We have news about our coffee project, The Houses of Parliament and of course our finances!
But first, please let me share with you the most exciting news of all (and the reason for being broke).
We are now supporting more than 1,000 farmers in
In
our last update, we shared that Seeds for Development had advanced the money
for 28,000 coffee seeds. It was in fact 30,000 and the seeds were planted
out in November last year.
This
little fella on the left will grow into a tree providing delicious coffee for
us and welcome income for the farmers for years and years to come. The
first crop will be in 2014...
If you have ever wondered
what 30,000 coffee seedlings look like, well here you are...
We were so
pleased to advance the farmers the funds to buy the seeds and when they are
selling their crop and have made some money, the farmers will be paying us back
for the original amount.
As you can see, the
seedlings are now growing away in pots at Timothy’s centre near
Mukono. The farmers are preparing their land and planting shade
trees to protect the coffee plants. Depending on the weather, the seedlings will either be planted out in the autumn or early next
year.
Now to Parliament...
On
January 31st we were so excited to participate in the launch of Energy Aid – a
new NGO addressing the issues around access to energy (or lack of it).
The
event was hosted by the Pauline Latham OBE MP to whom we are so grateful for
such a wonderful opportunity which we would never have had without her.
More than 130 guests came and it was a wonderful celebration.
Seeds
for Development shared the stage with Pauline, Energy Aid, Practical Action and
Stephen Leonard, CEO of IBM UK Ireland
Our
great friend Timothy Njakasi - farmer, representative of Send a Cow
Uganda and a partner in the coffee project, came over especially.
We had hoped for Patrick from Olwal to attend, but sadly the Border Agency
refused him a visa… which is quite ironic as the whole point of the evening was
around international development for the poorest people.
Finally...
our finances!
We
have ended our financial year (March 31st) with £300 in the bank – so not quite
penniless – but pretty close. The reason for our sudden plunge in funds
is that we have recently transferred £12,000 to Uganda
It
is vital for us to keep your money here in a bank account. All
donations go to the farmers so it is wonderful to be able to tell you
that they have all gone!
Here
are the latest groups who will receive seeds:
Group
|
Seed
|
Number
in group
|
Kgs
|
Can
|
Soya
|
30
|
450
|
Note en
Teko
|
Soya
|
26
|
650
|
Anam Okun
|
Soya
|
35
|
1400
|
Wop Tam
Atira
|
Soya
|
25
|
625
|
Can
|
Soya
|
30
|
450
|
Can
Oguruwa
|
Maize
|
35
|
700
|
Agoba
Dong Fish Farmers
|
Soya
|
30
|
1500
|
Wek Omara
|
Soya
|
35
|
1750
|
Adwoki A
|
Soya
|
30
|
600
|
Adwoki B
|
Soya
|
33
|
660
|
Ajuk
|
Soya
|
31
|
620
|
Note ber
|
Soya
|
30
|
900
|
Acde
community Development
|
Soya
|
29
|
580
|
Totals
|
399
|
10,885
|
These
groups are all in the north of Uganda
As
I said before, this brings the total number of farmers we are working with to
more than 1,000 – something we are equally proud to shout about from the
roof-tops!
I
will be visiting the farmers (well maybe not all of them) when I visit Uganda
In
our last update, I told you about the child mothers and how we had pledged to
support them with seeds this year. Well they will be receiving seeds and
I hope to catch up with them on my next trip too.
There
are many other projects and things we could tell you, but I think that is
enough to digest for one update.
Thank
you as always for your support and encouragement. Our challenge now is to
replenish the funds so we can continue to support more and more families.
If you have any ideas, suggestions or money please do get in touch and don't
forget to
