Who we are

      Annie O'Connor

Annie is an accountant and a single mother of two grown up daughters who has recently gained a degree in International Studies with the Open University. Annie started The Kanga Project following a 6-week stay in Tanzania working as a volunteer for Volunteer Africa in September 2004.

"Although I have had an interest in African development and culture for many years, I, like many of you, felt hopeless in the face of the magnitude of issues Africa still faces today. However, a trip to Tanzania as a volunteer and my meeting with Gloria Nkungu made me realized that once we start to think about Africa in terms of individuals, the making of dreams can become a realistic possibility. Today, little by little, I believe that through The Kanga Project, I really can make a difference. I truly hope that you do wish to feel the same and to follow in the true spirit of the words of Mahatma Gandhi "Be the change you want to see in the world"".

       Felicity Martin

Felicity is a graduate in African and Development studies from SOAS, University of London. Felicity's degree has equipped her with knowledge of the structure and running of the NGO sector, the history and politics of Sub-Saharan Africa, various cultural studies of areas of Africa and two years worth of the Swahili language. Felicity has also spent time in the Singida region of Tanzania working as a volunteer.

"I feel that social and economic development must be lead and implemented by the local people, and for the local people but made possible by the assistance of organisations such as The Kanga Project. I feel the most important thing about development is empowering the local population to change their own futures and improve their own welfare, which we at The Kanga Project help to fund."

    Shelley Copelovitz

Shelley has a degree in Arabic Language and Culture and is about to graduate her Masters in Human Rights from City University, London. Both studies have expended her knowledge in cultures and human rights debates around the world. Shelley has also volunteered for Rural Women Development Association in the Singida region, Tanzania.

"My time in Singida taught me that in order to make a big change, things have to happen step-by-step and, most importantly, that there is hope. To that end I feel that The Kanga Project is contributing to the people of Singida region the tools and knowledge to improve their standard of living, while taking in consideration the local cultures and religions."

    Andy Beckingham

Andy is a Public Health Consultant/Specialist with the NHS with experience in sexual health screening programs, infectious disease control and prevention as well as care in the communities.

"The most powerful factors determining whether we get ill or not in the first place are economic and social ones like income, housing, clean water, good food, education, and social support. These factors are acutely missing all over Africa but are compounded for women through their reproductive capacities. We, at The Kanga Project, support the work of the RWDA in providing education and information in basic hygiene and importantly in the fields of HIV/AIDS prevention and the spread of STDs."

    Colleen O'Connor

Colleen is a nursing student who is very concerned with how the Western World has let down the people of Africa through unsuitable and unsustainable development prescriptions. Colleen is looking forward to her first trip to Tanzania to check out for herself on the impact of the work we do as soon as she has saved enough money.

“I believe that the partnership between the RWDA and The Kanga Project offers a workable alternative to the many top down projects that have so often failed. However I do realise that it will require hard work and tenacity from us to keep on providing the support needed. We need people like you to help us. Fund raising can be fun too."