Organisations to benefit from Wales for Africa grant

The Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa Grant Scheme provides funding for community groups and organisations in Wales with links to projects in Africa.

Over 15 organisations in Wales will share the grant funding for projects that will improve health and education, improve livelihoods and tackle the effects of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Wales for Africa Small Grants scheme is a flagship initiative of the Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa programme. The scheme enables organisations in Wales to access funding of up to £5,000 for small-scale projects that contribute to Wales’ delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

One project benefiting from a £4,900 grant is Zanzibar Mental Health Shamba who, through education and training, are seeking to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health problems in both Zanzibar and Wales.

Announcing the awarded grant winners, the Minister for International Relations, Eluned Morgan, said:

“The Wales for Africa programme has gone from strength to strength, with small grants, like the one we are announcing today, transforming lives – from reducing infant mortality rates in Uganda to increasing the number of children who stay in school.

“I’m proud that through these projects we continue to build relationships between Wales and Africa, not only improving lives in Africa, but also bringing benefits to Wales by allowing volunteers to exchange skills and have life-changing experiences.”

Mike Greenwood, Secretary of the Machynlleth-based group said:

“We’re excited to have been awarded this grant. Zanzibar has a very different approach to mental health and whilst there is terrible stigma attached to the condition there, they actually have better recovery rates from severe mental illness than we do. We have a lot to share and learn.”

Another project to benefit is Zimbabwe Newport Volunteering Association, who through volunteer work and the creation of youth clubs will help to empower young people of Mufakose to be aware of global issues, whilst promoting sustainable development goals.

The scheme is administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action WCVA on behalf of the Welsh Government.