Diversity Matters strongly believes in diverse representation, not just in the UK but throughout the world. We’re therefore excited to launch Diversity Matters Beyond Borders outreach program working in collaboration with diverse platforms championing positive change, equality and unity in local communities in Africa and its diaspora.

Diversity Matters Beyond Borders supports initiatives in local communities across Ghana, Kenya and Uganda by working with organisations empower marginalised children, youth, and families. We believe strongly in the “Unity in Diversity” motto, aim to use the creatives arts as a platform for education and open discussion where possible. Projects include arts workshops, ‘Yes We Can‘ training for girls aged 13 – 19yrs, and support for families and orphans facing severe hardships.

 

Here are some of the projects and initiatives we aim to continue supporting:

Fridah and her children with albinism was filmed during our visit to Uganda in December 2016 supporting #ThumbsUpForUganda awareness tour. We’re aiming to provide awareness for Fridah’s situation to enable her and her children to be re-settled in a safe community. Please contact us if you’re able to help or advice in anyway! info@diversity-matters.org.uk

We are working with Albinism Crisis Outreach (ACO) founded by Doreen Nawejje. ACO’s motto is ‘Bridging the Gap’ for Women and Children With Albinism in Uganda.

—

Over the festive season we supported Kyaterekera Serunjoji Daniel‘s school David Tyler Nursary and primary school located in luwero District, Kikyusa sub county Buzibwera Village,  Uganda with #ThumbsUpForUganda and #Ar4ChangeUganda. This picture was at their Christmas party funded by the #ThumbsUpForUganda team (Annette Griffith, Fabio Tedde and Kai Lutterodt). The students welcomed us with a beautiful presentation of song and poetry, before the party began! Special thanks to Tesco (Dean Street) for the sweets which we distributed to the children.

David Tyler Nursary and Primary school supports some of the most marginalised children in its local community into education. The school now has classes up to Primary four (year 4), and this year children were promoted to Primary five (year 5) however the school has no classroom for them. They are appealing to friends and well wishers to support establish a temporary wooden classroom.

—

Catwalk To Freedom sponsors South Sudanese girls from Kakuma Refugee Camp out of forced/early child marriage into education. We recently joined the team in Kenya early 2017 as they took their first 5 girls to Kitale where they’ll be attending primary school and vocational training. See the interview CLICK HERE

—

Action Through Enterprise (ATE) is a young, vibrant charity working to reduce poverty in Lawra, located in a neglected corner of the Upper West Region of Ghana. ATE works with the local community on initiatives to support education, enterprise, equality and social change.

In Lawra, where months at a time of food insecurity and hunger have the biggest impacts on children, ATE deliver a school feeding programme to 930 children in schools across the district. The guarantee of a free school meal encourages children to go to school, improves concentration in the classroom, and their chances of completing their basic education for a brighter future. ATE are currently exploring ways to better support girls and boys not to drop out of school through gender-aware forums and workshops. CLICK HERE for more on ATE

Diversity Matters is fundraising to support Diversity Matters GIJ (Ghana Institute of Journalism) students to collaborate with ATE by creative skills workshops and awareness initiatives in Lawra! . CLICK HERE for more on DM GIJ

—

Wrap Star Accessories is a new accessories range designed and curated by Kai Lutterodt. Inspired by her travels in Africa juxtaposed with living in the diaspora, Kai set up Wrap Star as a way to of exploring cultural identity through fashion. The collection includes head-wraps and matching ankara jewellery from Ghana, handmade Maasai beads collection and exclusive limited edition camel bone (sustainably sourced) jewellery made by artisans from the coast of Kenya. Profits from sales of Wrap Star Accessories will go towards support Diversity Matters Beyond Borders projects. The website will launch soon. See the Facebook page for more pictures and to place orders CLICK HERE. 

—

We’re hoping to expand to other developing countries of the Global South in the near future and we’re on the look out for representatives and organisations we can collaborate with – please reach out if interested in supporting! info@diversity-matters.org.uk

#DiversityMattersOutreach #DiversityMattersBeyondBorders

Support the cause!