Who funds our work?

In 2008-9, just over half of our income was core funding from the UK government's Department for International Development. We also receive funding for specific projects from donor organisations such as the Big Lottery Fund and smaller charitable trusts. This page tells you more about these funded projects in Southern Africa, East Africa, Asia and Europe.

Southern Africa

Gender Based Violence project (Botswana)
November 2007 - October 2010

The aim of this project is to reduce gender based violence (GBV) by strengthening existing psychosocial services for survivors, empowering vulnerable children, raising awareness and advocating for policy change.

Skillshare International is working with three partners to improve their technical and financial capacities to support survivors of GBV. We are supporting them to develop a comprehensive programme to address gender-based violence. This includes working with local communities to lobby and advocate for the removal of cultural practices that discriminate against women and children; enhancing access to Legal Aid for survivors of GBV; and improving the overall quality of life of survivors and vulnerable children.

Partners: Women Against Rape, Emang Basadi and Bana ba Lesatsi
Funded by: The European Commission, Tribal Group Foundation

Botswana Rural Livelihoods
February 2007 - February 2010

Skillshare International is working with eight local partners to support the livelihoods of the poorest and most marginalised people in Botswana.  The project aims to:

• Build the capacity of partner organisations to improve their service delivery to people in West and North West Botswana.
• Support the creation of employment and income generation opportunities through new business ventures in tourism and vocational training.
• Raise awareness about the rights of minority and disadvantaged groups in remote areas of Botswana.
• Ensure that HIV and AIDS awareness is integrated into all aspects of the project work.

Partners: Okavango Brigade Development Trust, Gantsi Brigade Development Trust, Letloa, Matsheng Brigade Development Trust, Permaculture Trust Botswana, TXY, Okavango Polers Trust, Kang Brigade Development Trust.
Funded by: The European Commission, The Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation, Tribal Group Foundation, The Beatrice Laing Trust, The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, Schroder Charity Trust, Guidance Limited, Frederick William Carter Trust, Marr-Munning Trust, Miss K M Harbinson’s Charitable Trust, Florence Turner Trust, City of Carlisle Overseas Aid Trust.

Human Rights, Public Education & Capacity Building (Botswana)
August 2006 – July 2009

The aim of this project is to contribute towards the future creation of a human rights culture in Botswana, in which:

• The general population is aware of what human rights are, and understands and supports the rights of those who are different from themselves.
• The public hears about human rights violations and puts pressure on the government and/or perpetrators to redress the violation.
• Everyone understands their rights and is aware of ways to protect their rights, such as forms of affordable legal assistance.
• Everyone has the confidence and skills to be able to stand up for their rights.

Achieving this aim would mean achieving gender equality, children's rights, respect for the rights of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, equality for ethnic minorities and the disabled. 

Partner : DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights
Funded by:  Irish Aid, Teachers Union of Ireland

Enhancing Community Capacity for Self Development (Botswana)
June 2008 - May 2010

Through this project Skillshare International is working with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) to strengthen and develop participatory approaches for capacity development and strategic capability of the community institutions across Botswana. This includes leadership development, increasing our partner’s resource capacity, and specific skills development as identified by communities.  The project is expected to result in stronger community structures, empowered with appropriate skills including negotiation, participatory management, and with the leadership skills to drive their development process with minimum external support.

Funded by: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Youth Empowerment Project (Botswana)
July 2008 - June 2010

The project targets the most vulnerable young people including street children, orphans and victims of abuse.  The project aims supports young people with the skills to generate an income, and with leadership skills.  It also helps them to access resources, particularly from government, so that they can generate their own income, and provides HIV&AIDS counselling.  By providing education on national policies as well as international instruments designed to improve the socio-economic status of young people, the project will empower young leaders to drive their own development.  Included in the project is a leadership camp for the young aspiring leaders from remote and disadvantaged Basarwa communities.

Funded by: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Disability Project (Lesotho)
April 2006 - October 2010

Disabled people in Lesotho constitute the majority of the poorest and most vulnerable groups. The objective of this project is to improve the socio-economic status and livelihoods of people with disabilities in Lesotho.

This will be done by improving the management capacity of the disability sector in Lesotho, by increasing co-ordination at ministry level, and strengthening local services to improve the income generation opportunities of disabled people nationwide. The project also aims to raise awareness of the issues surrounding disability, seeking to change attitudes and eliminate alienating practices. Working at both national, and local level, the project takes a holistic approach to meeting the development challenges faced by disabled people in Lesotho.

