Carving a fair living

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 16, 2009 9:23 AM

Today Joan and I are hopping on a local bus and heading into the heart of Rwanda to visit COPABU (Coopertive du Producteurs Artisans de Butare). This is the final organisation that we will visit during this evaluation trip and it sounds like they have really taken the training on board.

The group is the first to put into action the environmental training in particular. In April this year the cooperative planted 5,000 jacaranda and sederera trees in their community. The declining tree population is a great concern to this group as they rely on it to make an income. They specialise in wood carving and it is becoming increasingly difficult to source the raw materials.

So we are off to meet with Annonsiate Nyiramisage, the cooperative leader, to visit their tree nursery and record their story as a Shared Interest Foundation case study for others to learn from.

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Cards from Africa

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 15, 2009 3:47 PM

Well after a long day yesterday - 12 hours of report writing and working through baselines, evaluation forms and training reports - I was more than happy to be out and about visiting producers again today.

We set off bright and early, around 8am to visit the first group of the day, Cards from Africa. I mentioned this group on my blogs from my last trip in January this year. I couldn't wait to meet again with Arthur, the manager to see how they had progressed over the last six months and to check out their new designs. I was not disappointed.

Arthur got chairs for Joan and me and we sat outside under a tree, sheltering from the intense heat of the African sun to hear about how they are doing.

Arthur was pleased that we were visiting during their busy season so we could see the organisation and production line at full throttle. People were busy everywhere we looked, soaking recycled paper to make the card, dying the materials and then finally making the designs.

The room was buzzing and this is an excellent example of fair trade at its finest.

All of the workers at Cards from Africa are genocide survivors and on top of that they are all from orphan headed households.

Arthur told us how much the training meant to him and his organisation.

Steven Kagarama (another employee that attended) said: "I learnt how to gather information on our workers, for example whose children go to school and whose do not. This information is important as it will provide us with knowledge about how we can better assist our workers; understand the challenges they are going through.

"The most important thing for me was that I learnt the practical implementation of the information provided and skills taught and how to bring this into the business. This was very interesting for me."

We also met with Rachel, the lady we carried out a Shared Interest Foundation case study on in January. She is doing very well and was happy to hear that we had shared her story. She is extremely busy just now working on a big order and says that she likes working at Cards from Africa as she gets to learn new things and spend her days among friends.

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Banana wine and Mushrooms

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 12, 2009 10:35 AM

Well this morning I woke up bright and early, with the sun shining over the hills of Rwanda.

Today I am setting off to carry out an evaluation of all of our tier one organisations (those exporting their products) with Joan Karanja, Regional Director of COFTA.

Yesterday was an exciting day for us, as we heard directly from the craft makers on the ups and downs of our training. Rwandans definitely say it how it is!

The first group we visited are based in Kigali. They are called BN Producers, an inspiring organisation that have only been around since 2006. Their main products include banana wine and mushrooms. The manager, Beatrice, took great pride in demonstrating (in detail!) how these products are grown and made, so now I feel like an expert in this area!

It was so interesting and very labour intensive. They take health and safety extremely seriously, sterilising all of their equipment regularly and measuring temperatures of their stock rooms three times per day.

We interviewed Beatrice to see what she had learnt from our training, what she has been able to take back to BN producers and put into action and what improvements we could make to our programme.

Some of the key changes that she has made as a result of the training include:

"We now do stock control, recording everything that is coming in and going out of our organisation.

"The main thing we learnt is the importance of financial management systems. I take the money to the bank instead of keeping it in the office, which I now know is not a safe way to do business.

"We have also improved our business plan including a budgeting section, which we did not have before. This meant we had no book keeping or way of seeing if we were making a profit so could not plan for the future."

The project also includes an environmental component. Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. With a population of well over 8 million there is a lot of pressure on the land.

All of our craft makers use natural resources to make their products and therefore rely heavily on the environment around them.

Beatrice stated:

"We need a healthy environment to make or grow our products so we have to look after it.

"During the training we learnt about afforestation; where to grow trees, which type are best to grow, to ensure we don't suffer from soil erosion.

"We now plan to run a tree planting day with our farmers, which will be good for them and the environment"

It's so exciting to start seeing the fruits of Shared Interest's labour, and with that we are off to the next organisation!

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Return to Rwanda

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 11, 2009 4:15 PM

Well here I am back in Rwanda, seeing the final stage of our first year of training come to life; and what a year it has been.

We - Shared Interest Foundation and COFTA (Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa) thanks to the Big Lottery Fund - have trained 60 participants from 30 organisations throughout Rwanda in business and financial skills, marketing and environmental awareness.

So now I'm here exactly one year on to evaluate the first year of training, to assess the successes and challenges and to plan for the next two years.

Over the past year alone, we have recruited a project coordinator, set up an in-country office, built partnerships with local bodies such as REDO, Rural Environmental Development Organisation (who we have contracted to carry out the environmental component of the project for us) and RPSF, Rwandan Private Sector Federation, who are very kindly hosting our project coordinator in their office.

We have also trained 17 trainers in key skills needed in order to ensure this project is a success. They have undergone intensive seven month training programmes and on Saturday they will all be fully certified in training of trainers and business counselling skills.

These 17 trainers have worked tirelessly and been empowered to create their own manual to go on to train our 30 organisations. They have ownership of the manual and it is specific to the needs of Rwandan craft makers.

Over the next few days I will be sharing some of the progress made and giving real insight into the businesses we are working with.

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The Hidden Gem on a Lonely Planet

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on May 28, 2009 2:08 PM

Rwanda was voted among the "Top 10" tourism destinations in the world by Lonely Planet (2009), one of the world's leading travel guides. More often than not it is overshadowed by its neighbours Kenya and Tanzania - both firm favourites within the international tourist market. However are all those tourists visiting Africa missing out on the hidden gem that is Rwanda?

Rwanda is known to many Africans as the Switzerland of Africa, as the country's lakes - specifically Lake Kivu which reveals some of the best inland beaches on the continent - are breathtakingly beautiful. This country has a lot to offer tourists, namely the chance to experience a once in a life time opportunity to trek high up into the Parc National Des Volcans, where the majestic peaks of the Virunga six volcanoes sit proudly and hidden in the shade of a dense jungle. Here you will find the last remaining troops of Mountain Gorillas. But this is not the only chance you will have to get close to nature. In the country that is named 'a thousand hills' and where, if you head south, you will find Parc National Nyungwe Forest, there are plenty of other opportunities to spot a range of primates up close.

The craft makers that are part of our training programme are spread out across the whole country, so I have had the opportunity to see many of these sites for myself. The beauty of Rwanda and its people is astounding, and what they have achieved since the Genocide in 1994 is almost unbelieveable until you see it with your own eyes.

Our craft makers are extremely proud to be Rwandan and proud of the country that they live in....so if you are looking for somewhere different to visit this year, why not give Rwanda a go.

** http://www.lonelyplanet.com/rwanda

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Reclaiming dignity and Reshaping destiny

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on May 27, 2009 10:31 AM

President Kagame the President of Rwanda gave a message to all Rwandans this week that the country needs to be truly independent, self-reliant, and self-sufficient:

"We have to graduate from being spoon-fed by donors and well-wishers and be ready to stand on our own feet. That is, indeed, the only way we can reclaim our dignity and truly shape our destiny."

And this is exactly what Shared Interest Foundation has been working towards as part of our Rwandan Producer Support Project funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

We aim to empower craft makers to lift themselves out of poverty rather than shower them with handouts. Over three years we are working with 50 craft organisations to train them in practical business, financial and environmental skills in order to take their business to the next level.

I am busy preparing for my next trip out to Kigali in order to assess our first year's work, interviewing craft makers, trainers and our project coordinator. I will be working with Joan Karanja, the regional director for COFTA (Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa) our project partner to evaluate the first year of training and plan for the next two years.

With that I am heading to the doctors to check if I am up to date with all my injections and to pick up malaria tablets, booking flights, accommodation and arranging meetings!

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The Winds of Adversity

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on February 3, 2009 3:28 PM

Those of you who have been reading my blogs on a regular basis will know the ups and downs I have gone through in training for the Kilimanjaro climb. I have been extremely grateful for this; it has been almost like I've had people alongside me, spurring me on.

This is partly why it makes it so hard for me to say that the climb has not been able to go ahead, due to entirely unforeseen circumstances.

We must now look forward to the next challenge. I do hope that, through my posts, you have grown an understanding of the vital work we do. The Kilimanjaro training will stand me in good stead for future fundraising opportunities so that we can continue to work towards our goals. There will be more news on these events coming soon.

