Fruits of the Diaspora
Fruits of the Diaspora is a BCAWA initiative and joint venture together with Afrograph, a charity specializing in the culture and crafts of West Africa. Better Community Association West Africa (BCAWA) aims to make life better in West Africa, mainly at a grassroots level and Fruits of the Diaspora adds value by promoting good relations and social cohesion between cultures anywhere. Liverpool, Merseyside, has been chosen as the place to start, encouraged by the Black Initiative Alliance and, ultimately, hoping to embrace ethnic minorities and the Black Diaspora worldwide.
The Fruits of the Diaspora programme will focus on
education, health and well-being
economic sustainability
multi-cultural participation
development of community
building positive self-esteem and confidence
enriching the experiences of children and adults
expanding individual social capital to create role models
giving expression to cultural wealth and knowledge
showcasing projects, e.g. through music art, storytelling
Image: Awa Conateh and Felix Ngindu, African music on the streets in Liverpool
Image: A thankful prayer, at the launch of their new school – for the leaders of tomorrow
Image: Joy Buchanan Fruits of the Diaspora – Project Leader
Image: Presentation to a football academy on the Steve Biko Field in Bakau
Our Background & Experience
To have a school rather than a demolished building changes the future of a whole community and especially the future of the students.
Joy has been active in charity work since 2008, serving the people of The Gambia. A number of school facilities have been improved in terms of repair, toilet blocks, furniture, teaching materials, playgrounds and educational books (44,000 distributed to 70 institutions).
Water and electricity have been installed at various sites. The aim is to continue this work focusing on children’s needs, economic sustainability of adults, and reliable drinking water
Image: School complex, with nursery and primary school, Ghanatown, The Gambia
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