Partners: Our partners in this project are the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the following locally-based organisations and training centres for disabled people across Lesotho: Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Itjareng Voactional Training Centre; Lesotho Society for the Mentally Handicapped (LSMHP); Lesotho National Federation of Disabled People; Ithuseng Vocational Rehabilitation Centre; Morapeli Girls' Centre for the Disabled; St Angela Cheshire Home for the Disabled; St Paul's School for the Deaf; Lesotho College of Education; Resource Centre for the Blind; Ministry of Education and Training.

Funded by: European Commission, Tribal Group Foundation, The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, Christadelphian Meal-a-Day Foundation, Edith Murphy Foundation, Florence Turner Trust, and money from an anonymous donor.

Karabong HIV and AIDS Support Network Project (Lesotho)

This project serves 300,000 people in the Mafeteng district of Lesotho. It has brought together and supported HIV and AIDS awareness, counselling, testing and anti-retro viral systems. The project focuses on the district hospital and its specialist HIV and AIDS clinics, based within communities’ rural clinics and community-based HIV and AIDS support groups. Increasingly, these are run by people living with HIV and AIDS themselves.  Trained staff are now operating the HIV and AIDS patient information systems.

Mafeteng Hospital, through Karabong clinic, has decided to focus future activities on capacity building for communities, in particular to empower PLWHAs who have experience of HIV and AIDS management.  Karabong HIV and AIDS clinic has successfully strengthened its systems for counselling, testing and treatment at the main Karabong clinic as well as expanding its services to four new pilot clinics. 

Partners: Mafeteng Hospital
Funded by:  Elton John AIDS Foundation

Sustainable livelihoods project for rural communities in Namibia
October 2007 – September 2010

Skillshare International is working with KOMEHO Namibia, Namibia Rural Development Project (NRDP) and Namibia Network of Aids Service Organisations (NANASO) to improve the livelihoods, health and economic status of at least 8,500 households in four of the most disadvantaged regions of Namibia: Kavango, Omaheke, Omusati and Oshana. The project addresses the root causes of poverty related to unemployment, food insecurity and lack of adequate skills. The intervention is based on extensive participatory assessment of the needs of local communities, government recommendations, and detailed analysis of the strategic options as well as building on the previous and current work carried out by the partners in this project.

The three-year project aims will be achieved by:

(1) improving food security
(2) improving the health status of target communities
(3) strengthening the capacity of community based AIDS Service Organisations
(4) establishing a revolving credit scheme
(5) building the capacities of local partners.

The principle of empowerment and community ownership is implicit in the implementation methodology. Targeted communities will be empowered to further determine their own future.

Partners: KOMEHO Namibia, Namibia Rural Development Project (NRDP) and Namibia Network of Aids Service Organisations (NANASO)
Funded by: Big Lottery Fund

ENABLE (South Africa)
July 2003 onwards

The ENABLE project aims to empower physically disabled learners with Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) and life and work skills, thus promoting independence and self-reliance. The project covers the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa "where providing ABET to people with disabilities was not heard of until the ENABLE programme". In working towards a society for all, the ENABLE programme creates an inclusive, barrier-free education, training and development programme for physically disabled learners. For three years the project was funded mainly by the EU. Funding from the EU finished in June 2006 and the project is now supported by the Tribal Group Foundation.

Partners: ENABLE
Funded by: The European Union, Christadelphian Meal a Day Fund , Tribal Group Foundation, Dorfred Trust.                  

Strengthening the Capacity of People Living with HIV and AIDS (Southern Africa cross-border project)
July 2006 - June 2009

In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 25.8 million people are living with HIV. A study carried out by Skillshare International showed that people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), their organisations and support groups face many challenges.

This project aims to address some of these challenges by increasing both individual and organisational capacity - working to improve PLWHA support networks and strengthen advocacy activities. Project activities include:

• Identification and training in care and support skills for 500 care-givers.
• Training in advocacy strategies for 80 support groups.
• Providing 20 support groups with kits for home-based care services.
• Training 200 caregivers within communities to support PLWHAs orphaned children.
• Supporting 12 community orphanages to initiate income generating activities.

We work with the four national networks of PLWHAs in Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho and Botswana to deliver this project.

Partners: BONEPWA, SWANNEPWA, LENEPWA, Khindlimuka
Funded by: Irish Aid, Tribal Group Foundation, Electric Aid, Open Gate Trust

Regional HIV and AIDS Behavioural Communication Change project (Southern Africa cross-border project)

Four development workers are supporting and strengthening behavioural change communication focused on youth and gender issues. This is part of a strategic programme to reduce HIV infections in Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho. The project targets high risk groups including politically or economically displaced  people, commercial sex workers, young people and mobile sections of the population.

