Entering the world of charity blogging
Francesca Clixby
21 March 2012
Entering the world of charity blogging is a fairly intimidating prospect. The APP Twitter feed is a daily reminder of how many people now specialise in social media for the not-for-profit sector. It seems that now everyone knows the ten top tips for social media success. In attempting to learn from these gurus of know-how, this blog will try to avoid merely replicating the news updates that already provide us with comprehensive information on world events. Instead, we hope to highlight fundamental issues and developments that arise in the policy and law affecting our work. Hopefully, in encouraging debate and comment, we will also hear the voices of own beneficiaries; APP will be encouraging those who participate in our access to justice and education projects to add their thoughts and comments.
African Prisons Project’s work and projects can sometimes be perceived as an unattractive and controversial cause. Working with prisoners, working in African justice systems and coordinating with the host governments are all issues which can be a cause of criticism. However, we are confident in our work and believe in its fundamental value and wish to engage in critical discussion on these issues with others.
Over the upcoming weeks and months, we will examine topical issues and debates that have appeared in the media and will affect our own project work. In addition, via the blog we hope to engage with some of the broader debates that consistently cross over with our goals and objectives: penal reform, the role of restorative justice and developments in the criminal justice system. We encourage you to be involved, comment and tell us what you think!
Francesca
Volunteering experiences in Africa
Sarah Vero
25 March 2011
It was last Autumn as the English winter began to draw in that idea came to me – Africa! And why not?! I had been working in and around politics in London for 6 years and could do with a decent break, a new experience and few months of sun.
My previous job was at the Prison Reform Trust and as I planned to combine travel with volunteering, a colleague suggested I approach APP. After completing the application form it was agreed I would volunteer in Kampala, Uganda in March. By the time I started my placement I had traveled through Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda and I was ready to settle in one place for a few weeks and get my teeth into a project. It turns out I am actually working on four projects simultaneously as APP has so much going on!
Prison conditions in Uganda and the UK may be worlds apart, but the basic needs of former prisoners are essentially the same. In order to stay out of trouble people need housing, employment, health care, education as well as positive support from family and friends. In Uganda there are no statutory and very few voluntary services that support these needs. Family mediation is particularly important here as former prisoners returning home are often outcast due to the cultural view of crime which is that it brings shame on the whole family. I am collecting information on support services, charities and NGOs that can provide help and advice and support to people leaving prison. This information will then be turned into an information book or resource directory for people leaving prison.
Another branch of APP's work on resettlement are plans to launch a resource centre next month. The centre will be open to former inmates and prison staff and will include a study area, computer terminals and a library. The library needs a section on international best practice in the criminal justice system, both inside and outside prison. I have been busy obtaining reports and publications from the UK, US and Europe.
Last week I met with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to discuss the needs of Muslims in prison. Around 10% of Ugandan prisoners are Muslim, at present they receive little or no spiritual guidance and the Ugandan Prison Service is not able to provide any materials for worship. The Supreme Council were very keen to connect with Muslims in prison and have agreed to establish a partnership with APP to look at ways of doing this. They will start by donating Quar'ans and prayer mats through APP and hopefully, in time, they will develop a in reach scheme.
The final piece of work I am doing is on funding. Like many charities APP is feeling the crunch of the current economic climate. I hope I have identified some funding streams within Uganda that will help APP continue to serve this much neglected community.
I have loved being part of the team at APP, my work has been interesting and more importantly I feel it has been useful to the charity and the community it serves. The APP office in Kampala is like a family and they all made me feel incredibly welcome. Ugandans are some of the the friendliest people on the planet, eating and shopping at the local markets provided some of my greatest memories. I would encourage anyone interested in prison reform or in Africa for that matter to consider a placement with APP. There are very few charities helping prisoners in Africa so the work is not going to dry up anytime soon!
Sarah Vero
Message from Yasmina
Yasmina Benhamou
28 February 2011
Hey everyone,
When I first told people that I was going to intern for an NGO that helped prisoners in Africa I could sense the uncertainty they were feeling, replies included ‘why would you want to help prisoners?’ this ‘ignorance’ worries me, I think most of us have been guilty of stereotyping at some stage of our lives. However, universally we all share one important fact and this is the fact that we are all HUMAN BEINGS some of us have had the luxury of being born into families that love us, born in a country where we have an established judicial system, and a government that recognises universal human rights. Some human beings with no fault of their own have not been fortunate enough for these same opportunities. I do not know every prisoners plight in Africa, nor am I saying that people are not responsible for their actions because of their circumstance; I am simply saying that don’t judge a book by its cover.
I joined APP last week as an intern, at first I didn’t know what to expect, I just hoped that the internship would give me the opportunity to learn new skills and absorb as much knowledge I can on the infrastructure of an NGO and most importantly how to be the best fundraiser that I can be, as we all know that without money an NGO will not be able to meet their objectives. I am very excited about the journey I will embark with the APP and I am glad I get to share this experience with two other interns named Katherine and Emma, I found that working with other volunteers is very valuable for both APP and myself, I get to learn from other individuals, gain their perspectives and, we can bounce ideas from each other.
I look forward to keeping you updated with my journey, hopefully the next time you see a post from me it will include a summary of the large amount of funds Katherine, Emma and I have managed to raise for APP.
Thanks
Yasmina
Message from Emma
Emma Humphrey
28 February 2011
Hi all!
I would like to introduce myself, my name is Emma and I am one of the new fundraising interns at African Prisons Project!
I am now at the end of my third week of interning for APP and so far, so great! I have loved every minute of it. I have already made some lovely new friends and as a team I think we are getting there with just about finding our feet. Although there is a long road ahead, a usually daunting prospect, I feel nothing but excitement and cannot wait to really start our fundraising journey!
The first few weeks have been all about putting a system in place, so now, our databases are up and running, our letters are written, our team is strong, and we are ready to set off! We have lots of ideas and now the work begins on implementing them!
Watch this space!
Emma