A sustainable approach to end world hunger

Solar Dwellings have been working with The Hunger Project since 1991, working on sustainable approaches to ending world hunger. If you built a house or paid to come to any of our events, you too have helped. Profits over the last couple of years have gone to the Akode Epicentre in Ghana.

2021 marked a critical step for the Akode community, kickstarting the resumption of their journey to Self-Reliance in August of 2021, made possible by the commitment of the Ghana Funding Network consortium. While the funding meant work started halfway through the year, the community had already achieved a number of significant milestones which demonstrated their incredible commitment to the journey of Self-Reliance, growing resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Having now entered Phase 4 (the final stage) of their journey, the community begin their transition to Self-Reliance. This was marked by the reconstitution of the Epicentre leadership, stakeholder meetings to develop community targets and assess needs in achieving Self-Reliance indicators, and the training of local volunteer animators to lead village-based workshops and scale up programmatic activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to present its own challenges across Ghana and within the Akode community, with COVID-19 prevention measures including restrictions on public gatherings and movement, as well as social distancing guidelines impacting day to day life, particularly economic activities and household income. In response, The Hunger Project and the Akode Epicentre worked in partnership to build community resilience, increase understanding of COVID-19 and safety measures, promote vaccination which is available through the Akode Epicentre’s Health Clinic.

While there were incredible outcomes across all of The Hunger Project’s programmatic areas, this year the community’s progress in Microfinance & Livelihoods along with Women’s Empowerment make up our key program highlights.

 

Theresa’s story

Theresa has been involved with the Akode Epicentre since the community was first mobilised in 2010. She trained in hairdressing a few years ago, and though this has become her main trade, she has not been able to earn much income from it due to residing in a rural area.

In 2021, Theresa participated in a short skills training course on beadmaking which was offered at the Akode Epicentre. Since then, she has been producing chips (beads) for sale in the villages, and as a result is now making an average monthly profit of GHS 150 ($27 AUD).

“My plan is to produce in large quantities and distribute to others to sell, thereby helping them to also make a living. My joy is that I am able to provide my basic needs as a woman, support my child and siblings. I am happy to be helping other girls in the community to acquire this skill for the total development of women in my community and transformation of women in the Epicentre.”

If you would like to find out more about how you can be involved in The Hunger Project contact us, Griff is on the WA Development Board. 

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