New Exciting Initiative : The Nehemiah Project

Below are details of a NEW exciting initiative we have, if you are PASSIONATE about supporting the homeless, then please save the date and get involved its going to be a transformational experience!!!!

Who
Under the umbrella of United 4 Change we have a project called 'Hungry 4 Change' where we use 'FOOD' as a platform to change lives, last year we had a charity ball and an 'eat a donut change a life' campaign where we raised almost £2,000 which has helped the INSPYIRE2012 TEAM to launch phase one of our food and nutrition programme in Kibera Kenya the largest slum in Africa where we currently feed 150 children who have primarily been orphaned or affected by HIV. In Kibera alone 1 in 3 children are orphans as a result of AIDS.
This year as well as the eat a donut campaign and charity ball to continue our work in Kenya we are also launching a new exciting project to support the homeless in the UK

THE NEHEMIAH PROJECT!!!
inspired by the book of Nehemiah, our motto is 'arise and build' where we unite, arise and build not buildings but people 
What
Its a very simple project and will consist of:
-running a 10 week programme from October 2012 at various locations across the London
- going out to the streets of London in teams and spending time with the homeless, sitting with them, talking, encouraging and building them!
-providing them with a hamper which will contain a hoody, and winter accesories, food for the day and non perishable goods, leaflet with details of the nearest church providing temporary winter accomodation, information around free skills development, literacy and support they can be provided emotionally, spiritually and financially to transform their situations.  

When
Hungry 4 Change runs from the beginning of October-December to coincide with World Food Day. Each week we will target a different area of London.   
Who
We want this to be a BIG project so we want as many people to be involved as possible, if you have a heart to serve the homeless or you know an individual/organisation/church that has a passion for the homeless then we would love to partner with them so please forward this email on!!!

Why
-Because were aware of the needy and helpless who cover the streets of London, its very easy to ignore them and pass them by day by day, but we've decided to unite and to do something different to help bring change. 
  
Next Steps
 
Nothing has been set in stone and we are still very much open to ideas, hence we have set up an initial planning meeting on Monday 21st May 2012 at 5:45pm at 5th Floor, New City Cloisters, 196 Old Street, EC1V 9FR
 We would love it if you could join us!!!
please RSVP to paul.brown@united4change.org no later than the 18th May for catering purposes.
 Please dont hesitate to contact us on the mail above if you have any questions

If you would like to attend the meeting it would be useful to read Nehemiah Chapter 1-7 which is the foundation for the project 

Press Release: 12 young people on a mission to take one step for change

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: 27^th March 2012

12 YOUNG PEOPLE ON A MISSION TO TAKE ONE STEP FOR CHANGE

Margareet Ayoola, 25 will be one of 12 young people from the UK this year to participate in the Inspyire Mission Programme to Kibera, Kenya.

Inspyire, a program set up by the youth led charity United 4 Change, seeks to provide a platform for 18-30 year olds to be physically and mentally challenged through volunteering and to use their skills, talents and passions to partner with a local community to help bring lasting change, as well as upon their return to the UK to inspire others in their local community to take one step for change.  

During the 2 week mission, volunteers will be working in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa and will be teaching in schools, launching a feeding and nutrition program for 300 children which will consist of meals and life skills education around HIV, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation amongst other things, prison ministry, caring for widows affected by HIV and working with the community to establish skills training opportunities for the 64% of unemployed Kenyans who are youth amongst other activities.

Margareet says “Things need to be done, change has to happen and I figure it has to start somewhere so why not start with me. That’s why I was inspired to apply for the United 4 Change program because it is ultimately bigger than one person. Being involved in the Kenya mission trip will provide a chance for two worlds to collide in a two way exchange of love, hope and unity and it’s this that ultimately has the power to change the world”     

Josephine Takyi, Director of United 4 Change said “I agree with the saying ‘Compassion without action is just an emotion’ and this mission gives a practical and hands-on approach, allowing volunteers to get physically involved in making a change. Through the Inspyire Program we aim to bring together like-minded people seeking to make a difference and cause an impact in this world, starting from their own surrounding communities, by committing their talent, skill, time and passion to bring effective change to the lives of those who need it most”

Vital funds for the mission are still being raised through fundraising activities, donations and sponsorships from individuals and companies. All money raised and collected will go towards the funding of the mission and resources for the projects.

If you’re Inspyired to ‘take one step’ and want to support the mission programme, items that would be particularly beneficial to donate include: polo white shirts for Primary School age, stationary, books, and hygiene and sanitation products.

For more information on the Inspyire program or to donate please visit www.unitedforchange.blogspot.com

Ends

Notes to editor

1.                  United 4 Change is a youth led Christian movement of change committed to creating leaders of change by educating, inspiring and empowering young people to use their skills, talents and passions to tackle poverty and social injustice. We work in partnerships with grassroots organisations in developing countries to awaken a sense of life purpose in young people, particularly orphans through education and skills training.

2.                  Previous volunteers who have gone on the Inspyire program, raised awareness about their experience through the following: Uprise:Fashion Show, music night: Behind The Mic, Charity Ball amongst other events. 

3.                  United 4 Change is completely volunteer run and provides a platform for young people particularly from the diaspora to make a positive impact in their homeland.

