They say all you need is love. It is true to a certain degree. If it could feed families, educate children, and nurture humanity the world would be a greater place.
Love is a wonderful starting point. They need water and food. We need opportunities. They need education.
Now let’s look at love and agriculture; this is what this community needs to strive. It has love in abundance. They need more.
Background Story
Let me introduce you to Mr Ivan Kimbowa.
I would like to introduce the program of skill advanced agriculture methods of Farming Gods Way in schools, and this system of agriculture is so friendly to the environment and can be done on small land but higher harvest. Due to high prices of food in the area we have decided to start growing our own food through agriculture programme.
We need to rent a piece of land where we can grow more food to feed the children on daily basis, but we can't do it without support because the costs. Renting land is higher and it's about 300000 Uganda shillings an acre. From this we can manage to get more than 10 to15 bags of maize, that's equivalent to 1500gms of maize flour and this can feed our children for 1 year and from it we can also help to feed other vulnerable families like the elderly.
Kimbowa, Ivan, Mityana, Uganda with orphaned children
Building a strong youth platform generally for youth orphans, elderly and young children because they are being abandoned hence they are the generation of the future.
This will be done through up skilling the youth through different hand and technical skills. Our goal is to end poverty and dependent syndrome from parents, the government and other institutions which are not able to support all the people.
I am so happy to share the testimony of happiness for the fund The People's Hub donated to us last time. It did very beautiful work to our project, money for buying materials, for the book making and art projects, soap and Vaseline and these will help our work to go smoothly and to raise more fruits in our community and we appreciate that heart of kindness to us.
We are building capacity of vulnerable children's service provider starting with Mityana and Jinja. Fundraising for the Bursaries and funds to assist orphans and vulnerable children from school, institutions, companies, NGOs, government, and individuals inside and outside through the spirit of Samaritans and Unity. We are so happy to be in communication with The Peoples Hub and Dr LeeAnn Teal Rutkovsky, who are helping us with social enterprising ideas in both ethical organic agriculture and fashion sustainability.
The People’s Hub supports Mr Ivan Kimbowa's mission. We have connected Mr Ivan Kimbowa with Mr Abdul from the Institute of Leadership from Kampala Uganda. The Institute is located opposite the American Embassy in Nsambya. They have met, discussed and made plans for progress in Mityana.
Mr Abdul is experienced in leadership in Uganda and is offering to guide Mr Ivan with this project. Using his skills and abilities to create a very good platform for the children to be skilled in many courses. This is a great opportunity for the project aligned to the mission of Mr Ivan. It will help lift the lives of abandoned vulnerable, youth, elderly in the community. By skilling them up, and empowering them to have a sense of autonomy over their own lives. In turn empower others to do the same. Allowing parents to pursue their own path and lead the way for their children.
Mr Abdul offered the youth development team the opportunity to study at a low cost. He will support connections and a visit to Kampala.
I am happy that God has made move forward as youth of vision. By making good friends with people who share the same goals as ours. Thank you to The Peoples Hub, Peter Lawal, Institute of Leadership, Social Homes’, and so many other well-wishers of change. I appreciate whatever you are doing for us.
Do you have anything in your toolbox that could help transform the lives of a struggling village and in turn change the trajectory of the people there and generations that follow?
I will take my warm thanks to appreciate the work you are doing for us, and I call upon all the good-hearted people to help us throughout making all this happen. I Will take my opportunity to ask for the support from the well-wishers and we are raising funds to support our projects in buying materials, for the book making projects, soap and Vaseline and these will help our work to go smoothly and to raise more fruits in our community and to give more support to many souls in the communities of Mityana Uganda. Thank you.
Kimbowa, Ivan
"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals & happiness” (Thomas Jefferson)
People like me don’t write books…. Until they do.
My name is Michelle, and I am as ordinary as they come.
When not working or writing, you will find me playing football, walking the parks, sitting in coffee shops, reading, or listening to podcasts.
I didn’t set out to write a book. The words just appeared and as each word appeared, I would write, and I just kept on writing. This is when I got intentional. I wrote story after story.
Then there was a shift, and I have never been able to articulate what caused or created the shift. Only that when you start to dream and believe, the universe pays attention.
Of the 86 stories I had, there was one that resembled a story. Not a reflective account, a story I could share.
I sat with it for a very long time, I thought ‘people like me don't write books’, but after great research, I transferred the story into a manuscript. I finally found the courage to send it to a publisher.
