ACCURO 2023 PROJECT ROUND UP

Accuro's Year in Review: Empowering Lives, Nurturing Futures

A Year of Success and Growth

As we bid farewell to 2023, we reflect on yet another remarkably successful and busy year. The projects funded by Accuro have made significant strides, creating positive change in the lives of many. Each project has been a testament to the trust and generosity that defines Accuro's commitment to making a lasting impact on communities.

Project Achievements and Learnings

Throughout 2023, our projects have achieved substantial progress, marking significant milestones in empowerment, nutrition, and education. We have not only seen tangible advancements in the physical infrastructure but have also gained invaluable insights and learning experiences that contribute to the continuous improvement of our initiatives.

Positive Impact on Children

Accuro's trust and generosity have translated into real and positive changes for approximately 40,000 children across various projects. The empowerment, nutrition, and education initiatives have collectively fostered an environment where children can thrive, learn, and grow. The impact of Accuro's contributions extends far beyond the individual projects, creating a ripple effect that influences families and entire communities.

A Look Ahead to 2024 and Beyond

We eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring. The momentum built in 2023 propels us forward with a sense of optimism and determination.

Kanallan is committed to sustaining and expanding its impact, making a meaningful difference in the lives of even more children and communities.

Thank you so much for another great year of collaboration, dedication, and positive change. The generosity of Accuro has made a profound impact, and we look forward to building on this success in the years to come. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for children, families, and communities around the world. Here's to another year of transformative projects and impactful initiatives in 2024 and beyond.

PERU - ECO PROJECT

Accuro Eco-Project in the Sacred Valley, Peru: Progress and Achievements Report

Introduction

Our project in the Sacred Valley remains on time and on budget.

This report highlights the positive engagement from fee-paying schools, volunteer participation, and the overall shaping of the project. Moreover, we provide details on the upcoming official opening, our live-streaming initiative, and the unique features that make the center fully self-sustaining.

On Time and On Budget

We are pleased to report that our eco-project in the Sacred Valley is progressing according to plan. As of the latest assessment, we are on track to meet the anticipated timeline and financial parameters, underscoring the effective planning and execution that has been invested in this initiative.

Educational Outreach

Fee-paying schools have actively engaged with the project, recognizing its educational value. These schools are not only attending but also contributing financially to learn about the planting cycles integral to the project. Their participation not only supports the initiative but also establishes a sustainable revenue stream.

Volunteer Contributions

Volunteers from all over have travelled to the project site to lend their support. Their focus on enhancing the aesthetics of the centre has added significant value to the project, emphasising the collaborative and community-oriented nature of the program.

Project Status and Official Opening

The eco-project is taking tangible shape, and we are happy to announce that we anticipate an official opening at the end of March 2024. This marks a significant milestone in the project's journey and signals the beginning of its broader impact on the community and surrounding regions.

Live-Streaming the Opening Day

To ensure that the Accuro team has the opportunity to witness this occasion, we will be live-streaming the opening day. This initiative not only allows anyone at Accuro to virtually attend the event but also provides a platform to share the link with potential long-term supporters, expanding the project's reach and impact.

Community Excitement and Regional Interest

The local community in the Sacred Valley is eagerly anticipating the project's official opening. The enthusiasm is palpable, and it has sparked interest in other regions where communities are keen to learn and replicate similar projects.

Holistic Sustainability

An integral feature of the eco-project is its commitment to holistic sustainability. The fully self-sustaining centre not only serves to feed the children but will also supply their farm-to-table restaurant and produces surplus food for sale in local markets. All of this is achieved through pesticide-free farming, and a zero-waste policy ensures that nothing leaves the site as rubbish.

 GIRLS’ EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

The GEP continues to go from strength to strength, this year saw a huge leap forward in the girls individual endeavours.

They have been taking part in international business competitions (and winning!) and martial arts contests.

We also have one girl who built an app that helps protect girls in dangerous areas by providing live information of risks and also a way to contact when in trouble, Save The Children Nepal loves the app and is taking it onboard as part of their overall offering.

The DIDI mentoring program officially kicks off on Saturday the 13th of January with introductory emails between the girls and their mentors, we have a wide range of professionals signed on from dancers and nurses to politicians and pilots, once we are established and have learned from the experience we will look to significantly scale this to a much broader group of girls from the program and in actual fact across all Kanallan projects.

Girls Empowerment Program 2023: Major Achievements Report

Advocacy

Continuous advocacy efforts by girls and the dedicated team have significantly raised awareness at the local government level regarding issues concerning girls. As a result:

- A dedicated budget has been allocated for activities related to girls.

- Initiatives, including self-defence training, leadership development, and other girls' programs, have been launched.