Partners: Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, BONEPWA, DRR Maseru, Taung Skills Centre, Lesotho College of Education
Funded by: Irish Aid 

HIV and AIDS - Breaking the cycle of vulnerability
Strategic Grant: 2009 - 2014

This Strategic Grant funds a portfolio of six linked projects in five countries across Southern Africa. The focus of the portfolio is in the title "HIV and AIDS - Breaking the Cycle of Vulnerability". Over five years we will be running projects in Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa in partnership with five national networks of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA): BONEPWA, NAPWA, SWANNEPHA, LENEPWA and RENSIDA. In partnership with the regional network of PLWHA (NAPSAR), we will also run a regional project focusing on improving capacity for advocacy and policy intervention, positive prevention and improving access to treatment.

Overall, the projects will work towards the following outcomes, and towards the fulfillment of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) regional policy framework:
- Improve education, incomes, psycho-social support and nutrition for orphans and vulnerable children who are currently excluded from existing services.
- Increase the number of PLWHA who notify their partners of their HIV status - to prevent re-infection.
- Increase the number of PLWHA who have access to integrated and sustainable community based care and support services.
- Change local, national and regional level policies to reflect the rights of PLWHA.

The total grant is £3.68 million. As well as providing direct grant support to PLWHA network partners, the portfolio budget includes six Skillshare International development worker posts and leadership development activities to support the capacity building aspects of the partners. It will also support Skillshare's infrastructure and management costs so that we are able to implement the portfolio effectively.

Partners: BONEPWA, NAPWA, SWANNEPHA, LENEPWA, RENSIDA and NAPSAR
Funded by: Big Lottery Fund

Institutional Support and Capacity Building for the Fisheries Sector in Mozambique
June 2007 - May 2010

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world: out of a total population of 18.3 million, almost 80% are still living in extreme poverty (below US$2 per day, UNAIDS). 70% of the population live in coastal zones and rely on marine and inland fishing as part of their livelihood. Despite its significant contribution to the economy, the small-scale fisheries sector is still far below its potential. Critically there is a lack of technical capacity and qualified staff needed to improve the performance of fishing activities.

This project aims to reduce poverty and support disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Mozambique through increasing the productivity of small-scale fisheries.  The project provides institutional support and capacity building for the National Institute for the development of small scale fisheries (IDPPE), and fishing groups with the aim of improving their internal organisation, strengthening their financial management, planning and developing their analytical and policy framework capacities thus enhancing their assistance to the small scale fisheries sub sector in Mozambique. This in turn will improve productivity of the sector and contribute to poverty reduction.

The project is recruiting experts in fisheries technology, legal, advocacy and conflict management and placing them alongside IDPPE local counterparts to train, coach and mentor them.

Partners: IDPPE
Funded by: Irish Aid, IDPPE, Electric Aid and money from an anonymous donor.

The prevention of gender based violence (GBV) through strengthening institutional and community response
June 2007 - May 2010

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major problem in Swaziland. Traditional structures marginalise women and girls as well as orphans and vulnerable children, making them susceptible to HIV/AIDS, incest, abuse and rape. Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence in the world - at 42% of the adult population. Women are more likely to become infected than men - through sexual contact and as primary care givers. Gender disparities exacerbate the problem by reducing women's voice and choice in issues such as safe sex negotiation, sexual and reproductive rights.

SWAGAA - Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse - has successfully raised awareness on abuse and GBV over the past ten years. It has also advocated review of the relevant legislation and stiffer sentences for perpetrators. In 2005/6, SWAGAA counselled a total of 2,275 clients who were victims of sexual abuse, emotional, physical and economic exploitation. A large number of cases remain unreported due to fear and official indifference.

Skillshare, in partnership with SWAGAA, have successfully developed a project to support survivors of abuse by enabling them to:
- develop sustainable livelihoods;
- strengthen their voices at all levels in raising awareness of the problem;
- advocate for the development of relevant policies in the area of GBV;
- play active roles in implementing SWAGAA programs;
and to develop the capacity of SWAGAA to respond effectively to their needs and advocate for change at community and national level.

Partners: SWAGAA
Funded by: Irish Aid, SWAGAA Stephen Lewis Foundation, Electric Aid, Tribal Group Foundation, RTE Staff One World Fund

Promotion of Sustainable Democratic Principle and Public Engagement in Swaziland
August 2007 - July 2009

Summary coming soon.