And so here I am! Author of a children’s book
My dream is that any child, anywhere in the world can pick up this book and feel visible. My hope is they will know the world can see them and they are not alone in their suffering. While our suffering varies, the feeling of being alone in that suffering is universal. I don’t want that for the children of today. I don’t want children feeling discarded.
Whatever environment children are born into is completely out-with their control and regardless of how alone they may feel. I want this book to remind children they matter Every life matters. Every child matters, and no one life is more valuable than another.
I know a book cannot solve the world’s problems, but I want my words to offer comfort. Offer them an escape into the possibility of love. While they are in a position that they have no control over.
I believe LOVE is the one thing no child should ever have to go without.
Just for today: Allow yourself the space to dream, to ponder, to hit notes you never thought possible.
Thank you for reading.
Nestled within the bustling city of Manchester, UK a peculiar establishment once resided - the Doll's Hospital. Not your typical child-friendly haven, this hospital, housed in the now-defunct Imperial Hotel on Piccadilly, held a reputation shrouded in dust, dismembered limbs, and an air of mystery.
Though the exact timeframe remains unclear, the hospital likely served its purpose for decades, with memories stretching back to the 1970s. Imagine climbing a "grotty staircase" to reach a room more akin to a "flop-house" than a place for beloved toys. Jars overflowing with doll eyes, arms, and heads would greet you, painting a picture of a struggling business, yet one strangely persisting.
Adding to the intrigue was the proprietor, an "elderly, stocky" man whose hostility towards curious visitors became legendary. Your own encounter, along with the lack of welcoming vibes, paint a vivid picture of a place where childhood wonder took a backseat to something slightly unnerving.
Though short-lived encounters like yours left lasting impressions, the Doll's Hospital's story ultimately came to an end. The Imperial Hotel itself was replaced by the Malmaison Hotel, erasing any physical trace of this peculiar establishment. While some may lament the loss of its odd charm, others might be relieved that children seeking doll repairs today have more cheerful options.
This glimpse into Manchester's past serves as a reminder of the unique and sometimes unsettling chapters that color a city's history. While the Doll's Hospital may be gone, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who dared to step inside, offering a cautionary tale (and perhaps a spark of curiosity) for future generations.
Remember, the truth has a funny way of reinserting itself.
P.S. Though the Manchester Doll's Hospital is no more, fear not! The UK still boasts several delightful doll and toy hospitals, ready to breathe new life into your cherished companions. Check out these resources to find one near you:
Let these havens of care and repair give your dolls and toys a happily ever after!
Late last year, the serenity of a village in Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria, was shattered by a brutal attack by unknown gunmen. The violence left at least 140 villagers dead, homes destroyed, and families devastated. In the aftermath, survivors sought refuge and solace in an camp in Jos. While the trauma of the attack lives on, they remain resilient, rebuilding their lives and clinging to hope for a brighter future.
Amidst the hardship, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Rhoda Sanda Daniels, a volunteer representing The Peopleshub Organization in Nigeria. Recognizing the urgent need for normalcy and education, Rhoda visited the IDP camp, reaching out to children whose schooling had been disrupted by the violence.
Her visit wasn't just about lessons; it was about encouragement and fostering resilience. Through her dedication and warmth, Rhoda brought a sense of hope and purpose back to the children's lives. The photos accompanying this article capture the joy and determination rekindled in their eyes.
But the journey to recovery is far from over. Many families still grapple with the trauma of the attack, and the need for support remains immense.
This is where you come in. Your generous donations in January provided much-needed assistance, but the need for partnership and collaboration continues.
Here's how you can make a difference and become a beacon of hope:
Volunteer: Share your skills and time to empower the affected communities, be it through education, counseling, or community development initiatives.
Spread awareness: Raise your voice and advocate for the rights of internally displaced persons, urging action and support from relevant authorities.
Together, we can stand alongside these families, helping them rebuild their lives and reclaim their futures. With your compassion and commitment, we can ensure that even in the darkest of times, hope prevails.
The silver screen might be dimming on a beloved Scottish treasure – the Screen Machine, our mobile cinema bringing magic to communities near and far. With news of funding cuts, this beacon of shared joy and storytelling faces an uncertain future. We need to save the Screen Machine!
