We thought it was time to look at Vision Africa from a different perspective – a much more important perspective. Instead of our staff or board members talking about the work we do, we decided to ask one of our supporters for her thoughts. The following is an interview which took place in Nairobi on this supporter’s recent visit where she toured around a number of projects to see what progress had been made.
Name: Jean Walker
From: Manchester
How long have you supported Vision Africa?
Six Years
What makes you keep coming back to Kenya?
The children and the projects. You go back and it has improved every time.
What impact do you see our projects having?
They are changing the lives of children and teenagers. For example at Seed of Hope they are giving the girls a future where they can do what they want and be independent.
How do you raise funds?
There are so many ways we raise funds for example raffles, football cards, talking to groups in churches or at organisations like the Rotary Club. We sell bric-a-brac and unwanted goods (such as Christmas presents) at a market stall. Most markets will have a charity stall that you can book for free or a very low price. At the school I work at we have sponsored silences or non-uniform days where we charge pupils 50p or more to come to school out of uniform. It’s only a small school but we raised £225 recently through non-uniform day. Schools can put a collection box in each classroom and collect small change. In church groups you can ask children to fill something like a Smarties tube with 20p coins. Another way is to go to car boot sales. My tip for that would be don’t be expensive – it’s better to get rid of stuff for a cheap price than have to take it all home.
Do you have a message for other supporters?
Get involved! If you are interested in what you read, try to get involved. Offer your help and time. Fundraise. It is hard work but I try to talk to someone every day about Vision Africa. If you don’t speak to people you won’t get anything.
Pennies make pounds!
Jean’s message is true and her own fundraising is a great example. The money that she raised before her trip to Kenya in February enabled us to start up a sewing business at a project and purchase guttering to allow water harvesting, mattresses for Riandu children’s home and other valuable items for our projects.
We are very grateful to Jean and her fellow supporters for all the fantastic work they do.