How can we support unsung heroes? As you’ll see from the following pictures, an emergency Covid-19 initiative, implemented by Children Watch, who we have been collaborating with in recent years, has commenced. Children Watch is led by T. Raj. Click here or here to watch one of our films focused on the work of Children Watch. Like so many people responding to Covid-19, Raj, and those he is working with, are taking personal risks in reaching out to the most vulnerable.
Thank you to people who have generously contributed to this emergency response in Tamil Nadu. Usha (Ladwa-Thomas) had the inspiration to instigate the appeal. Already over £5,300 has been raised. Click here if you would like to read a letter to find out more, including how to contribute; here if you are a UK taxpayer and eligible for Gift Aid (explained in the letter); and here if you would like to read a blog. Please see below a picture of Raj, definitely an unsung hero that deserves our support and recognition.
Spreading the love, not the virus?! We're delighted to help promote a new song, produced by United Purpose (UP) in collaboration with Nigerian musician Sunny Neji. In less than a week, over 800,000 people have apparently already heard it. Click here to listen to: 'Together We Will Beat It'. The song is helping fight coronavirus, while lifting spirits at the same time!
UP is using this song as a development tool to reach young people and remote communities in Nigeria with vital messages about preventing the spread of COVID-19. The song brings to life the measures needed. Doing it via song on the radio means a wide range of people can be reached, including those living in remote areas and those who can’t read and don’t have internet access.
Over 15 Advisors have contributed to the work we’ve been carrying out with UP in recent years. Currently we’re discussing with the Malawi UP team about facilitating a strategy development exercise for the country programme there. Also we’re liaising with the team in The Gambia about ways to widen our engagement beyond the current initiative with the Marketing Federations.
Our webinars: we appreciate everyone who took part in our webinar a few days ago; and a special thank you to the presenters, Lynne (Sedgmore), Hadi (Ahmadzadeh), Shivani (Singhal) and Sharon (Turnbull). To hear a recording click here; and here to read an excellent paper that Sharon wrote for this; finally, here to watch a remarkable artistic representation of the webinar, created by Ben (Oldroyd). Our next webinar will be on 9th June at 12noon UK time. Details to follow. Click here if you’d like to register.
Common Home, Common Ground. We are engaging with our partners Hope for the Future in different ways. They’re about to start an initiative called ‘Common Home, Common Future’. Click here to learn more and find out how you can participate.
Sunny Neji Quote: ‘Together we will beat Coronavirus. We can do it. Spread the love, not the virus’
Have a great week!
Rosie, Lorna and Ian