In the meantime, I just want to say a big thanks to everyone for their help and support in reading my blog. I know you will share in my disappointment that this particular event couldn't take place but will also hope you can also join me in looking forward to the achievements that lie ahead.

'Do not fear the winds of adversity. Remember: A kite rises against the wind rather than with it.'

I will be in touch again soon.
Andrea

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Life is like a Pack of Cards

Tags:
Shared Interest Foundation

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 27, 2009 3:08 PM

As I set foot inside Cards of Africa, I am immersed into a bustling environment of people sitting around wooden tables, gluing, cutting, bending wire and laughing as they hand-make each and every card.

The results are beautiful but as I sat and chatted with a group of ladies on one table I soon realised that their stories of hope and personal triumph were even more dramatic than the cards themselves.

I would like to share just one of the many stories I heard that day:

Continue reading "Life is like a Pack of Cards" »

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Fate or Fortune. What's the Alternative?

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 21, 2009 2:22 PM

My uncle recently passed away at only 50 years old as a result of an accident. Since then, I have spent many a sleepless night wondering how this could have been avoided. I cannot even begin to put into words the shock, anger and pain that this has caused my entire family. To lose someone so suddenly to something that didn't have to happen just doesn't seem fair.

I used to be a strong believer that everything happens for a reason even if we never understand that reason, however now I'm really not so sure.

In fact, this story that I am about to share with you shakes me to my inner core and makes me question further my own belief as well as the basic morals of humanity....

Our project coordinator over here, Donatien, is a gentle man, as well as being incredibly intelligent (just finishing off his MBA.) His achievements and demeanour seem all the more impressive however, when you learn that he is also a genocide survivor.

As we sat over lunch in a Rwandan coffee shop that overlooks the city, we talked about life, family and friends. Donatien asked about my family and whether I have any brothers or sisters, aunties and uncles and if my parents are still alive. I tell him that I have a very close family, that my parents are both alive and that my brother lives overseas so I don't get to see him much, but we chat often on the internet and phone and I have quite a few aunties and uncles, however recently my uncle who I was very close to passed away.

I could see in his eyes he understood the sadness of losing someone close, and then began to tell me the story of his family.

Continue reading "Fate or Fortune. What's the Alternative?" »

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Learn while you go for the Burn!

Tags:
Kilimanjaro

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 20, 2009 4:04 PM

Unfortunately, just because I am geographically nearer Kilimanjaro does not equate to physically being nearer my training goal!

So yesterday I signed myself up for my very first African fitness class!

I turned up a little nervous, not really knowing what to expect.

Can I point out that I was first to arrive? (I forgot that we were working on African time!)
Not that this made any difference to the remainder of the class - or even the teacher - as they strolled in over ten minutes late!

We started out with a little warm up. Nothing new there....Lulled into a false sense of security, it was about 20 to 30 minutes into the class that I twigged it was all about the booty.

Every exercise we did seemed to involve sticking your backside out as far as you could. I began to think of the effect this could have on my walking style and started to see the funny side.

There was no time to laugh though as I was already falling behind (no pun intended!) and since I was next to someone exactly like Phoebe from Friends (off in the opposite direction to everyone else and kicking her right foot when everyone else was kicking their left), for health and safety reasons alone I really couldn't risk it. I feared 'Phoebe' would knock me out!

On top of that, the instructor kept changing languages from English to French with a little Kinyarwanda in there just for the hell of it!

So, just as I was getting into he would say something in a different language and I would look slightly confused as the rest of the class moved in unison (well apart from Phoebe who just kept side-kicking me!)

But hey on the whole, what a result! Not only did I leave the class slightly fitter but I can also count to 10, and say "turn", "stop" and "you're not doing that right" in three different languages.

Maybe this is something us Brits are missing out on. Learn while you go for the burn. What a concept.

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Rwanda: A Journey from Research to Reality

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 19, 2009 11:28 AM

After well over a year of research, planning, developing and securing funding for the Rwandan Producer Support Project, here I am in Kigali seeing it in action.

I have been to Rwanda four times now and never cease to be amazed by the kindness of Rwandans, the cleanliness of the country and the warmth of the people I am fortunate enough to work with.

I arrived super early this morning as I was told that the traffic jams in Kigali would be horrendous and it would take well over 50 minutes to get to the training venue; in reality it took all of 10. That's 40 minutes of valuable sleep I could have caught up on after my journey from the UK!

But when the trainers arrived, all thoughts of rest disappeared. They have clearly gone through a journey themselves, forming a close bond between each other and the Traidcraft staff that we have consulted to run this part of the project. I was greeted like an old friend and told me with great pride about the progress they have made. This includes a training manual, which they will put into action next week with 30 handicraft makers from across Rwanda.

I have to pinch myself to check that this is real, that this Shared Interest Foundation project is no longer just something written on sheets of paper, but it is having a real impact on people's lives.

I have to go now as the training is about to begin again, but will write again soon as I cannot wait to share the stories of the trainers, handicraft organisations as well of those of our very own project coordinator, Donatien, with you all very soon.

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One Climb - Five Climates

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 16, 2009 9:30 AM

When it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro, there are several routes to choose from.
Neil and I have chosen the Macheme-Mweka, which is often referred to as the Whiskey route.

Before you get excited on my behalf, it is apparently because of the intoxicating views rather than the abundance of alcohol.

It climbs out of the forest and moorland to the edge of the Shira Plateau, where it traverses the mountain via the South Circuit with those all important stops at Barranco Hut and Barafu Hut and then onto Uhuru peak at the very top of Africa.

We will basically experience all seasons during our climb - from hot desert to the freezing arctic zone.

I knew my degree in Geography and Environmental Management would come in handy! The significant reduction in the amount of ice and snow nearing the summit is often cited as an effect of global warming, and sad though this is, it is fascinating to think I will get to see evidence of this for myself.

But I'll come back to that later as, before we reach the summit, we have to tackle five zones, each complete with its own personal climate!

Continue reading "One Climb - Five Climates" »

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An Antidote to the Anecdotes

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 15, 2009 11:39 AM

After months of preparation, it is only now that I am hearing the horror stories of Kilimanjaro.

Why do people feel the need to share these with us two days before we fly?

What I want to hear is how it felt to be standing on 'the top of Africa', the sense of achievement on reaching the summit, and knowing you had raised thousands of pounds for a charity that literally changes people's lives.

I do NOT want to hear about the horror stories!

As I did last night when I went to buy some last minute pieces of kit and the guy who served me told me about his friend who attempted to climb Kilimanjaro before Christmas. Yes, that's right he said 'attempted'. That was before he had to be airlifted off the mountain with acute altitude sickness!

This more or less topped off my day. It started off with a story on something called

Continue reading "An Antidote to the Anecdotes" »

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Go Slowly, Good Posture, Grab a Goat

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 9, 2009 4:28 PM

These are just a few of the tips I have stumbled across for the great climb of Kilimanjaro.
Here are a few more pearls of wisdom that I think are my personal favourites:

1. Traditional Maasai wisdom is to carry a goat to keep warm. (I would like to suggest that Neil carries the goat in his bag!)
-- Jackson Lesooyia, Maasai guide

2. If your feet are cold, put on a hat. (I'm really not sure how this works!)

3. Good posture while climbing allows 40% more oxygen into the lungs. (This makes sense although especially for people who plan on salsa dancing up the mountain!)
-- Judy Rainey, a former dancer

4. To save energy use rocks and any bumps on the path to step on and rock forward with as an added propellant.
-- Alisa Rekow, fellow climber (I'm thinking that this might be slightly dangerous as we will be at 19,000ft, tired and may have a long way to fall if this technique goes wrong!)

5. Eat more than usual for a couple weeks before the climb to stretch your stomach so you can absorb more fuel during the climb for those extra needs. (Excellent, that'll be my Christmas indulgence put to good use!)

6. Go slowly - "Pole Pole" as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery. (Sounds like a great plan to me!)

7. If you are taking a porter, take a day bag for your lunch etc. And avoid eating meat that is cooked for you on the mountain. I avoided it; others did not and got quite ill. I also took extra bottled water - you can buy it on the mountain, but it is very expensive. (Anonymous!)

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Kitted up for Kilimanjaro

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on January 8, 2009 4:49 PM

The Christmas break certainly managed to sidetrack me from my well planned fitness regime. I flew out to visit my brother and his wife in the Middle East who I hadn't seen in over a year.

