Ahead’s Appeals

Ahead would kindly like to appeal to its supporters to help fundraising for the following projects.

Support the girls’ hostel

We need to build a common room and a small store room near the Shakiso hostel so that the girls can study in the common room within reasonably comfortable space and also without disturbing each other in their already congested dormitory. The girls will use the small store room for storing their items such as food since there is almost no room left on top of three bunk beds. We would also like to buy small materials such as knitting needles, wool, one sawing machine so the girls can produce some goods which they can sell and buy things such pens, pencils and exercise books for themselves. They will be trained, in these skills and provided with a small fund to help them start up their handcraft “businesses”. We hope that this initiative will boost the girls’ self-esteem, an entrepreneurial spirit and self confidence. The estimated cost is £1,400.

Promote micro-financing (interest free revolving loan)

The success of Wadara district micro-financing project has encouraged Ahead to launch a similar project in Odo Shakiso District in collaboration with the Oromia Credit Association to support, 40 poor families in the first instance. £1,200 is needed to lend £30 per family. Many more families will continue to benefit from this money over many years to come, as it is passed on to other poor families as soon as the loan is paid back.

Build 2 Workshop rooms
Ahead has been experiencing difficulties to organise training in its operation area due to a lack of space to store training materials and conduct training sessions. We would like to build two workshop rooms where various practical training aimed at poor youth and adults will be undertaken. The training sessions will aim at locally identified needs, e.g. HIV/AIDS, improved/sustainable agricultural practices, financial literacy/diversifying income generation activities, solar cooking, etc. These training sessions will also lie the foundation for Ahead’s future community college. The estimated cost for the workshop rooms is £9,600.
Support with these projects will further Ahead’s work significantly and address the needs of our beneficiaries. Therefore, we would highly appreciate any assistance with the projects. We are very happy to clarify any issues raised in this report and consider various ideas that our supporters may offer us. Please kindly pass on this appeal to anybody who might support us with these endeavours. This appeal can be also emailed if supporters can help us with forwarding it to their families, friends and contacts.

For more information please contact us:

Elfneh Bariso

ahead4@gmail.com

0794 659 2607

Monitoring Visit

Elfneh visited Ahead's Girls' Hostel in Shakiso Town, southern Ethiopia, between 27 February to 7 March. The 48 girls who are provided their accommodation by the help of Ahead are grateful for the assistance. Elfneh distributed some educational materials which were donated by A Ray of Hope to the girls. The girls sent their greetings and their many thanks to all who supported them. Although they are struggling to meet their basic needs such as food, clothes and educational materials, the girls told Elfneh and the Hostel Committee that they were determined to pursue their education. Elfneh promised that Ahead will try its best to continue to support them. Ahead will publish a summary report on the visit and the needs of the girls shortly.Ahead is grateful for any kind of help that individuals and or organisations may offer to these girls.

Please contact if you need further information on (0044) (0)794 659 2607 or at ahead4@gmail.com


Ahead

Affiliation to A Ray of Hope

Ahead proudly expresses that it is affiliated to A Ray of Hope. Ahead's collaboration with A Ray of Hope has already produced practical outcomes such as distribution of clothes and educational materials to poor young people in Ethiopia. Ahead will continue working with A Ray of Hope with dedication.

Ahead

Affiliated to "A Ray of Hope UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace"
hers lesson plans

55 Girls - New Academic Year, New Hope

Ahead has launched its first hostel for poor girls in Odo Shakiso District in southern Ethiopia. The hostel provides accommodation to 55 very poor girls who have no one else to support them. Most of the girls come from remote corners of the District. Without such help these girls would stay in their localities and stop their education at primary school level and most likely get married. Their chances of securing jobs or getting self-employed is almost nil. With Ahead's provision of accommodation, they can at least have somewhere to sleep and pursue their secondary education at Shakiso Town, the capital of the District.

These girls need food, clothes, educational materials and ideal some money for costs such as transport. Unfortunately, Ahead does not have resources to meet these needs. Therefore, we appeal to whoever can support these girls in any way they can at any level they can would greatly be appreciated. Ahead can gladly supply full profiles of these girls and their needs. We look forward to hearing from anybody who can join us to help out with this good cause. You can contact Elfneh Bariso via ahead4@gmail.com, or on 0753 578 7721, or 0794 659 2607

Ahead

New Partners

Ahead has established partnership with EWD and BCL, two London-based development organisations. The two organisations have a long time experience in undertaking project management and working in developing countries including the Sudan, South Africa, Uganda and Kenya. The initial joint work among the three organisations focuses on raising fund for Ahead Community College in Shakiso and implement the project. More information will be published as the partnership will progress.

Ahead

DVD on sale

Following the launch of the Ahead's fundraiser DVD, we are pleased that now the DVD can be ordered. You can order it by sending an email to Elfneh at elfneh@gmail.com or ringing us on 0794 659 2607. Please include your name, address and phone number, when you email.

Ahead

Bobby Kray - Ahead DVD

It's party time. Speakeasy organiser and host, Baden Prince Jnr, says a resounding 'Thank you' to all artists and members of the poetry-going public for their continued support.

Monday 17 December @ Marie Lloyd Bar (right next to Hackney Empire Theatre)289 Mare Street, Hackney E8

This event is also a fundraiser for AHEAD (Action for Health, Education & Development), Speakeasy's nominated charity. The night hosts the launch of a specially filmed performance DVD of emerging artist Bobby Kray. All sales of the DVD will go directly to AHEAD.

FREE ENTRY Free buffet and drinks (while they last) Open mic (sign up early)
Doors 7PM; Food served at 7.30: fun and games begin at 8 o'clock sharp.
Special guests on the night John Hegley, the Clown Prince of poetry Poetic debutante Sarah Baptiste The one and only MattBlack a.k.a. shortMAN Mister Paul "Express Excess" Lyalls How to get there
Nearest tube Bethnal Green; BR Hackney Central or Hackney DownsBuses D6 26 30 38 48 55 263 242 276 277, stopping outside Hackney Town Hall Further info: Call Baden (07946 776 952); ring the bar (020 8510 4524)

DVD to be on sale

Ahead is pleased to announce that a DVD filmed during Boby kray, the Mike Edminton Trio and Speakeasy poets' performance last year is going to be released within the next few weeks. Once it is ready, this well edited DVD can be ordered online or via mail. Buying the DVD will be one best ways of supporting Ahead. Please let us know if you would like to order the DVD via ahead4@gmail.com or elfneh@gmail.com, or tel 0794 659 2607. The minimum contribution per DVD is £10, but supporters can donate as much money they would like to.

We are grateful for any kind of support to Ahead's cause.

Ahead