Finally (after several years of talking) the Twikatane Community Foundation (TCF) is up and running (no pun intended….) to inspire local giving and help people to make profound and lasting changes in their communities in Zambia. In addition to providing resources, information, advice and guidance the Foundation seeks to highlight key issues faced by people and identify gaps in service provision with the aim of encouraging local giving and supporting communities to address them.

Our inaugural fund - the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Fund aims to support efforts helping victims of violence and ideally put an end to it. Ambitious I know but in 2012 Zambia had the highest rate of GBV in Southern Africa despite having an Anti-GBV Act that criminalises it - SHOCKING!!!!!

Most people assume GBV relates to domestic violence only, but it is much broader and includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, occurring in public or private life. Experiences the majority of us will have had or witnessed. This has to stop – the consequences extend beyond the victim to society as a whole.

To kick start our fund I am running my 1st 5k (just over 3.1 miles) on the 15th May 2019. Trust me this has been difficult going and I have literally gone from couch to 5k in a couple of months – ok not entirely altruistic… my clothes 1st and then Dr showed me the consequences of my bon viveur lifestyle and suggested I upped my exercise. But it is all timely and has come together seamlessly to coincide with the initial phase of the TCF launch. All contributions welcome - please support us. Together we may change lives and maybe help save lives. Thank you!