The first few days started out ok with 60 lengths in the pool followed by some sea kayaking, however as with most people during the festive period, I was easily tempted into over indulging on food and drink!

Now with only 4 weeks to go the nerves have kicked in, which is no bad thing as it means I haven't been sleeping very well and therefore up early enough to go to the gym before work! Life and sleep managed to take over during the Christmas holidays.

Neil and I have visited our local outdoor clothing store a few times this week to make ourselves feel even more prepared! Tiso is just a stone's throw from our office so we've ambled up to Grainger Street most lunch times. After probably freaking the manager out a bit with the frequency of our visits, we got chatting to him about the sort of gear we need for Kilimanjaro.

I told him about Shared Interest Foundation and our aim of raising £10,000 (we have £6,620 to date) to train 10 businesses in Swaziland, to enable them to trade their way out of poverty and earn a fair living.

A big thanks to Tiso's manager for his response. We are now proud owners of two full hiking kits and a wealth of knowledge on how to tackle the climb.

Surely having the right tools for the job will help soften the dent that Christmas made on our training schedule?!

We are proud to fly the flag for any other north east companies who are able to offer their support!

If you are interested in either corporate or personal sponsorship please contact me at andrea.wilkinson@shared-interest.com or telephone 0191 233 9129 or visit my just giving site http://www.justgiving.com/andreawilkinson-kilimanjaro

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Kilimanjaro: The New Angel of the South?

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on December 11, 2008 2:51 PM

Well after the hell that was circuit training I very much enjoyed the variation on my training regime last night, which involved a 10 mile walk to the Angel of the North and back.

So today I am feeling refreshed rather than achy and ready for a productive day at work followed by a session at the gym tonight.

At the moment, anything about Kilimanjaro immediately catches my attention, so I was intrigued by an article in Fairtrade Foundation's Fair Comment e-zine today. It made me think about all the huge personal achievements that have been realised on the slopes of Kilimanjaro and how some stories are not even connected to climbing.

This particular piece was a truly moving story about a week-long celebration of the oldest Cooperative in all of Africa. KNCU (Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union) was officially incorporated in 1933, and to celebrate 75 years of empowerment, a host of organisations and individuals held a series of events to mark the occasion.

As I read further I discovered that members of KNCU voluntarily contribute to an education fund that is used to build and operate schools for farmers' children for whom they also provide scholarships.

Mathew Matoli, Member, KNCU Member is quoted as saying on the Coffee Club Network: "Without our cooperative and selling to the fair trade market, our lives would have been very terrible. Our cooperative and the fair trade buyers give us hope and courage, for we are able to earn a higher wage and better provide for our families."

In climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Neil and I will be raising thousands of pounds to help fair trade producers in Swaziland benefit in the same way: to work their way out of poverty. It seems that the mountain has become a keystone in the fair trade movement, overlooking the farmers and craft makers clustered amongst the foothills and helping to promote and raise money for their cause.

Could this be the new Angel of the South?

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Blood, Sweat and Tears (Well definitely the second two!)

Tags:
fitness

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on December 10, 2008 3:54 PM

Well I have certainly upped the stakes - every muscle in my body aches after a double gym and circuit training session last night.

I thought after being a little lax at the weekend I should try a little harder with my fitness regime and what better way than to join a circuit training class and be shouted at for an hour?

I got to the gym a little early and instead of waiting around I thought I should use my time effectively so decided to jump on the cross trainer. Big mistake....

Continue reading "Blood, Sweat and Tears (Well definitely the second two!)" »

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Festivities and Fitness: combining the impossible!

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on December 8, 2008 4:28 PM

Well it has to be said that the start of the festive period is not the best time to throw yourself into a fitness regime - but thanks to my fundraising efforts for Shared Interest Foundation it has to be done, so I have settled for combining the two!

I started with a Saturday Christmas shopping expedition, which by lunchtime left me thinking it must be loads harder than climbing Kilimanjaro!

Continue reading "Festivities and Fitness: combining the impossible!" »

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Tales from the Riverbank

Tags:
Kilimanjaro

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on November 27, 2008 1:18 PM

I sat down to write my blog today, hoping to capture the utter chaos of our most recent Kilimanjaro training session. However, realising that perhaps the protagonist may be best placed to spin the yarn and I leave you with the story from climbing buddy Neil's point of view....!

Continue reading "Tales from the Riverbank" »

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Be Like Boy Scouts!

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on November 26, 2008 12:06 PM

With just over two months to go, it was time to step up the training...so I booked the week off from Shared Interest Foundation to immerse myself in my new fitness regime!

To kick things off, Neil and I headed to the Cheviots.

Continue reading "Be Like Boy Scouts!" »

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Stairway to the Stars

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on November 21, 2008 3:45 PM

Apparently the stars will be following in our footsteps after we climb Kilimanjaro next year.
Yep, according to the reports of a certain daily newspaper, the likes of Ronan Keating, Gary Barlow, Cheryl Cole and Denise Van Outen will all be scaling the heights for another worthwhile cause.

Gary Barlow who is organising the trip said: "The other people on the climb feel similarly, so it made sense to ask them to join me. I have chosen the people I want to be stuck on the side of a mountain with, even if we are the least likely you would expect to find there."

Continue reading "Stairway to the Stars" »

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We have a bit of a Mountain to Climb!

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on November 21, 2008 9:58 AM

After an extremely generous donation of £5K, we are now a third of the way towards achieving our fundraising goal.

This money will be a massive help in launching our training project in Swaziland, helping thousands of producers build sustainable businesses as well as raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, which is crucial in a country that currently has the highest rate in the world.

So ....now for the physical goal!

The donation yesterday spurred me on and after a two week lull in training, I hit the gym for a two hour session!

I did half an hour on Kilimanjaro mode (yes, conveniently this setting does exist!) on the cross trainer, which I hope is very close to the real thing as I was exhausted afterwards.
Then I did 20 minutes on the bike and 30 minutes on the running machine!

And I have to say I'm not feeling too bad today, so I will be returning for round two this evening!

Neil and I will be keeping you posted on the ups and downs of our training regime as well as progress on fundraising We are also seeking corporate support to help us out with essential kit for the climb over the next few months.

If you are interested in hearing more about the Swaziland project, the Kilimanjaro climb or way you could get involved please contact me at andrea.wilkinson@shared-interest.com

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Unrest in Rwanda

Tags:
Shared Interest Foundation

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on November 20, 2008 4:51 PM

It was reported to day on the Red24 alert that Over 800,000 people took to the streets in protest yesterday, paralysing the city, as demonstrators marched to the German Embassy and the local offices of Deutsche Welle, Germany's national broadcaster.

This follows similar protests earlier in November when Kabuye, an aide to the Rwandan president, was initially arrested in Germany in connection with the 1994 assassination of former Rwandan president Juvenal Habyarimana. Although the protest passed without violence, tensions remain and the possibility of further civil unrest is high at this time.

Shared Interest Foundation training has resumed today and our Project Co-ordinator Donatien and the participants all sound like they are in good spirits and have reported back that the training is going extremely well.

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Ain't No Mountain High Enough? How about Kilimanjaro?

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on November 18, 2008 4:25 PM

Yes you have read correctly; my colleague Neil Stoker and I will be climbing the highest free standing mountain in the world to raise money for Shared Interest Foundation Swaziland Project.

Over seven gruelling days we will be walking 20,000 feet to reach the summit, which is the highest point on the African continent!

This is all to raise money for something I feel very passionately about. As many of you are aware I have visited Swaziland many times over the last two years and was struck firstly by the kindness of Swazis, secondly by the beauty of this small landlocked kingdom but mostly by the gross inequality throughout the country.

Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world with almost every other person being inflicted with the disease. This - as you can imagine - is having devastating effects on an already struggling population.

The life expectancy currently stands at little over 30 and is set to drop to 27 (the same age as I am now) in the only two years.

There are 60,000 AIDS orphans, which is set to double in the next two years to 120,000.
Whilst Swaziland is classified as a middle income country there is an appalling skew in the income spread, with unemployment at approximately 40%, and 70% of the population living on less than one US dollar a day.

Working with fair trade producers, we will be giving business skills training to help them build sustainable organisations that will benefit the workers and therefore the immediate families and local communities.

Businesses are hugely impacted by the woefully low life expectancy and as such HIV awareness is an inherent part of the training that we will be conducting.

We are looking to raise £10k to fund this project and are more than happy to discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities as well as individual donations.

