turner. By ticking this box you will allow us to get the tax back T: 0033 562918150 or 02077277697. E: [email protected] on your contributions. Many Thanks. W: www.pyrenean-pathways.co.ukpage 12 www.african-initiatives.org.uk

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