Following a recruitment process, we’re delighted to announce that Clement Sindazi Mukuka and Sharan Kelly have just joined our board. We are very grateful to our board members. They continually challenge us and themselves to keep learning and improving. For instance, at an annual away day two weeks ago, Clement and Sharan joined everyone in activities to envision our long-term future, strengthen our shared leadership approach and continue our antiracism journey. The board underpins its approach to governance through our ‘5M’ model here. Demonstrating its commitment to continual improvement, our board has recently been carrying out an in-depth review using the UK’s ‘Charity Governance Code’ as a framework.
Clement has had many leadership roles with our partner Edmund Rice Development (ERD). Clement is based in Zambia. His link to us stretches back to 2015. This has involved engaging with him in multiple countries through a global capacity building programme with ERD, and in his own African province. Clement’s work has included many important and sustained activities focused on strengthening the impact of initiatives to reduce poverty and address environmental challenges.
Sharan has also had many leadership roles, notably in the international NGO and Irish not-for-profit context. We first met Sharan when she was Chair of Dóchas. Since then, she has had various roles including as the CEO of Tear Fund Ireland. She is currently CEO of IASIO (Irish Association for Social Inclusion Opportunities) which we have featured previously, including its work in Ireland to support people before and after release from prison.
We are continuing to prioritise work in the refugee and asylum-seeking sector through our work with Sisters Not Strangers and Refugee Action, two very impressive organisations. Sisters Not Strangers is a UK coalition of groups that support asylum seeking and refugee women. We have been facilitating a strategy renewal initiative with them. Refugee Action provides advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and campaigns for a fairer asylum system. We have been working in partnership with them to support their ‘Shifting Power’ programme, by delivering a leadership programme with ‘Experts by Experience’. The contribution of these, and other organisations we work with, is remarkable on such acute societal issues.
Together, we are stronger. Another illustration relates to our long-standing relationship with ActionAid Ireland. It uses its influence to carry out specific and very important campaigns. Recently, ActionAid Ireland launched an uplifting new video called "Together, we are stronger". The video highlights stories of migrants in Ireland and their crucial role in making the country a better place for all. It is a heartwarming tribute to migrants who travelled to Ireland in search of safety, security, and a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Our 10-Year Celebration! At the end of our Board Away Day, we invited a few of our local partners and supporters to join us for a small celebration. People shared their stories and experiences of being involved with Caplor Horizons across the past 10 years and the impact it has had on them, their communities and wider society. To find out more, read our 10 year impact report here.
Change maker of the week
Quote of the week: “Every day is a good day. There is something to learn, care and celebrate." – Amit Ray
Best wishes
Ian, Lorna, Rosie and Kemal