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Vote for Women

Tags:
Swaziland

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 25, 2008 1:29 PM

Well after a long four-month process, the final results of Swaziland's elections were announced and it seems the Vote for Women campaign has had little success.

You may remember Tholiwe Tsela from my previous blogs. (Revisit 'Shining a Light on Swaziland Struggles to refresh your memory.) Tholiwe was only one of 19 women out of 175 chiefdoms to make it through to the secondary level of elections.

Still, she has been unsuccessful in her dream (and fight) to make it as a female MP.

Unfortunately she may see this as the end of the road in her crusade to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and encouragement of female empowerment across the kingdom.

You see, there has been a significant need for gender empowerment in Swaziland for many years, and still little progress has been made.

For instance, Swaziland is currently the only Southern African country that has not endorsed the Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Lomcebo Dlamini from the WLSA (Women and Law in South Africa) group states: "We currently have five women MPs out of 65 overall. It has been reported that many women standing for election have been threatened and intimidated.

"We are still awaiting the results of one of the constituencies to be released this coming weekend, which could bring us up to seven."

This is still a long way off the minimum 30%.

Of course, the election system simply scratches the surface of the inequalities between men and women.

Women are at a significant disadvantage in daily living overall.

The female illiteracy rate is high because of the traditional belief that women belong in the home.

And despite the government taking measures to meet the 30% female representation in parliament, women's participation is sometimes viewed as a token gesture rather than a sign of their credibility.

The truth is, women have very little power or status in Swazi society. How can they when they are unable to own their own house or access credit?

Even more unimaginable is that they are still subject to traditional customary practises such as widow inheritance (where if a woman's husband dies, she is 'inherited' by his brother or another male family member.)

Even if we take gender equality out of the equation, it is still very hard, if nigh on impossible, to state that these were free and fair elections.

For a start, political parties were not permitted to contest the current state of affairs.

This restriction - as stated by the Pan African Parliament - places infringements on the rights of those people wanting to take part in elections and is nowhere near any type of democracy.

It is paramount that Swazi Law and customs should be subject to standards as in any lawful society.

Some would say this should include abolishing customary practices that undermine the dignity of women, which many believe may be found in the darker, more serious side to the Annual Reed Dance.

Diane Mariechild said: "A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform."

This should be recognised throughout the world, because surely all women should have the right to live in dignity, in freedom from want and freedom from fear.

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A Party Fit for a King

Tags:
Swaziland

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 23, 2008 12:14 PM

A celebration took place in one of the world's last remaining kingdoms last week.

And what a celebration it was!

After all, we're talking about King Mwasti III's 40th birthday as well as the 40th year of independence for Swaziland.

Of course, it may feel slightly bizarre to be talking in terms of independence when a lot of people living in Swaziland don't even have the freedom to earn a fair living.

While King Mswati spent £4 million to celebrate his milestone - with President Mugabe as one of his VIP guests - hundreds of thousands of Swazi's will endure another year of extreme poverty.

Being driven in one of the 20 brand spanking new BMW's bought especially for the occasion, King Mswati arrived with his 13 wives who had just returned from a shopping trip in Dubai.

The country is divided in their thoughts towards this event. Some do place their trust in the King, believing that he has their best interests at heart. However, it is the majority who agree that the money spent on shopping trips, cars, marching bands and garden parties could have been better spent on addressing the country's ever increasing HIV/AIDS.

After all, around 40% of Swaziland's population have the disease, while only one in four people live to see their 40th birthday.

Quite ironic then that the King's celebration was named the 40/40 event.

Swazi Trade Union leader Jan Stilole stated: "People feel strongly because this is a plundering of the country's resources in the height of grinding poverty for most the Swazi masses. They feel that their money is being wasted with arrogance."

And the sad truth is that as the king, his wives and friends all tuck into a lavish banquet, the majority of the country doesn't even know where their next meal is coming from.

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Finding the Unity in Community

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 12, 2008 10:47 AM

As is usually the case, what I expected to be the most daunting part of my trip has turned out to be the best bit. I must remember this next time something challenging comes my way!

Ok, so I've now trained 100 people from three different countries: Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

No matter how many times I say it, it still doesn't feel quite real.

But the difference made by greater fair trade awareness is very real indeed. In fact, at times it is overwhelming.

Over and over again in the past week I have discovered firsthand the impact fair trade makes - not just on individual lives but entire communities.

With the extra money made from the Fairtrade Premium, communities have done some amazing stuff.

Making every decision as a group, they debate what is top priority for the workers. This ranges from creches to training facilities.

We could learn a lot from this community approach. Perhaps it is no mistake that 'unity' makes up the latter part of the word?

Robin, one of the guys that I trained this week told me:

"The difference Fairtrade makes to businesses, family and friends is second to none.

"What I like is that the community is empowered to make a decision that will help everyone. We now have a new creche for our children to play in and stay safe while we are working.

"As many of us have up to six children, this has made a massive difference to our lives.

"I am so happy that you are here today to tell more people about Fairtrade as i want everyone to benefit just like I have."

So here I am yer again, reflecting on an amazing trip; something that will hopefully help lift thousands of farmers, handicraft makers and their families out of poverty.

This is why I have to cram in as much as I can before my journey home. Time is of the essence.

Before I get to the airport, several craft businesses want to find out more about Shared Interest, and there's that NGO looking to create a long term project with us in the region... and there's also one more producer to call.....

Oh and my packing of course

Next time you hear from me, I may be back on British soil. Just a 22 hour flight in between!

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Chocolate Tuesday

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 10, 2008 10:49 AM

What a day it turned out to be yesterday, with chocolate playing a major part.

There were 25 businesses from a broad range of backgrounds, including a chocolate company to South Africa's largest exporter of fair trade fruit, as well as several handicraft groups.

I started out with a popular game based around (yes you guessed it!) chocolate, which shows how funds are unfairly distributed in general trade - with the crafts person or farmer at the bottom of the supply chain, barely making enough to survive.

We then discussed how fair trade works to correct this system and raise incomes.

Despite being from different backgrounds, everyone in the room had one huge thing in common, and it wasn't chocolate this time! It was a commitment to improving the lives of their workers.

One group in particular with huge passion and enthusiasm for fair trade and the principles behind it was the Soulicious Chocolate Company.

In their own words, they create their product 'out of compassionate minds and soulful hearts'.

One of their major aims is for Africa to get more international recognition for this raw material. That is why they use superior cocoa from the heart of the country as their main ingredient.

Fairtrade certification will offer Soulicious better trading conditions, securing the livelihoods of marginalized farmers and workers in the developing world.

If the company gains Fairtrade status, they will use the premium involved, along with any profits they make, to set up nutritional cooking classes for children and their parents.

With more than 130 retail products in the United Kingdom now carrying the Fairtrade mark, I am keen to help empower more businesses like Soulicious to reach this goal.

To see that there is as much passion for fair trade in South Africa as there is in the UK is inspiring. And after the nervous anticipation before yesterday's session, all I feel now is excitement to do it again and again- with a little more chocolate thrown in for good measure!

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Let the Training Commence!

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 9, 2008 11:08 AM

I've been awake since 5.30am. A big day always means an early start.

And believe me, this is quite a big day!

As I write this, we have people touching down in planes from Namibia and Botswana and by the time this week comes to a close, 100 people will have learnt something new about fair trade awareness.

I'm especially looking forward to meeting businesses such as Thandi after seeing their products decorating the shelves of my local Co-op back home.

One of South Africa's biggest exporters of wine, theirs was the first in the world to achieve Fairtrade status so they should have an interesting story to tell.

Continue reading "Let the Training Commence!" »

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Off to a Flying Start

Tags:
emails
flying

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 8, 2008 11:56 AM

Arhhhhhh! I've just checked my email.

People are actually FLYING from miles away to attend tomorrow's training course.

My email from Fetola Mmoho tells me: 'There has been an overwhelming response to the invite and I'm still getting e-mails from people who would like to attend. We'll have people flying in just to attend the workshop. My head is still spinning from all the enquiries. I'm positive it will be a great success.'

Gulp! No pressure there then! Suddenly today's group of 30 seems like a walk in the park.

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Ray of Light

Tags:
Johannesburg

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 8, 2008 11:43 AM

Ok, back to the future. Er, I mean the present!

I am now in Cape Town after another mammoth journey (four hours on planes, seven hours in Johannesburg airport, and a two hour drive.)

After a much-needed relaxing weekend, I am now ready to train over 100 people on fair trade awareness during the week ahead.

My first session starts today with UMTHA, meaning ray of light, which is what this organisation means to its community.