Partners: IMBITA, ACAT, SWATCYP & Youth Groups
Funded by: USAID

East Africa

Integrated Rainwater Harvesting & Management Systems and Promotion of Complimentary Technologies (Kenya)
Jan 2008 to September 2011

Skillshare International is working to reduce poverty, improve food security and introduce alternative sustainable livelihoods by promoting integrated rainwater harvesting and management systems in Kenya. Working with Greater Horn of Africa Rainwater Partnership/Kenya Rainwater Association (GHARP/KRA), the project targets disadvantaged pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in eight semi-arid districts. Key activities include:

• Establishing eight community-based sites for promoting integrated rainwater harvesting and management systems in drought-prone districts.
• Improving water supply and sanitation for schools and communities - such as roof water catchment & storage tanks and better sanitation facilities.
• Complementary technologies such as low-cost micro-irrigation systems, tree and vegetable seedling nurseries, fodder and pasture production and storage systems.
• Draught animal technology.
• Bee keeping and honey production.
• Building the capacity and leadership of GHARP & KRA.

Find out more on the ‘Kenya Green and Clean’ appeal page.

Partners: GHARP/KRA (Greater Horn of Africa Rainwater Partnership/Kenya Rainwater Association)
Funded by: The European Commission, Tribal Group Foundation, Christadelphian Meal-a-Day Fund and Local Communities in the eight districts of Kenya.

Youth Leading Change in Nairobi’s Urban Slums (Kenya)
June 2008 – May 2012

Three quarters of Kenya’s urban population (over 7.5 million people) live in slums which lack even the most basic amenities of water, latrines, electricity and refuse collection.  In meetings conducted with the residents of the Huruma slum, the most pressing needs identified were:

• an adequate supply of clean water,
• access to employment and livelihood opportunities,
• improved waste management and sanitation facilities,
• training on hygiene and waste disposal,
• more secure tenancy.

Skillshare International is working in partnership with Ngei 1 Development Youth Group (Ngei1 DYG) in Huruma towards a vision “to see a society in which youths are empowered, self reliant and actively involved in community development”.  The project will help young people in Huruma lead an honest and a self-reliant life through increasing their skills and opportunities to earn a living, whilst improving access to water, waste management and sanitation services for the whole community. 

Partners: Ngei1 DYG
Funded by: Comic Relief, Christadelphian Meal-a-Day Fund, Tribal Group Foundation

Asia

Quality Health and Livelihood for Tribals/Adivasis, January 2009 – March 2013

Through the International NGOs Partnership Agreement Programme (IPAP), funded by DFID, we are working in partnership with 13 NGOs in India on issues of social exclusion. This programme focuses on tribal health and livelihood in seven states (Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand) with the following aims:

• Improve the capacity of communities to collectively negotiate for access to basic services such as health care and education, and for their rights to livelihood and self governance.
• Build the capacity of civil society to understand, analyse and address social exclusion.
  Increase school enrolment, particularly among girls, develop skills and create employment opportunities.
• Build awareness among community health practitioners about the impact of gender based violence on health and the economy.
• Raise public awareness of social exclusion.
  Support the development of sustainable civil society networks that will empower tribal communities.
• Develop sustainable means of alternate livelihood.
• Strengthen communities to be able to participate and influence development planning and implementation process.
• Reduce levels of female foeticide and infanticide among tribal communities by bringing the underlying reasons for the increase in these practices out into the open to be discussed.
• Empower tribal people, and especially women producers, to access and control resources and participate in global markets.

Partners: ASHWINI, ARPAN, HESAT, ISLD, KMS, KOVEL, MASS, NEWS, Seba Jagat, Seva Bharati, SLADS, SOVA and THI.
Funded by: DFID

Europe

East Midlands Network for Global Perspectives in Schools (EMNGPS)

EMNGPS brings together a range of organisations with an interest in working with schools in the East Midlands (UK) to raise understanding of development issues. The aim of the strategy is to place schools in a stronger position to engage with and respond to the challenges of globalisation, sustainable development and active citizenship.

EMNGPS works with teachers and school communities to embed global perspectives throughout the curriculum, it builds partnerships and networks throughout the region in order to develop a coherent approach to global perspectives and promotes and circulates learning about global perspectives with its target audiences

Skillshare International works in partnership with EMNGPS to host the project at our Leicester office and provide a project manager responsible for taking forward the EMNGPS strategy.

Funded by: DFID

For further information please visit www.emngps.org.uk