By Andrew Betts | Director
Working with some of the poorest and most vulnerable people, Advantage Africa’s work is often focused on helping people meet their basic needs for safe water, shelter, healthcare, education and sustainable incomes.
Over the last year, Advantage Africa has supported three rural communities in Uganda to gain access to safe water through the installation of community boreholes. Families no longer have to rely on polluted streams and ponds, which put them at risk of water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea. The new water points are complemented by training for local communities, enabling them to collect small contributions to fund the maintenance and repair of the hand pumps when needed. This community-led approach helps ensure the water supply remains reliable for years to come.
In one of Advantage Africa’s partner communities in Kenya, however, the challenge has been too much water. Severe flooding near Migori in the south-west caused many families to lose their homes, possessions and livelihoods. As is so often the case during natural disasters, people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by their impact and are frequently excluded from relief efforts.
With support from a small foundation and people like you, Advantage Africa provided safe homes for 12 people across three families. All three households were headed by people with disabilities who were already living in poverty. Losing their homes left them desperate and entirely reliant on outside support. We first provided emergency assistance before helping them relocate to safer areas, as rebuilding on their original land was too dangerous because of the risk of future flooding. Using local building techniques and materials, each home was built for just £1,300. The result is something invaluable: safe, secure homes where these families can recover from disaster and begin rebuilding their lives.
A reliable income is essential to overcoming poverty. Monicah was one of 15 people with disabilities in the Migori area who recently received support to start a small business. We always build on people's own skills and ambitions, and Monicah identified a gap in the local market – hats! Other families received start-up capital to establish cafés or small businesses selling vegetables and everyday essentials. Almost all of these enterprises are now thriving, helping families become more resilient and independent.
Enjoying human rights should go beyond meeting life’s basic needs. That’s why, with support from the Onside Fund, we also helped the Migori Women with Disabilities Group take part in a national seated volleyball tournament in Mombasa. They came an impressive third place, but the real achievement was far greater. The experience transformed confidence, strengthened self-esteem and showed what is possible when barriers are removed.
Thank you for playing your part in helping vulnerable people meet their basic needs — and go beyond them. Together, you're helping people build safer, healthier and more hopeful futures. We really appreciate your support.
By Andrew Betts | Director
By Andrew Betts | Director
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