UMTHA operates under the black empowerment movement. It is a jewellery-making business employing 40 people.

Manager, Cheryl explains: "It's more than just production it's about teamwork and providing sustainable incomes, while creating jewellery of world-class quality."

UMTHA's vision is to release the potential in the hearts and minds of South Africans, helping them to overcome poverty and deprivation.

After the training I will be able to share more with you...but for now I should go and prepare.

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Park Life

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 8, 2008 11:14 AM

So here I was last Thursday, arriving to find the car hire company had a Mercedes Benz for my foray into the Phalaborwa bush, deep in the Mpumulanga region of South Africa.

As with Swaziland, Mpumulanga has been hard hit by bush fires; people have lost their homes, crops and livestock and it is all they are talking about.

Together with a South African organisation called Legends, Shared Interest Foundation is working with the Kruger National Park to support existing businesses within it.

The people that work here are historically disadvantaged, so the support and training to nurture their businesses is an enormous help in providing a sustainable income to hundreds of people.

As I drove to meet with Portia, the Park's socio-economic advisor, I am stopped in my tracks by a whole range of animals. There is literally a zebra crossing as they trot over the road in front of me, and I see elephants, giraffes and gazelle drinking from a large watering hole.

Continue reading "Park Life" »

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Memories of Swaziland: Rising from the Ashes

Tags:
Swaziland

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 8, 2008 10:36 AM

Yes, the Internet connection has yet again thrown my blogs into disarray!

If I could take you back to last Thursday, as I set off on my six hour journey into the South African bush....

My mind wandered back to the drama of my Swaziland send-off. I think I had blocked it out until now.

Because quite the send-off it was. I literally left in a flurry of flames!

Continue reading "Memories of Swaziland: Rising from the Ashes" »

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Driven Round The Benz

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 3, 2008 12:06 PM

I have just arrived in Phalaborwa, in the Kruger region of South Africa. Despite the bush fires, I arrived here in one piece!

Next is a six hour car journey through the bush in the intense heat to visit some of the producer groups.

The car hire company gave me a Mercedes Benz. Hmmmm, I took one look at it and asked politely if they had anything smaller. Don't know why(!) but something tells me a Benz is not the right type of car for the bush...

Anyway, apparently I'm going to come across a whole range of random animals en route today so I'm focusing on that - should be quite an interesting journey!

As soon as I arrive I have to get ready for the fair trade awareness training tomorrow.

This has to be a quick note as time is ticking and I have to set off. I'll write again soon - depending on Internet connection. You may have noticed the toll the power cuts take on the timeliness of my blogs but I guess it all adds to the flavour!

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Back to Basics

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 3, 2008 10:44 AM

Gone Rural is one of the key businesses that Shared Interest Foundation will work with on a three year project (dependent on funding.)

After speaking to the ladies who run this organisation and many who are supported by Gone Rural, I feel that I have a duty to lay the facts out for all to see the harsh reality of life in Swaziland.

Gone Rural was established in 1992 by Jenny Thorne with a workshop staff of six people working with 30 women.

Set up as a rural development company, it has grown rapidly and now they have 24 workshop staff, working with 772 rural women operating from home.

These are not women who stand by and wait for handouts. They are strong and brave and have been empowered by a truly amazing organisation.

This, however, is not enough to hide the facts:

Continue reading "Back to Basics" »

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Party At The Palace

Tags:
singing

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 3, 2008 10:06 AM

Do you know what the Swazi's definitely know how to do well?

Party!

They have a whole range of festivals throughout the year. One of the most sacred is the Incwala. This is the first fruits ceremony, where the king gives permission for his people to eat the new crops of that year.

But I was here for the almighty Reed Festival.

Earlier this week I saw hundreds of girls on their way to the Queens Mother's house for the beginning of the week-long dance off. And now I find myself at the centre of it all....

Continue reading "Party At The Palace" »

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The Frog Chorus

Tags:
singing

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 2, 2008 4:50 PM

After a long day, I was ready for a nice hot shower and an early night!

But I arrived at my B&B to discover that - yet again - there was no electricity.

Hunting for my torch (essential for anyone travelling to Swaziland) I also located the candles and jumped in the shower - at least there was water!

I then attempted to read for a bit by candlelight and was about to go to sleep when I heard the nightly choir outside my window.

Now I have to say that birds and bugs singing is one of the nicest sounds in the world when you step off a plane, but at night when all you want to do is sleep, the novelty soon wears off!

I have managed to get used to the grasshoppers, cockroaches and other vocal insects that seem to enjoy serenading me, but the frogs? Arhhhhh the frogs I cannot drown out.

They are the loudest of the group, the lead singers and they never seem to stop for breath! They are spurred on by their backup band (grasshoppers et al) and always seem to reach a crescendo just as I am about to nod off!

Just as this thought was crossing my mind I heard a thud coming from my bathroom.

Continue reading "The Frog Chorus" »

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Exchanging your Life for a Day

Tags:
AIDS

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 2, 2008 4:18 PM

As I drive for two hours high up into the mountains to visit a remote producer group called Tinsaba, I already know that it's going to be a great day.

Through the early morning mist, children sing and wave on their way to collect water and cows clearly rule the road! I am forced to stop on several occasions to avoid them.

I turn off onto a dirt track to find the group (praying that this is the right dirt track. There are many and no sign posts.) I drive for about 30 minutes deep into the bush only to discover that it clearly isn't. With thick bush-land at either side of me, I can't turn so all I can do is reverse!

Not a 4x4 by any means, my affectionately named 'Harris' the Yaris, revved up but got stuck down a pot hole.

Continue reading "Exchanging your Life for a Day" »

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The Power of Positive Thought....

Tags:
Swaziland

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on September 1, 2008 9:07 AM

...is not enough to restart my Internet connection. I write this between a series of power cuts that I've been blighted with most of the weekend. This is nothing too unusual for Swaziland as the break in electricity is as common here as it is in Rwanda, but still, slightly annoying when you want to make connections with the outside world. I'm typing this furiously before the next cut inevitably strikes before I get it live....Think I'll just about make it.... Will be in touch again soon when the blackouts become less regular!

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Reed all about it: the X-Factor reaches Swaziland

Tags:
Reed

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on August 29, 2008 3:15 PM

I have arrived at a very special time of year, especially for the unmarried Swazi girls.

Today marks the beginning of the Umhlanga or Reed Dance.

This annual event draws the nation together, reminding Swazi people of their relationship with King Mswati III.

The only way I can think to describe it is like a week-long dance off in the style of an X-Factor competition.

Continue reading "Reed all about it: the X-Factor reaches Swaziland" »

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Shining a Light on Swaziland Struggles

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on August 28, 2008 4:46 PM

Swaziland has now surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest HIV /AIDS infection rate in the world.

Almost every other person is infected by the disease (42% compared with 3.9% in 1992.)

A national survey by the health ministry predicts that a quarter of Swaziland's population are predicted to die from the disease by 2010 and already 60,000 children have lost either one or both parents to the disease.

This is having a huge impact on all of the businesses that I visit, and it is evident that whatever project we run here, there must be an HIV/AIDS component.

I met with an organisation called Swazi Candles yesterday - their philosophy is to create unique handmade candles in a happy working environment and they certainly pull this off. As you walk in the door you can hear singing and giggling.

It is here that I met an unbelievably inspirational lady - Tholiwe Tsela.

Continue reading "Shining a Light on Swaziland Struggles" »

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Glassblowing in Crocodile Village

Tags:
Shared Interest Foundation

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on August 28, 2008 4:23 PM

Among the many mountains that encircle the tiny African Kingdom of Swaziland is one that resembles a basking crocodile.

At its summit is the world's most ancient iron ore mine, dating back 43 000 years and at its foot is the remote village of Ngwenya (Siswati word for 'crocodile'.)

Here a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breathe life into enchanting interpretations of African animals and birds, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality.

Here I was able to witness and try out first-hand the magical art of glassblowing; each item handmade from 100% recycled glass!

Continue reading "Glassblowing in Crocodile Village" »

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Swaziland Dreams and Custard Creams

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on August 28, 2008 10:22 AM

I'm currently sitting under a tree in the middle of Swaziland (shading from the intense African sun) writing today's blog.

I am counting my blessings, as I feel truly privileged to be back in this amazing country, privileged to spend time with inspiring people that despite numerous setbacks and hardships put their all into their work and live life to its fullest.

Now first let me tell you about my journey here.