Since 1998, the Screen Machine has woven its magic across villages, towns, and even beaches, igniting imaginations and fostering connections through the power of film. Families gathered under starry skies, shared laughter resonated through the air, and memories were made under the glow of the projector.
More than just movies, the Screen Machine fostered community. Imagine pre-film picnics buzzing with excitement, locals sharing stories, and friendships blooming under the shared experience of cinema. It was a breath of fresh air, a chance to escape the ordinary and celebrate the power of shared experiences.
But now, this vital project risks fading to black. Potential funding cuts threaten to silence the projector, leaving communities yearning for the return of their mobile cinema haven.
This is not just about losing movie nights; it's about losing a vital community builder, a platform for shared joy, and a champion for accessibility. Imagine the impact on remote communities who rely on the Screen Machine for their only cinematic fix. Imagine the children whose faces wouldn't light up with wonder on these magical movie nights.
We can't let the final scene be a fade-out. It's time to raise our voices and fight for the Screen Machine! Here's how you can help:
Share your story: Share your experiences with the Screen Machine, its impact on your community, and why it matters. Use the hashtag #SaveTheScreenMachine on social media.
Write to your representatives:Contact your local MP, MSP, or council officials and urge them to support the Screen Machine.
Donate: If you can, consider making a financial contribution to support the project. Every bit helps!
Organize events: Host fundraising events or screenings to show your support and keep the momentum going.
Together, we can write a happy ending for this beloved project. Let's ensure the silver screen keeps rolling, bringing joy and community spirit to every corner of Scotland. Remember, the power of film, and the power of community, lies in our hands.
Join the movement and save the Screen Machine!
Seeds of Resilience: AFSA LAUNCHES 21 SEED CASE STUDIES FROM 10 AFRICAN COUNTRIES
[Thiès, Senegal ] – January 23, 2024– In Africa, farmers' seeds are the basis of agricultural production, diverse and healthy food systems across the continent. The Farmer managed seed system (FMSS) is the dominant system for food crops and agrobiodiversity conservation for family farmers. They persist and thrive despite well-funded programs promoting corporate seed. The industrial food and agriculture regime they are part of. Whilst receiving little or no support from public policies and frequently denigrated in the public narrative.
Seeds are about culture, tradition, spirituality, cooperation, solidarity and survival. Providing diverse and healthy food to feed families every day, and livelihood. Today's seed embodies centuries of knowledge about how to conserve, exchange, plant and guide it to fruitful expression. Africa's rich diversity of food crops is thanks to diverse ecosystems to local farming communities. Notably women, the custodians of seeds.
In its continuous quest for food sovereignty, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) scales up the positive narrative behind farmers’ seed varieties outdated and outlawed by corporations.
These twenty-one case studies have been collected from nine African countries and India. From the most hostile environments of the Sahel (Niger) to equatorial wetlands (Gabon), saline soils (Tanzania) and oases (Tunisia), the authors show us how farmers' varieties meet the nutritional and economic needs of populations in traditional, agroecological production systems.
In the Dosso region of Niger, 7 case studies on the preferred varieties of seven vital crops in selected communities identified farmers’ varieties that farmers know intimately and retain deep skills regarding their cultivation, uses, processing, storage and marketing. In many instances, these seeds are the backbone of the local economy and are key to cultural identity and respect in the community. In all cases they outperformed improved varieties, ostensibly because they have been adapted to the specific environment in which they are cultivated and are amenable to further adaptation because of their genetic diversity.
In Tanzania, six case studies emphasized on seed quality insurance using consistent farmers’ protocol and criteria. The studies also showcased the large diversity of seed a community develops which makes its population autonomous (seed sovereign), healthy and economically strong because of higher productivity and nutrition value found in specific indigenous varieties of beans, maize or rice. The quest for dignity through food is also experienced in Zimbabwe, Tunisia where women reviving the old durum wheat.
Burkina case study is about conservation technology, Togo and Senegal focused on seed production skills and quality insurance for bigger market favourable to farmer managed seed systems, namely on vegetable seeds which is a big market that usually excludes farmers, especially in urban areas.
In conclusion, this collection of seed case studies opens our minds on the followings ·Farmers have strong and various protocols to establish quality seeds standards. ·Farmers seed varieties are in many cases more productive and more nutritious than the so-called improved varieties. ·Women farmers play a crucial role in selecting seeds that define our food systems ·Communities play a key role in biodiversity preservation and should be first partners of gene banks, either locally, nationally or at international levels.
