A FROME-based charity is launching an exciting new appeal to support a kitchen gardens project in Uganda, led by a group of disability activists.
For over 30 years, ADD International has been supporting organisations of disability activists to fight discrimination and ensure every disabled person gets a fighting chance at living their best life.
ADD International’s first project, launched with the support of the people of Frome, was a horticultural therapy project supporting disabled people in India.
The charity explains that its latest campaign is to help young disabled people in Uganda who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity due to poverty, lack of access to farmable land and the demands of farming.
“The disabled community has come up with their own solution to address food shortages,” says ADD. “Many older disabled people – especially women – have set up their own kitchen gardens – a source of food, income and respect in their communities. In the collective spirit of the disability movement, these successful gardeners are keen to pass on their skills, knowledge and wisdom to the next generation.
“Our 100% Homegrown Appeal will generate the necessary funding to facilitate this intergenerational training, provide seeds, equipment and materials for young disabled people’s kitchen gardens to thrive and unlock their long-term benefits.
Donation doubled
“Give before 23rd September and all public donations to the 100% Homegrown appeal will be doubled by the UK government.
“The Frome community has a long history of raising funds and awareness for such projects in solidarity with disability rights activists in Asia and Africa, and this project goes back to our roots in terms of approach,
“As a disability rights activist, Justine wants to earn an independent income to support her children and herself. After losing her job, she turned to gardening to provide.”
She said, “I’ve experienced discrimination in the workplace. The head of the institution I was working with left and a new leader started. Being with a disability they excluded me from work. I stayed at home, and thought about what to do next.
“When I lost my job, I was discouraged. I almost lost hope because I had children to provide for. I felt so low. But that’s when I thought, ‘I could start a kitchen garden’. I started growing some greens, peanuts and eggplants. Being small scale, we managed to put some soil in sacks where we put cabbages, some to eat and others to sell.
“Farming has enabled me to provide for my children, for their school fees, and also for my own needs.”
Back to our roots in Frome
Peter Macfadyen, who is supporting the project, said, “Community leadership and action has been at the core of much of the progress and change Frome has made in recent years. Through initiatives like Independents for Frome and the community compost scheme ‘Loop Frome’, we’ve shown that local leadership and community action works best. Similarly in Uganda, this group of disability rights activists know best the solutions for their community.
“This project empowers young people and builds community strength, something we also believe in here in Frome.”
Solidarity with disability rights activists
“There is no justice without disability rights,” Fazira, a disability rights activist. “This group of activists in Uganda are not just growing independence through homegrown food, they’re boosting self-esteem and changing the way disability is viewed in their communities.
“There’s nothing that makes a person with a disability more highly recognised and appreciated in our families and communities than being able to support themselves.”
A spokesperson for ADD continues, “By supporting their project, you’re shifting power to them, and showing solidarity with their goals. Just as homegrown food is best for people and planet, so homegrown leaders know best the solutions to the challenges faced by their community. Can they count on your support?”
• To donate or for more information, visit https:// add.org.uk
Pictured, Fazira, Justine and Lydia