Continue reading "Swaziland Dreams and Custard Creams" »

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Southern Hemisphere's Shopping Heaven

Tags:
SARCDA

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on August 28, 2008 9:48 AM

I woke up bright eyed (and glad that the Dutch couple had not let me sleep too long the day before!) and ready for the day ahead.

Today I visited the SARCDA trade fair, the largest trade fair in the southern hemisphere.
Here, eight of the Swazi groups I will be visiting next week are displaying their products and competing for their share of the market.

Gerard (the owner of the B & B - yes, now on first name terms!) kindly drove me to the fair.
It is worth noting that he has now taken on a number of roles, my personal chauffeur, dinner companion and tour guide!

Continue reading "Southern Hemisphere's Shopping Heaven" »

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Nothing to Declare from Dubai

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on August 27, 2008 4:34 PM

Well after 22 hours of travelling, 15 hours on planes and a five hour stopover in Dubai (where it was 35 degrees at midnight) I have finally made it to Johannesburg.

For the first time in two years and numerous trips to Africa my airport pickup actually picked me up. Would you believe it?!

Despite getting on the right plane (this time) and everything happening according to schedule, it wouldn't be me in Africa if everything went according to plan!

My bags hadn't been broken into when I arrived- apparently a bit of a miracle for Johannesburg airport. I was then shunted off to the 'something to declare' aisle (even though the only thing I wanted to declare was the need for some sleep and a hot shower!)

Continue reading "Nothing to Declare from Dubai" »

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5 flights, 6 hotels, 2 cars, 20 meetings and 5 training sessions

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on August 21, 2008 4:39 PM

Here I am again in the whirlwind that is pre-planning for a long haul journey. This time it's a mammoth trip to the Swaziland and South Africa for three weeks, flying from the UK to Johannesburg to Swaziland to Mpumalanga to Cape Town.

From visiting the largest trade fair in the Southern Hemisphere to training people in fair trade awareness at Kruger National Park and Cape Town to watching King Mswati the Third of Swaziland pick his 14th wife; it's going to be a varied trip!

Continue reading "5 flights, 6 hotels, 2 cars, 20 meetings and 5 training sessions" »

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A Royal Celebration

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on July 3, 2008 11:31 AM

Yesterday was an exciting day in the history of Shared Interest as we officially accepted our Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The only winner for Sustainable Development in the North East, and out of 800 businesses that applied nationally, Shared Interest came out tops for its dedication to sustainability over the last five years.

In the afternoon all of our UK staff - plus Hugo and Rachel from Costa Rica and Kenya – as well as supporters and partners of the organisation, headed up to the Assembly Rooms to meet the Lord Lieutenant for the ceremony.

Following on from this, Shared Interest MD, Patricia Alexander and our longest serving member of staff Ann Colquhoun have both been invited down to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen!

Although we all know that our work has vital impact in the developing world, it is a real honour to get the Queen’s stamp of approval.

After the official ceremony, staff celebrations continued into the evening to mark this very special event - on her Majesty's orders of course!

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Sharing an International Interest

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on July 1, 2008 3:57 PM

Guten Morgen (German), Buenos días (Spanish), Muraho (Kinyarwanda), Habari za asubuhi (Swahili)

There is a real buzz in the office today ahead of tomorrow’s Queens Award Ceremony (more on that later.) This is due to our overseas regional staff having arrived - Rachel from Kenya and Hugo from Costa Rica, and a producer customer of ours from Mauritius, Gabriel (Craft Aid Mauritius) which adds even more of an international flavour to the cultural mix we already have in the Shared Interest office with staff members from Germany, Ecuador and Venezuela.

I took the opportunity to chat to Rachel about the importance of involving the people we work with in every stage of our project. It turned into quite a lively discussion about the importance of involving beneficiaries in every part of our overseas work.

We aim to work closely with those people who will directly benefit from Shared Interest Foundation and its investment arm the Shared Interest Society (usually the farmers and the handicraft makers.)

At the beginning of each Foundation project, we start with a stakeholder meeting as local communities and businesses often have a clearer idea of the solution to their problems and are aware of any obstacles that need to be overcome before getting started.

For example, through the Shared Interest Rwanda project, we plan to run training in 10 districts throughout the country. However, before we can even set foot into many of these areas we need to seek approval first from the District Officers. We may not have known this unless we had the inside knowledge achieved from working so closely with people on the ground.

Rachel and I both agree that working closely with fair trade businesses in their own communities helps us to understand these types of issues including funding needs, as well as being able to evaluate the effectiveness of projects, plan for the long term future and target the most needy.

Although we talk quite often on Skype, it is great to talk to staff from our regional offices face to face like this and draw on their everyday experiences in Costa Rica and Kenya, which in some ways are very similar but in others very different to our own here in Newcastle.

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Give someone a Cow!

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 30, 2008 4:40 PM

Random Rwandan proverb:

'Yampiye inka!' translates as 'You have given me a cow!'

Like in many other countries around the world, cows have great importance in Rwanda and are still used as dowries in wedding ceremonies. However as I learnt from one of our partners cows can signify completely different things.

The first time I heard this proverb I was confused. I knew the man in question and I hadn’t given anyone a cow in well over a year (even then it was through those Oxfam Unwrapped gifts....)

It seems Rwandans have a bit of our British sarcasm as if the proverb is said warmly, it means you have given me something of great value. If it is said with a sarcastic tone or while laughing, it means whatever you are telling them is ridiculous and you need to think again.

Luckily on this occasion it was said positively.

Apparently by providing this training project to producers throughout Rwanda, Shared Interest is in effect giving them a cow! We are giving them hope for the future; a cow is a sign of wealth, a sign of planning, and a sign of security.

So, rather like the way we have saving accounts, Rwandans have cows.

Of course, each one also provides up to 15 litres of milk for drinking and sales.

I am extremely happy to be “giving many communities cows�?.

Despite them not being real, these cows are providing hope for thousands of craft makers across the country.

So if you only do one thing today – give someone a cow!

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Using Art to follow your Heart

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 27, 2008 4:07 PM

Today is a good day. Not only is it Friday but my painting also arrived from Rwanda. Regular readers will know that Joan and I practically lived in the Bourbon Coffee Shop in Kigali, where we would work well into the night on the Shared Interest project.

We fell in love with the beautiful, unique paintings covering the walls, and always keen to help a struggling artist we finally managed to track him down, hear his story and of course buy one of his creations.

Had Pascal Bushayija’s father had his way, he would now be a doctor or a lawyer. But Bushayija followed his heart instead.

I decided there and then that I would like a copy of the painting that was on the wall directly opposite us, so I asked if he could make me a copy and wasn’t quite ready for the response that I got....

After a flurry of hand gestures and loud French, I kind of got the feeling he wasn’t too happy!
Joan kindly translated for me and it seems I had unknowingly offended Bushayija. He asked why I would insult his work like this by asking for a copy, didn’t I want something original?

He then went on to conduct what I can only describe as an interview, questioning me about my life, my home and personality and said that he would create something that would reflect this.
I explained my love for his country, my passion for the work that I do with both handicraft makers and farmers and that my house was quite similar to the coffee shop we were sitting in – covered with African handicrafts. He then smiled (which was a huge relief to me!) and agreed.

Never in my life have I had to persuade someone to paint a picture that I will would actually be paying for.

Bushayija told me that the main inspiration for his work is everyday life in Rwanda. Since I had shown a love for his country and his people, I apparently passed the test and the prize was receiving a one-off painting of my own.

And today that piece of art arrived. I have to say it was well worth the wait and the ’interview!’ Bushayija’s own unique style, integrating three dimensional objects such a millet grain, tree bark and sawdust has resulted in a superb picture – a great reminder of a fantastic trip and an inspirational artist.

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Women: leading Rwanda to a brighter future

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 26, 2008 5:12 PM

I was reading this morning that women are leading Rwanda to a brighter future. Of course, this makes sense when you realise that women form over 70% of the population there.

This startling statistic is down to the genocide, when around a million people were murdered in 100 days and 500,000 women and young girls were raped. However, human spirit has won through, with as many as six orphaned children being taken in by each household. With over a third of Rwandan homes being led by women, there are many mothers bringing up other people’s children as their own.

So the real story of Rwandan women should not be the suffering but the ability to overcome such horrific obstacles with dignity, grace and determination to create a better life for them and their families.

As a result of their courage to speak out, for the first time in history rape is being prosecuted as a war crime. What’s more, the 2003 election attributed 49% of parliament seats to women, which is the highest in the world (world average 15.2%). This enables women to have a voice and a platform to be heard.