- Celebrations of international and national days addressing girls' issues are now integrated into local government programs.

Policies and programs at the local level have been reshaped to prioritise the concerns of teenage girls, owing to persistent advocacy from peer educators associated with the GEP.

Social and Political Participation

The GEP has successfully bridged the gap between local stakeholders and adolescent girls. This connection has empowered girls with direct access to stakeholders, enabling increased participation in community and civic activities. The program has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community engagement and empowering girls to contribute meaningfully to local affairs.

Educational Attainment

Peer educators associated with the GEP have exhibited enhanced academic performance, leading to:

- Recognition in the form of scholarships.

- Admissions into highly reputed educational institutions for further studies.

The GEP's focus on education has proven instrumental in shaping a brighter academic future for the participating girls.

Economic Empowerment

Under the GEP, peer educators are making significant progress in income-generating activities. The program has equipped them with skills and confidence, enabling them to pursue business opportunities and gain financial independence.

This economic empowerment not only benefits individual girls but also contributes to the overall socio-economic development of the community.

Girl Friendly Toilets

The construction and maintenance of girls-friendly toilets, along with proper pad incineration chambers in schools, have addressed a critical issue:

- Reduction in the number of girls dropping out of school due to inadequate facilities.

- Symbolic representation of the entire school as girl-friendly, fostering an environment where girls feel encouraged to attend regularly.

The Girl Friendly Toilet initiative is a tangible demonstration of creating safe spaces for girls within educational institutions.

Leadership

Peer educators affiliated with the GEP have emerged as influential leaders, actively participating in forums and becoming integral parts of various networks at local, national, and even international levels. Their reputation as reliable instructors has led to invitations from local administrations to train young girls, showcasing the program's impact on leadership development at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

The Girls Empowerment Program in 2023 has made significant strides in empowering girls across multiple domains. Through effective advocacy, increased social and political participation, enhanced educational attainment, economic empowerment, improved facilities, and the development of leadership skills, the program has contributed to the holistic empowerment of girls and the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society. The success of the GEP underscores the importance of sustained efforts in empowering girls to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

THE LOVE SCHOOL

The Love School in Mae Sot, Thailand: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration

Introduction

As the term progresses, The Love School in Mae Sot, Thailand, catering to Burmese migrant children, continues to witness a growing influx of eager students. The school building itself has become a source of immense pride for both the children and the community, with its popularity reflecting the positive impact it has had on the lives of its attendees. One notable aspect that adds depth to the narrative is the inspiring story of the engineer responsible for constructing the school, who himself was once a Burmese migrant child seeking refuge.

Building Popularity and Community Pride

The Love School stands as a testament to the power of education and community support. Its welcoming environment and commitment to the education of Burmese migrant children have resonated strongly, attracting more students as the term unfolds. The community has actively embraced the school, taking great pride in its upkeep and viewing it as a symbol of progress and hope for a brighter future.

A Remarkable Journey: From Migrant Child to Successful Engineer

One particularly poignant aspect of The Love School's success is the inspiring journey of the engineer responsible for constructing the school, as well as several other projects. This engineer, once a Burmese migrant child himself, fled conflict with his sister, facing a reality of no money, education, or proficiency in Thai or English.

Fortuitously, he had the opportunity to attend a small migrant school similar to The Love School. The education he received laid the foundation for a remarkable transformation.

Today, he not only owns a highly successful engineering and iron works business but has also become fluent in both Thai and English. His journey from a vulnerable migrant child to a successful entrepreneur serves as a shining example of the transformative power of education and resilience.

A Living Inspiration for the Children

The success story of the engineer is not just a personal achievement but serves as a living inspiration for the children attending The Love School. It demonstrates that, regardless of the challenges they face, with access to education and determination, they too can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. The engineer's involvement in constructing the school creates a tangible connection between the past and the present, offering a sense of hope and possibility to the current generation of students.

Conclusion

The Love School in Mae Sot, Thailand, is not just a place of learning; it is a beacon of hope and inspiration. The increasing enrolment, community pride, and the remarkable success story of the engineer underscore the positive impact the school has had on the lives of Burmese migrant children.

The Love School not only provides education but also fosters a sense of empowerment and resilience, showing that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realised. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the potential for positive change within communities.

CHILD NUTRITION

Child Nutrition Program - Key Achievements in 2023

Introduction

The Child Nutrition Project is pleased to present its annual report, summarising the significant achievements and milestones reached in 2023. This report reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of our team, partners, and the communities we serve in enhancing child nutrition and well-being.

1. Nutrition Screening Program

In 2023, a comprehensive nutrition screening program successfully screened a total of 610 children below 5 years of age in the rural municipality. This initiative aimed to identify and address nutritional needs, laying the foundation for targeted interventions.

