Blog posts

ACT! in Bristol

I’m now 2 weeks into my internship with The ACT! Alliance in Bristol. The ACT! Alliance is a newly set up campaigning organisation which differs from those that already exist in that it seeks to pool the efforts and resources of existing organisations to gain strength for change, rather than all working in an isolated and fragmented way. Importantly, ACT! does not compartmentalise the issues that we face, seeing that the deteriorating environment, the faltering economic system, failing politicians and poverty are all interlinked, and so are the solutions. Broadly, ACT! campaigns for sustainable development in environmental, economic and social systems. I am helping to launch their ‘Nature Reborn’ project, which is part of their wider ‘Restoring the Earth’ initiative. For more information on The ACT! Alliance visit: http://www.theactalliance.com.

During my first week I had a couple of meetings with Charles (my supervisor and director of ACT!) to refine my project aims and structure. That’s one of the best things about working for a small and new organisation – I’ve been able to have increased input into my project design, allowing me to focus more upon issues which are of particular interest to me. So I’m researching and writing a report to help further ‘green’ (literally!) UK urban areas for conservation, recreational and climate adaptive purposes. So far so good, I’ve really enjoyed working alongside others at ACT!, Fi (one of my managers) took me for lunch on my first day to chat about ACT! and the work I’d be doing, and also just to get to know each other.

ACT! offices - just off Park Street!

Aside from my project I’m enjoying vibrant Bristol! It’s a perfect size (much less daunting than massive London) and there’s so much going on! I went to St. Paul’s carnival last Saturday – although missed the parade (whoops!) – the weather was gorgeous, and so with Red Stripe and Jerk chicken in hand I boogied on down with the 1000’s of other carnival goers.

My friends at St. Paul's carnival in the evening

 

Coming up to the end of the first week!

So I’m coming up to the end of my first week. It’s actually been really good!

Yesterday I went to one of the trustees’ meetings and had a quick chat about some of my ideas (they’ve been in the pipeline for about a year, so a lot longer than the placement). They seemed really enthusiastic about them, and how the charity is going to be moving forward. I would really recommend working with a smaller charity – there are only 8 trustees of LUCIA so I actually feel like they value my input and will consider my suggestions seriously.

Other than that, I’ve done some initial research into the stoves project and how to apply for funding. Some of them are really elegant – reducing the time needed to gather firewood by 50% for the sake of £1.50 or so! Hopefully they’ll hold up to scrutiny. I’m just waiting for an update on the project proposal from our partners in Ethiopia, and am taking the time to do some reading (always good!). This seems very relevant but quite shocking – www.savethechildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/docs/Dangerous-delay-UK-version.pdf It details the failings in the response to the recent famine in the Sahel. With the farming project that I might work on at some point, I’m trying to use it for guidance to building in safeguards. But more on that later!

 

 

Ben Fernando – first day at work!

So I’m just on lunch break for my first day at work! I’m at LUCIA (Life Uplifted by Change in Africa), a small Birmingham based charity that works with women and children in Ethiopia. I’ve been working with them for a while  now doing fundraising, and I decided to do Charity Insights so that I could get more involved with the research and problem-solving skills that they do.  You can find out more at http://www.luciacharity.org.uk/

So far I’ve had the usual introduction and health and safety talk, and discussed my project with my supervisor. Initially, I’m going to be looking at how to get funding for the grassroots projects that they’re looking at in Rural Ethiopia. Once we get some idea of how much money we have, we’re going to start investigating the products and solutions to problems that can be put in place to help a local school. We’re trying to make sure that they have adequate sanitation, for example.

This is obviously important because there are so many waterborne diseases that are prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. Once I can ensure that we have funding for the project, I’ll be doing some product analysis to find out exactly what’s in the market in Ethiopia and what the preferable solution will be.

But for now; I’m having a great time! Given the nice weather, we’re working outside reading through and analysing previous grant proposals and hoping to get funding for our ideas. I’m  looking forward to discussing my research at the LUCIA stall at a county fair this weekend, so fingers crossed that the good weather continues!

Internships are well underway!


The first of the Charity Insights participants started their internships last week & Eileen and I are delighted to see the blog posts starting to come in. We are really looking forward to hearing more about everyone’s internships.

We have another participant to announce – Will Prince, third year Physics who will be doing his internship at The Big Issue Foundation.

Just before the end of term we ran a preparation workshop for our participants. This was a great chance for all the interns to meet each other and to hear about the projects that they will be embarking on!

L-R Lydia, Eleanor, Helena, Frances, Emily & Alex

Charity Insights Bursary award winners announced!


After some thorough interviews with our shortlisted applicants the Charity Insights participants for 2013 so far have been confirmed as:

Well done to everyone! We still have one or two students to interview so watch this space for announcements of other participants!

We are really looking forward to working with all of these students over the summer and reading their blog posts about their experiences.

Charity Insights particpants hard at work during last years preparation workshop

 

The interns will attend a preparation workshop on Wednesday 26 June with Eileen and I before starting their four week internships anytime between the beginning of July and the beginning of September. Look out for their blogs from July onwards!

Amy

Applications are in!

Eileen and I have enjoyed reading all the applications for the charity insights scheme. There are some really fantastic organisations our students hope to work with from the Durham Wildlife Trust to the Big Issue.  We are looking forward to meeting the shortlisted applicants at interview over the next few weeks!

Don't worry the interview won't be this scary!

At interview the applicants will be required to do a 10 minute informal presentation about their chosen charity and project as well as answering some interview questions.

Good luck to all!

Amy