One of the organisations that Shared Interest Foundation will be working with throughout our project is Gahaya Links, which was set up by two Rwandan women that were born in a refugee camp in Uganda. They started their business in 2003 to help Rwandan women make handicraft items and find a market to through which to sell them. Starting out with six women sitting under a tree making baskets, Gahaya Links now involves over 3,000 women.

These are the women of Rwandan today, the ones who see things differently. The women who work together regardless of tribal differences, regardless of the traumas they have overcome, regardless of poverty, ill health, stress and despair and they emerge with hope and an unfaltering outlook

These are the people that we will help throughout this project. It is the Rwandan people themselves who will do the real work and Shared Interest Foundation will offer the guidance to help them on their way as they continue to work towards empowering the people of Rwanda.

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And did I mention training?

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 25, 2008 4:05 PM

Well, it’s my third day back in the office and I’m still buzzing with excitement.

I’ve just returned from a meeting in Kaffeccinos (the Fair Trade coffee shop around the corner from Shared Interest’s office) with Jo Hubbard, Traidcraft’s Business Services Co-ordinator.

As I mentioned earlier, our networks and partnerships with other organisations are key to making this project a success.

Traidcraft will be carrying out the ‘Train the Trainers Training’ (yup it’s that old catchy one again!) They will train the 15 candidates in business and financial skills training techniques, as well as coaching them to develop a training manual for the three year project and beyond. (Is there an alternative word for training?!)

Jo and I discussed my recent trip to Rwanda as she and her team will be heading out there in September to carry out the first course and get our trainers up to speed in all aspects of the international training methods that will make this project a huge success.

We will be working with Traidcraft for the next 10 months, and in January 2009, the trainers themselves will start mentoring the 50 producer organisations.

Its days like today that I realise how lucky I am to have a job I love!

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Congratulations from over 4,000 miles away

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 24, 2008 4:52 PM

Although we wish we could say we will look forward to working alongside our new member of staff, we can’t.

Of course, this is only for the reason that he will be based 4,000 miles away!

So, on behalf of Shared Interest Foundation and COFTA, we welcome Donatien Mungwarareba as co-ordinator of our Rwandan Producer Support Project.

Donatien is a 31 year old Rwandan national, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management, who is also studying for a Masters in Project Management in the evenings.

From 1st August, Donatien will be spending his days based in the Rwandan Private Sector Federation office in Kigali. Going out to visit all 50 of the farmers and handicraft makers as soon as he joins the team, Donatien will get real hands-on experience during his first few weeks in post.

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Old Habits Die Hard

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 23, 2008 1:47 PM

Well after another omelette-free breakfast and hot shower I am back in the Shared Interest office. It feels strange that you can be in central Africa one day and in Newcastle’s Groat Market the next – the wonders of Boeing 777’s!

This week is already a whirl of email catch up, paperwork and chatting with colleagues.

The reaction of people we met in Rwanda spurs me on. They are clearly keen to work in partnership and push forward the plans we proposed.

We now only have one day to go until our successful candidate formally accepts the role of Project Co-ordinator (although according to Joan from COFTA, the initial reaction we received leaves us little cause for worry.)

But then, even though I’m back in the UK, my thoughts are never far from Rwanda.

After reading Rwanda’s national newspaper, the New Times over breakfast this morning (old habits die hard so I brought a few home with me!) I was drawn to an article headlined Rwanda’s Food Crisis.

It made me think of the current economic downturn here. Do we consider poorer countries like Rwanda and how they may be crippled by the effects of rising world food prices? Sometimes we forget that the impact is global.

By creating, maintaining and strengthening handicraft businesses in Rwanda, the Shared Interest and COFTA project will serve to help establish ‘off-farm’ income so that people aren’t relying on the land to secure a livelihood and feed their families.

The next few months are going to be vital in helping this take shape.

And with that in mind, back to the emails....!

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Blissful Breakfast and Battery Boost

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 22, 2008 7:33 PM

Well as much as I love travelling and working out in the field, I have to say that it is good to be home!

It took a solid 11 hours of sleep to make up for the insomnia of the journey, then I had the most wonderful HOT shower and omelette-free breakfast; bliss!

I popped into work yesterday to sort out the contract for our new Rwandan Project Coordinator, had a quick chat with Joan and I am now taking the rest of the weekend off to recharge batteries.

Watch this space to find out if the new Shared Interest Foundation staff member accepted the role and what lies ahead for the Rwandan training project.

For now I’m just looking forward to 48 hours of home comforts before the whirlwind of work next week.

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Homeward Bound

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 20, 2008 2:35 PM

The journey home was going to be a long one.

And with the gorillas safely tucked away in my hand luggage, thanks to the Peace Baskets, I had to rely on the age old tradition of sitting on my case to zip it up!

I was sad to be leaving Rwanda (though I'm sure I’ll be back soon), but what a great feeling to know the Shared Interest and COFTA project has the backing of the Rwandan Private Sector Federation and, more importantly, the artisans and farmers themselves.

On the way to the airport, we had a whistle stop tour of Kigali to say our goodbyes and managed to pick up some beautiful Rwandan earrings with a brand new design. (I’ve promised to see how they go down in the UK market.)

Eventually we made it onto the plane after struggling through the hilliest country I have every visited!

And it was at this point I began thinking that Joan and I are celebrity magnets...

After meeting the most famous rap stars in Nigeria last week, here we were sitting in front of the entire Rwandan National football team. You couldn’t miss them - their coach was giving them a motivational speech, somehow ignoring the fact that they were surrounded by a plane full of passengers. Of course, we got photos and wished them good luck for their game against Tunisia.

And as I began to think that nothing would surprise me now, we continued on our long journey home....

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Woohoo! We have chosen our Project Coordinator!

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 18, 2008 10:06 AM

Well I’m all packed (a huge challenge what with all these baskets and gorillas!) Going home actually feels good after yesterday’s landmark event.

Four candidates had second interviews, this time in front of a panel including a director of the Chamber of Arts and Crafts and a Rwandan Private Sector Federation representative, as well as Joan from COFTA and, of course me, representing Shared Interest Foundation.

I have to say that I was glad I was on the other side of the table! The four candidates had to answer tough questions about the Rwanda Handicraft sector, project management and Fair Trade standards in three - yes three - different languages (English, French and Kinyarwanda.)

After the panel collected their thoughts and scored each candidate I was delighted there was a clear winner.

Woohoo! We have chosen our Project Coordinator!

So today we will be sorting out contracts, start dates and induction plans!

This is a major step and it is all starting to feel excitingly real. The last 10 days have been busy but we have achieved so much, which is a great feeling to have as I dash for the airport.

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A Shared Interest in Dancing Pots

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 17, 2008 10:27 AM

Today we went high up into the hills to visit the forgotten forest people referred to as BATWA or Pygmies. They are the oldest recorded inhabitants of the great lakes region with a history of living off the land as hunter gathers.

However, after losing 30% of their population during the genocide, they were driven from the land they had depended upon over the centuries for survival.

The group we visited were of the lowest social standing and were carrying out one of their traditional skills – pot making where they basically take clay from the ground and mould it into pots before firing it in traditional kilns.

One of the older members of the group, Hamisi, told us about the struggles he faces with his community. To be honest, he didn’t really need to as the signs were clearly visible. With homes made from straw and barefooted children, they are unable to grow food for their families due to a lack of land.

However, it is not all bad news because a fair trade organisation called Dancing Pots has dramatically improved business for them and, through Shared Interest Foundation and COFTA training, we hope to lift their income from $1 to $3 per day in three years. This will enable them to pay for their children’s secondary education (primary schooling is free), afford health care and plan for the future.

Before we left, I complimented Hamisi on his pottery skills and the amazing quirky looking clay gorillas he was making. He told me they weren’t finished, which I thought may be a good thing because I had no money and was concerned about getting all the Peace Baskets I bought earlier in the week into my luggage and on the plane home!

I bid Hamisi goodbye and we continued on our visits. You can imagine my surprise when I return to the hotel reception that evening and find him asleep on the chair.

Hamisi and his family are so desperate for income that he worked hard to finish the clay gorillas so he could walk another seven hours to deliver them!

I buy each and every one of them and am close to tears as I treat Hamisi to dinner and insist he stays with his friends in Kigali instead of taking the long journey home.

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Helping Hand and a Hot Tin Roof

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 16, 2008 10:44 AM

This weekend Joan and I had the privilege of meeting farmers and handicraft makers amongst the thousands of hills that dominate the Rwandan landscape.

