Supporters from all over the country gathered in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, to attend Self Help Africa’s Donor Day last week.
The group, comprising of close to 70 guests, received an exclusive insight into Self Help Africa’s current work and had the opportunity to chat with members of staff from the UK, Malawi and Kenya around an African-inspired lunch.
Four of Self Help Africa’s farm advisors, attending a Marshall Papworth-funded agricultural course at Mounton College in the Midlands, took centre-stage during the second part of the day.
Round-table discussions with community development facilitator Chrissy Moyo, Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture advisor Alice Achieng and village-based lead farmers Lucy Mitole and Christine Otieno provided guests with an insight into the challenges faced by rural poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and to hear about the concrete impact of their support.
Watch the video from the day:
“I found it very really interesting to be able to actually meet the farmers in person. It is amazing to hear about how they’ve benefitted from their studies here in England. They’ll be able to take this knowledge back with them and to share it with other farmers,” said Joyce Ostler from Radlett United Free Church in Hertfordshire.
“It was lovely to hear how much difference the projects have made to family life and to community life in Africa,” added Maureen Payne from a fundraising group in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.
Other presentations on the day included an insight into the monitoring and evaluation of projects as well as an update on fundraising campaigns.
“I’ve talked to many donors over the phone before, but it was lovely to be able to put a face to the voice. We are very grateful for such a good turnout,” concluded Monica Morison, Self Help Africa’s Fundraising Manager.
(Pictured above, left to right are Lucy Mitole, Christine Otieno, Chrissy Moyo and Alice Mahmoud. On the second row from left to right: Mark Ireland, SHA Head of Region, Wilm van Bekkum, SHA Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor)
More photos of the event:
