Amigos Charity

Since setting up in 2007, the directors of Southgate Estates (formerly SaleBoards) have been working closely with and supporting the North Devon based charity ‘Amigos’ who are helping to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged people in Sub-Saharan Africa.  One of the key projects we’ve been involved with is the Kira Farm Development Centre. Kira Farm was set up in 2010 and exists to equip vulnerable and disadvantaged young people with vocational skills such as carpentry, tailoring, construction and hairdressing. During their one year stay at Kira, the young people also learn innovative and creative conservation farming techniques and acquire holistic life skills such as conflict resolution, health and hygiene.

In January each year the gates are flung open to welcome the next set of 40 trainees – all of whom have been selected as potential change makers in their communities. The impact is immense, for every student trained, at least 12 people in the community will benefit from their new skills and knowledge. This equates to nearly 500 lives being impacted each year.

How? With the means to generate an income, Kira graduates can help pay for siblings’ school fees so they are able to continue with education, and with improved farming skills they can provide much needed food and nutrition in their households.  They will also pass on what they have learnt to other people  in their communities,  creating even more hope and lasting change in many more lives.

“Having been to Uganda several times and worked alongside the students at Kira, I am always humbled by their gratitude and joy at the opportunity they have been given, and their desire to take what they are learning and become change-makers in their communities when they return home.  It is an inspiration  to see the impact this training has on them and the ripple effect that happens when they share what they have learnt with others. I am in awe of their resilience, their gratitude, and their determination to succeed in creating a better future for themselves and their families.  Amigos really does give a ‘hand-up’ rather than a ‘hand-out’ allowing dignity and hope to flourish in the lives of many who have been victims of extreme poverty.  It is a privilege to be able to support a charity with such an amazing vision!”

(Laura Newall – Southgate Estates Director)

Over the years, our donations have paid for the construction of student accommodation blocks at Kira Farm, as well as contributing towards the general running costs of Kira, paying teachers’ salaries, and ongoing student sponsorship.

We look forward to seeing how the Kira Farm trainees progress this year, and are confident that they (along with all the previous Kira students) will be equipped to escape the cycle of poverty and lift their families and communities into a better future.  We are proud to be partners with Amigos.

For more information on the work of Amigos, please visit their website:  Amigos International
http://www.amigos.org.uk/