As we turn each corner between the coffee, tea (Rwanda’s main exports) and banana plantations, the tin roofs sparkle in the African sun.

The sides of the roads are covered with people walking single file to trade goods in local towns, or travelling to schools and local businesses. However, driving deeper into the country, some of the pressures on the land become evident.

Rwanda now contains 850 people per square mile, compared with the world average of 107. In the highest part of Sub Saharan Africa, this puts immense pressure on the land. Almost every inch of the landscape has been cultivated (through mass deforestation), leading to soil degradation and often resulting in land slides and water catchment issues.

One of the local women we met told us about a devastating landslide that hit her village during the rainy season last year. Adelphine pointed to what used to be a group of houses and school now in ruins. Her children are now taught outside under a tree (to protect them from the sun) until the school is rebuilt. But the community has to raise the money first and she fears the rain may come again this year....

Continue reading "Helping Hand and a Hot Tin Roof" »

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From Secretary General to Stadium Gig

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 14, 2008 12:04 PM

I had an early start this morning and wasn’t prepared for the exhausting day ahead.
After waiting 25 minutes for our staple breakfast of – yes you guessed it – omelette to turn up (I mean how long can it take to fry an egg?!) we gave up at 8am and started the interviews.

We had people who were working from Oxfam, and the UN, an expert on the environment (who was wearing the smartest suit I have ever seen) and after seeing seven candidates for a solid seven hours - it was looking like Joan and I were going to have a tough job on our hands.

By 4pm. we still hadn’t had time for breakfast or lunch, and it was onto a meeting at 4.30pm with the Secretary General of the Rwandan Private Sector Federation (RPSF). His office was like a penthouse suite, complete with huge cream coloured leather sofas, where we sat to start the meeting.

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Reforestation and Rappers - only in Rwanda!

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 13, 2008 10:30 AM

I was very excited to visit a reforestation project yesterday that is funded by Shared Interest through our Carbon Offsetting Project. Last year we donated money to REDO (Rwandan Environment and Development Organisation) and here I am getting to see the 500 trees they planted on our behalf - contributing to Rwanda’s overall aim of replanting a million!

One thing that strikes me about Rwanda as I go out to visit the project is that it is one of the cleanest countries I’ve ever seen. There is no rubbish on the streets; roundabouts are beautifully maintained, filled with well-watered grass, plants and sometimes even a water fountain! In its mission to fight pollution the country has even gone as far as banning plastic carrier bags; a problem which haunts many other African countries.

I was surprised by this until I heard about Umuganda, a ‘community day’ on the last Saturday of every month. This means that between 7am and noon all households must participate in activities for the good of the community.

Examples include planting trees, cleaning up streets and creating new dirt roads. Businesses must close (can you imagine that back home?!) and everyone reports to their community leader. Even the President and foreign visitors must join in! In return you get a stamp in your book, which is required to access health care and education services.

Ok so that’s the more serious message. Now for my more surreal experience at Millies Collines. Joan and I were checking out their training rooms with their event manager Dieudonne (his name translates as God’s Gift!) As we were leaving the hotel, a huge black limo pulled up. Out came two guys, who I was informed - as people pushed past me to take photos – were ‘P-Square’, Nigeria’s hottest new rap artists!

The event manager said that he could get us two VIP tickets to the Kwita Izini Concert tonight, which is part of next week’s gorilla naming ceremony. This is an annual event where 40 new baby gorillas will be named. Intrigued? I’ll tell you all about it in my next blog.

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Making Peace with Baskets

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 12, 2008 10:28 AM

After a day visiting producers (basically the people who create the handcrafted goods and grow the local produce) I find myself back at the now infamous coffee shop and feel compelled to tell you a little bit more about why it is one of Rwanda's many recent success stories.

Rwanda's Maraba Bourbon Coffee Shop is set on a hill overlooking the city. It solely sells Rwandan tea and coffee. The beans are grown near Huye (Butare) and have excelled in international tests (in a US test they were classed as the second best worldwide.) Maraba is a very special type of Arabica coffee from Bourbon coffee trees.

The coffee plantation is run by Abahuzamugambi Cooperative, many of whose members have been widowed in the genocide and are struggling to support their families. The sales of this coffee have enabled them to pay school fees, rebuild damaged homes and buy livestock.

As I watch people drinking coffee around me (I don’t drink it myself but am more than making up for this by the litres of mango juice I consume!)

Continue reading "Making Peace with Baskets" »

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Free Sandwiches and Frank Sinatra

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 11, 2008 10:18 AM

Wow what a day yesterday. We managed to get through three projectors, 65 cups of tea, one bed sheet (which was used as a screen for the projector - very creative I thought!) and three different languages (Kinyarwanda, French and English!)

This all carried us through our workshop in Fair Trade and presentations on both COFTA and Shared Interest, with a seminar to follow to share knowledge and skills.

As I said yesterday, 40 people turned up for the Open Day. Now, I have to say that quantity doesn’t always mean quality. Let’s not forget the lady who turned up purely because she heard there were free sandwiches on offer!

Continue reading "Free Sandwiches and Frank Sinatra" »

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Changing Lives with $2

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 10, 2008 11:57 AM

Time for a break and Joan (who is our ‘on the ground’ contact from COFTA) and I discuss the progress of the day.

There are interesting topics up for discussion like how the life expectancy in Rwanda is only 40 years old and how the project will work with more women than men (the country’s population is made up of 60% women following the genocide.)

Some of the groups that we are working with currently live on only $1 per day and, through this project, we aim to increase this three-fold. To you and me, this doesn’t sound like much, but it is enough to change many producers’ lives here....it will enable them to send their children to school, afford health care and plan for the future.

Through this project we aim to change lives, working from the grassroots up and building capacity that will last for generations to come.

Joan and I keep focused on the outcome of this project – that we will train and recruit 15 trainers who together will develop a training course. We will recruit a project coordinator and will eventually train 50 handicraft organisations over the next three years.

By the end of our meeting, my head is buzzing with excitement - this project could really change peoples’ lives - not just for the next few months but for years to come.

With that in mind, on with the afternoon session!

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Cold Showers and Lukewarm Eggs

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 10, 2008 9:55 AM

It was a late one last night – well by Rwanda standards anyway, I wouldn’t call 10.30pm late at home but then I am also still recovering from that eventful journey and we were working right up until my head hit the pillow on today’s Open Day.

At least I got a cold shower this morning (the water was off completely last time I’d checked), always a bonus when you’ve got a full day of interviews ahead in a busy hotel in Kigali!

I’m just writing this speedily before I touch base with the Shared Interest office back home. It is company policy to let your nominated ‘travel buddy’ know what you’re up to – and it’s usually a good point to let off steam and hear a familiar voice.

Right, got to dash or I’ll miss my staple breakfast of lukewarm omelette, omelette and er...more omelette (more on that later!) For now I’ve got over 40 people to present to at the open day in advance of interviewing for the Shared Interest Foundation post and time is against me. Wish me luck!

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I have made it to Rwanda

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flying

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 9, 2008 11:45 AM

After three flights, 21 hours of travel, a mix up with tickets and a close call when I got on the wrong plane in Nairobi I have made it to Rwanda…the country of a thousand hills (and a million mosquitoes!).

All started off well as I left Newcastle for my long journey out to Africa, bags packed, tickets and passport in hand and ready to go! The first flight to Amsterdam went smoothly, my Kenyan airways flight to Nairobi was a little shaky, but it wasn’t until I arrived on African soil that things started getting interesting!

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Last-minute checklists for Rwanda

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 6, 2008 11:48 AM

Only two days to go now before my trip and it’s been one busy week. Aside from focusing on what I need for my journey and beyond, I’ve also had my hat on as a member of the Shared Interest environment team, which meant helping mark Thursday 5th June with staff at our Newcastle headquarters as well as Costa Rica and Kenya offices.

Other than that, my head is jam-packed full of checklists and the countdown is a bit like a military operation.

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Preparing to travel overseas

Posted by Andrea Wilkinson on June 3, 2008 11:50 AM

Before I set off on my journey to Rwanda on Sunday, I am working against the clock to get everything in place for my trip. It has been a varied couple of weeks including everything from booking hotels for the interview process to preparing a recruitment ad for Rwandan TV!

The reason I am travelling out to Rwanda is to prepare for our Big Lottery Fund supported training project that kicks off next year. I am working out there in advance of this to basically find the right people for the training posts available and also to meet some of the fair trade businesses we will be supporting.

Continue reading "Preparing to travel overseas" »

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Andrea Wilkinson