Friends of Tafo, PO Box 43826 London NW6 1XG

Friends of Tafo Newsletter AUTUMN 2003

Welcome to the second update on our achievements and plans: all made possible through the generosity of our friends.

This edition of our newsletter is focusing on the skills development projects we are supporting in Tafo. Projects range from craft training and project planning to edible almond oil production.

Skills Development in Tafo

Kwahu-Tafo and its community have traditionally lived a subsistence life, with each family farming small plots of land to provide for their needs. Global warming and cultural changes are forcing people to look for employment. Tafo is very short of jobs and skills.

Friends of Tafo has linked with Aid to Artisans Ghana, who provided a free two-day training course in stone carving attended by 35 people from the town. Subsequent courses will be provided in basketry, pottery and textiles. ATAG is looking to employ some of the trainees following the course.

With the help of African Development Programme, we also initiated a series of training workshops in the good management of social and environmental projects facilitated by local and UK fundraising.

And next:

• Revival of the impoverished Senior Secondary School, by raising funds to pay teachers and to provide a computer classroom.
• Completing the next stage in rebuilding Kwahu-Tafo's vital administrative centre, already underway as a result of local municipal and individual contributions.
• Provision of sanitation facilities for the many schools which need them.

Feedback

Humphrey Barclay, the TV producer of A Fine Romance, Desmond's and Spaced, who is Development Chief in Tafo, recently returned from a visit with the following update:

• Books for Schools: books given by The British And Foreign School Society and Ghana School Aid were distributed to schools, and further donated books were presented to the library.
• Youth Group: 70 teenagers have formed a voluntary club to carry out environmental improvements in the town.
• Self Governance: the Kwahu-Tafo Development Council (the local sister organisation of FOT) is growing and developing its role in the management of funded projects.
• HIV/AIDS: we have identified two local NGOs which need financial support to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS and its prevention in schools and the community.
• Disabled Association: we have formed a register of 55 disabled citizens of Tafo and are starting to identify their needs and initiate vocational training.

What you can do:

We welcome all enthusiasm from our kind supporters, and in response to requests here are some ways in which you can help:

• Fundraising - thank you to the people who held parties for us recently raising money and profile for FOT. We are also very grateful to some new friends who have started a Sports Fund for FOT.
• Events - we had a wonderful response to our Scavenger Hunt this summer, thanks to all. Future events include a charity dinner, and a fabulous Black Comedy Concert on April 25th 2004. Put it in your diaries!
• Christmas Cards - see flyer enclosed: order yours now!
• Donations - we welcome second-hand or new books, sports equipment, and even musical instruments - as well as money!
• E-giving: find FOT on www.givenow.org
• Standing orders: contact us for details.