Nestled among the cobbled streets and industrial heritage of Burnley, Lancashire, lies a story far more captivating than any mill chimney or terraced row. It's a tale of local grit, audacious dreams, and a man who dared to challenge the banking behemoths with nothing but a minibus, a big heart, and the unwavering support of his community. This is the story of Dave Fishwick, the "Bank of Dave," and his meteoric rise to fame.
Fishwick, a self-made millionaire with a deep-seated love for his hometown, witnessed firsthand the struggles of local businesses and residents facing stiff winds from traditional banks. So, in true Burnley fashion, he decided to roll up his sleeves and do something about it. In 2011, the Burnley Savings and Loans, affectionately known as the "Bank of Dave," opened its doors. It wasn't your typical financial institution – think more warm smiles, community gatherings, and interest rates that put people before profits.
Word of "Bank of Dave's" unorthodox approach spread like wildfire. Local businesses found a lifeline, savers received fair returns, and the community buzzed with newfound hope. But Dave's ambition transcended Burnley's borders. He took his fight against banking bigwigs to national television, charming audiences with his blunt Yorkshire wit and unwavering conviction.
Then came the pièce de résistance – a Netflix biopic charting Dave's journey from minibus mogul to financial maverick. "Bank of Dave" catapulted the Burnley hero onto the global stage, offering a heartwarming glimpse into the heart and soul of a town often overlooked. Millions across the world witnessed the power of community spirit, the tenacity of a man fighting for what's right, and the sheer audacity of taking on the establishment with a cheeky grin and a down-to-earth charm.
But for Burnley, "Bank of Dave" is more than just a feel-good movie. It's a validation of their resilience, a celebration of their working-class values, and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. Dave may be the face on the screen, but the film belongs to the community – the shopkeepers, the families, the dreamers who have woven the fabric of Burnley for generations.
As the credits roll, a profound question lingers: is "Bank of Dave" just a heartwarming story of one man's crusade, or a spark that ignites a wider revolution? Perhaps it's both. For Dave, it's proof that even the smallest pebble can create ripples in the financial pond. For Burnley, it's a declaration that their stories deserve to be heard, their struggles seen, and their spirit celebrated. And for the world, it's a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary tales emerge from the most unexpected corners, a testament to the human spirit that thrives against all odds.
So, the next time you hear the name "Burnley," remember it's not just a town on a map. It's the birthplace of a financial revolution, a community that dared to dream big, and a man named Dave who proved that sometimes, all it takes is a minibus, a big heart, and a movie deal to change the world.
For Immediate Release: Project Socially Homes Announces The Safe Haven Summit 2024
A Virtual Gathering of Experts to Address the Pressing Issue of Homelessness
Manchester, UK (December 29th, 2023) – Project Socially Homes proudly announces The Safe Haven Summit 2024, a virtual gathering of esteemed experts and specialists from the UK and the USA. This innovative event will bring together practitioners from around the globe to unite, join forces, and address the pressing issue of homelessness.
“We are thrilled to host The Safe Haven Summit 2024, a platform where we can share impactful strategies, explore innovative solutions such as Housing First, and collaborate with respected experts to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness,” said Amy Varle, Founder of Socially Homes and 2016 Churchill Fellow to US for Homelessness Solutions.
The summit will feature a variety of engaging sessions, including keynote addresses from leading experts, panel discussions, workshops, and a virtual visit to an outstanding ‘homeless farm’ rehabilitation program. Attendees will also have the opportunity to observe street homelessness outreach live and participate in a lively debate on pets, properties, and policies.
“We are committed to creating a dynamic and inspiring learning environment that will empower participants to make a positive impact on the homelessness crisis,” said Samuel Evans, Event Organizer.
Early Bird tickets for The Safe Haven Summit 2024 are on sale now until January 12, 2024. Visit Eventbrite to secure your spot and make a commitment to ending homelessness.
Join Us to Make a Difference
The Safe Haven Summit 2024 is a unique opportunity to connect with experts, learn innovative solutions, and contribute to the global conversation on ending homelessness. We encourage you to join us on February 29, 2024, for this groundbreaking event.
About Project Socially Homes
Project Socially Homes is a social enterprise dedicated to addressing the homelessness crisis in the UK and beyond. We provide a range of innovative services and support to help individuals and families achieve and maintain sustainable housing solutions.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
