Members of Soroptimist International enjoyed a truly inspiring and informative speaker evening when we welcomed representatives from Give Me Hope Africa Wales. Give Me Hope Africa Wales is a UK based charity supporting community development in Gibumbuni – a village high in the mountains of Eastern Uganda. The highlight of the evening was hearing from our own member, Catherine Saffari, who recently travelled to Uganda with the charity. Catherine shared her personal experiences of the visit, providing a moving and insightful account of the projects she witnessed and the lives being transformed through the charity’s work. Through photographs and first-hand stories, Catherine described the warm welcome she received and the remarkable impact that Give Me Hope Africa Wales is making in local communities. Members were fascinated to learn about the wide range of programmes the charity has developed to support vulnerable families and create sustainable

On the evening of 22nd January, Soroptimist International Port Talbot enjoyed a very inspiring speaker evening with Liliana Vandyk, founder of Children First Kenya. During the evening, Liliana shared the powerful story behind the creation of the charity, which she set up in 2009, and spoke passionately about the work being carried out to support vulnerable children in Kenya. Children First Kenya is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children by providing access to education, safe accommodation, nutritious meals, healthcare and emotional support. Liliana explained how the charity works closely with local communities to ensure that children who might otherwise miss out on schooling or basic care are given the opportunity to learn, grow and build brighter futures. Through sponsorship, community support and fundraising, the organisation is able to provide school places, essential supplies and ongoing care for children who need it most. An

On a chilly Thursday marking the end of Summer, SI Port Talbot Members were treated to a wonderful presentation by Glenys Jones from Blythswood shoe-box appeal.  The Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal is a charitable initiative organized by Blythswood Care, a Christian charity based in Scotland. The appeal collects gift-filled shoe-boxes from donors across the UK. The donated shoe-boxes are then shipped and distributed to people in need across Eastern Europe and other regions in time for Christmas. Their key purpose is to provide joy and practical support to people living in poverty, especially children, the elderly, and families in crisis.  Doners fill shoe boxes with items such as toiletries, school supplies, hat and scarf or new underwear, toy and treats.  Some boxes are allocated genders and age ranges to help doners fill them with appropriate items. The boxes are typically collected around October/ early November,

SI Port Talbot gathered together to celebrate UN Water Day, officially known as World Water Day. Members were treated to a water buffet at fellow soroptimist ‘Peggy’s’ home.  UN Water Day is observed every year on March 22. It was established by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. During our get together we were presented with a very thought-provoking talk on water given by Elizabeth followed by a quiz.  All proceeds from the day were donated to Water Aid. Each year, World Water Day focuses on a specific theme related to freshwater (e.g., water and climate change, groundwater, accelerating change, leaving no one behind).  This year’s theme focused on “Glacier Preservation”, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard glaciers amidst accelerating melting driven by global warming Water United. This

Members of SI Port Talbot gathered together to host an event in Aberavon Shopping Centre to mark the start of 16 days of activism, as part of the Soroptimists global campaign to raise awareness of violence against women.  The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls. It runs from 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10th December, Human Rights Day.  This Years theme coincided with the Towards Beijing +30 UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls, which commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and calls for increase efforts to achieve gender equality and end all forms of violence against women and girls. Thanks to Costa Coffee for slowing us to host the coffee morning on their premises. Soroptimist