Hi Everyone

Some of you  already know by now that I am off to deepest Africa in November to work on a project with 11 others that will involve spending two weeks in a community in Uganda . The offer to help came through my Garden Design Tutor a few weeks ago...entitled Design Opportunity Uganda!!!!! I have been interested in Africa, its people and its wildlife for sometime now so you can imagine how excited I was to read those words!  So here I am asking you to help me... help them.

Sub Saharan Africa, where Uganda lies, bears the heaviest burden of HIV/AIDS and one of the major issues that faces the poor and the very poor living with HIV and AIDS is ensuring a secure supply of food for themselves and their families.

We will be working with community members to look at innovative ways in which to utilise the limited space they have to grow their own vegetables within the slum environment. We will also help to develop a community model garden, which will be used for teaching local community members how to grow their own vegetables using cuttings, seeds and irrigation.

Yep.... that definately does not sound like a holiday! But I really cant wait to get out there and see for myself the harsh reality that these people face everyday....and then do my best to help change it. We often give to charitys in one way or another but with this project we are actually in control of the money and we will continue to be a working part of the community even once we are home.

With the money we raise we will look at ways to support people into livlihood opportunities through microfinance. This could range from starting sewing co-operatives and market stalls to training carpenters. These small loans are repaid then the other 11 volunteers and myself get to make  informed decisions about new investments into the community.

The beauty of this project is that we work closely with local organisations so that we can tackle the real needs practically and also that the local people are at the centre of this change...we will be making it sustainable through intergration, education, innovation and effectiveness.

Now for the money bit ! I need £1000.00 please. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Great Generation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.So please sponsor me now!

Anything you can afford to donate is really going to help many many people but the more you can donate the better : )

many thanks

Kerry x

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