2015 is a big year for International Development and a big year for Village Aid. As the target year for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) arrives, Village Aid celebrates its 25 birthday. For a quarter of a century, people in Bakewell and beyond have helped us to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in West Africa’s poorest rural communities. Although we have improved the lives of many in Ghana, The Gambia, Cameroon and Sierra Leone, poverty remains a massive problem for many more people. Sadly, Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s least likely region to achieve the MDGs by 2015.
People may ask why this region is struggling to meet global development targets. Village Aid believes that African voices need to be the ones driving change – only then can this change truly combat poverty and meet local needs. For 25 years Village Aid has been committed to the principle that African people should set their own development agendas. We work with local partner organisations that are at the heart of the communities they support, helping them to become independent and sustainable.
Reducing conflict and providing access to essential water supplies
Increasingly scarce resources have led to conflict between crop farmers and cattle herders in North West Cameroon. Village Aid is working with partner organisation MBOSCUDA to reduce conflict and enhance access to vital water supplies in the region. This project will improve dialogue between communities, encourage more sustainable use of natural resources and provide access to clean, safe drinking water.
The Climb
With the latter aim in mind, Village Aid CEO Kemal and five of his friends, Tom, Luke, Stuart, Nicolas & David are climbing Mount Cameroon! On 21 February 2015, the group will embark on the 13, 255 feet ascent to the mountain’s peak. Mount Cameroon is an active volcano and the highest point in Western and Central Africa.
They have taken on this amazing feat in order to raise money to provide essential clean water to poor rural communities in Cameroon. This money will be used to implement water catchment protection sites which are essential to defend precious water sources from pollutants. Village Aid are fencing off key areas, installing water storage tanks and piping safe drinking water directly to villages. To provide clean water to more rural communities, we need your help.
As Village Aid turns 25 and we approach 2015, join us in our pledge to ensure that the most marginalised people can drive the change that they want to see in their own communities. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/Kemal-Shaheen to donate.