2. Increased Funding for School Mid-Day Meals

Through consistent advocacy efforts, the rural municipality increased its allocation for school mid-day meals by NPR 500,000 compared to the previous year. This boost in funding signifies a commitment to prioritising the nutritional needs of school-going children.

3. "One Home, One Nutrition Garden" Advocacy

The project's ongoing advocacy efforts led to the rural municipality's endorsement and promotion of the "one home, one nutrition garden" initiative. This resulted in households actively cultivating green vegetables in their home gardens, contributing to improved dietary practices.

4. Pregnant Women Program

The successful implementation of this program in a rural municipality has provided pregnant women with valuable benefits. This initiative demonstrates a targeted approach to addressing the unique nutritional needs of expectant mothers and aides in educating and supplying the necessary nutrition.

5. Promotion of Nutrition Gardens in Schools

Six schools have embraced and established nutrition gardens, promoting the cultivation of fresh produce on school premises. This initiative not only contributes to the nutritional well-being of students but also serves as an educational tool in promoting healthy dietary habits.

6. Student- and Parent-Driven Mid-Day Meal Initiatives

Three schools have taken the initiative to collect locally grown vegetables and other food items from students and parents. These items are utilised in the mid-day meal program, fostering community engagement and sustainability. This successful model is set to be replicated in other schools.

7. Advocacy Impact on Ward-2 Funding

Through consistent advocacy efforts, Ward-2 allocated NPR 100,000 for the current fiscal year dedicated to the nutrition program. This financial commitment signifies the impact of our ongoing advocacy initiatives at the local level.

8. Engagement of Child Clubs in Local Planning

The collaboration with child clubs has led to their active involvement in the local planning process. This increased engagement has resulted in a higher focus on nutrition-focused programs, showcasing the positive influence of child-led initiatives.

9. Training Participants Driving Community Awareness

Participants in our training programs have become advocates in their communities, actively working to raise awareness of nutrition and overall child rights. This grassroots approach contributes to building a sustainable impact at the community level.

10. Lobbying and Advocacy at Multiple Levels

The project's collaborative efforts with child clubs and other stakeholders have initiated lobbying and advocacy activities at provincial, federal, and agency levels. These efforts aim to establish the rural municipality as a role model in nutrition and child rights, showcasing the project's broader impact.

Conclusion

The achievements outlined in this report underscore the Child Nutrition Program’s commitment to creating lasting positive changes in child nutrition and well-being. The collaborative efforts with communities, schools, and local stakeholders have not only yielded tangible outcomes but have also set the stage for continued growth and impact in the years to come.

GIRLS’ LEARNING CENTRE AND SAFE HOUSE

Progress Update: Girls Learning Centre and Safe House

Construction Milestones

We are delighted to report substantial progress on the Girls Learning Centre and Safe House project. The internal aspects of the building, including windows, iron works, and doors, have been successfully installed. These critical components have significantly contributed to the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the centre, marking a major milestone in the construction phase.

Fundraising Success and Community Support

The ongoing fundraising efforts for the Girls Learning Centre and Safe House continue. The engagement of a wider community, including clients of our PR agency, has added considerable momentum to our fundraising campaign.

Public Relations and Outreach

The PR agency's support extends beyond fundraising, providing us with invaluable opportunities to share the project's vision and progress. We have been invited to speak about the project at various events, allowing us to connect with audiences who are passionate about supporting initiatives aimed at empowering girls. This outreach not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the success of the Girls Learning Centre and Safe House.

Celebrity Support and Fundraising Events

An exciting development in our fundraising efforts is the interest expressed by a renowned restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. This establishment, frequented by famous musicians and actors, is enthusiastic about hosting a fundraiser for our project. The potential for this event to attract high-profile supporters presents a unique opportunity to further boost our funding and create lasting connections within the entertainment industry.

Remaining Confidence and Future Projections

Despite the challenges inherent in any fundraising endeavour, we maintain confidence in our ability to reach our funding targets. The combined efforts of our team, the support from the PR agency, and the generosity of the wider community are propelling us forward. The potential upcoming fundraiser in Scottsdale, along with other planned events, positions us well to secure the necessary resources to complete the Girls Learning Centre and Safe House on time.

Conclusion

The Girls Learning Centre and Safe House project is not only becoming a physical reality with each passing day but is also gaining substantial momentum in terms of community support and fundraising success. The collaborative efforts of our team and the support from our partners, including the PR agency and the restaurant in Scottsdale, highlight the growing recognition and endorsement of our cause.

WITH MANY THANKS AS ALWAYS