4.                  Pictures below are from the launch of the Inspyire Programme last year in Kenya. 

5.                  For more information please contact Abigail.okunlola@united4change.org   

Take ONE Step: Support the U4C Mission to Kenya!!!

On the 11th April 2012 a group of young, daring world changers will embark on a mission trip to Kibera, Kenya (the largest slum in Africa) While we have our own agenda out there i.e. to launch a feeding program for 300 children who have been mainly been orphaned by AIDS, prison ministry, teaching, contsruction amongst other things. The sole aim is really to be able to make a change, to bring hope, good news and pour out Gods love.
We would love for you to partner with us in this journey in some way. Below are just examples of some way's you can be a part of the mission without physically having to go there, but if you have other ideas let us know! .  

1) Donate Sanitary towels (many of the girls we are supporting often have to use dirty socks/mattresses when they're on their menstral cycle) as a result they often have to miss school when there on their period.

2) Donate White polo shirts for boys and girls of Primary School age. We would love to be able to get 300

3) Donate Stationary- reading books, pens, colour pencils, paint, crayons, notebooks, pencil cases etc

4) Do a K.I.S fundraising event 4 U4C! KIS= Keep it Simple! it could be a sponsored silence, you could bake stuff, it could be a 'come dine with me' with you n your friends, a zumba flash mob anything, as Tesco says every little helps!! 

5) Buy a pack of 'Born 2 Shine' wristbands 
A pack of 10 costs £10
A pack of 20 costs £20
A pack of 50 costs £50
A pack of 100 costs £100
These could be sold at your church, youth group, school, college as part of our campaign: 'Every child is Born 2 Shine' which is being launched this year through a penpal scheme and assemblies we are doing with schools in the UK and Kenya.

6) We do not understimate the power of prayer! Please pray for us as we embark on this journey for God's covering and that we will be obedient to His will. We will be having prayer days n fasting days leading up to and during the mission contact us if you want to receive info on them

7) Calling all ladies (and possibly men!!) if you are creative and reckon you could design a simple reusable sanitary towel!! then  get designing! the best one will be selected and replicated for our work overseas!

8) You may want to keep it at its simplest and donate some money. That's cool too! If you would like to make a financial pledge our bank details are:
Name: United 4 Change
Sort Code: 400107
Account Number: 81688065
Reference:DonationKenyaTrip

If you would like to do any of the above, please let us know by emailing info@united4change.org or writing on facebook wall or twitter @unitedch4nge

Your help and support is continually appreciated.
Many hands make LIGHT work!!
Love n blessings
United 4 Change Team

An Acoustic Affair- Fundraiser for Kenya Mission

Hey World Changers,

Some of the volunteers going to Kenya are putting on a fantastic Acoustic Event to raise awareness and raise funds for their mission trip to Kibera the largest slum in Africa.

The event is taking place on April 3rd at the Horse Bar in Waterloo, 7-11pm.

Come down and support, enjoy mind blowing performances, eat delicious cupcakes and all for only a fiver! and the best part is its all for charity!!! BIG SMILE

Showcasing Some of Londons' Talented artists on the night With Special Guests:
Just Frank, Revelin Sky, Gems, Mariam & Shivon Bailey
Tickets can be bought on the night, but for more info, please contact info@united4change.org or check the facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/314433661939858/




love n bessings,
Abigail.

Be part of the Inspyire 2012 - Volunteer Abroad Program

'Treat Day' Inspyire team and Masai

Inspyire team and children from Kibera School of Hope

Inside the classroom - Kibera School of Hope

Photos from U4C's INSPYIRE 2011 program

Hello World Changers!!

United 4 Change is delighted to announce 'INSPYIRE 2012' - our volunteering abroad program. In April 2011 a group of 10 young, passionate and aspiring volunteers went with United 4 Change to Kibera in Kenya as it launched it's 1st ever volunteer abroad programme - Inspyire.

Our volunteers went to make an impact and came back impacted by the love, community spirit and hope of the Kibera community. This is what some of them had to say on last year's trip to Kenya:

"I didn't know what to really expect when I was out there, I knew we were going to be helping out but I didn't think I was fully prepared for what I was going to see and experience out there. The trip made such a massive impact on my life. I was challenged mentally and emotionally in a good way. I experienced pure and genuine love from the people of Kibera and host family."


"I enjoyed every moment in Kenya; the weather, the people, the food (which I couldn't get enough of especially chapati's) and the team. I was able to be involved in decision making and gave input to the group. It felt good to come out of my comfort zone and be in an environment which I was new to."

Marie - trainee teacher

"Before this trip, I would never have been willing or bold enough to take part in a program like Inspyire. I was once very shy and feared to live life but now I am  WORLD CHANGER waiting for the next challenges ahead!! I'm living my life to the full..."


"Visiting the "City of Kibera" I saw people who were faced with desperate situations but I felt like there was still hope. God was able to change lives through His love."


"The community feel in Kibera was definitely a highlight for me, amongst the people we met was such a genuine LOVE. I have formed some great friendships on this trip. Each person was able to play a part and contribute in different ways. I will always remember this experience and believe it's the beginning of many more to come. I look forward to seeing all the projects in Kibera and returning again!"

Fortuna - Immigration Caseworker

"In a short paragraph, for me, the trip was life changing. It's changed my view on life and on the way I see myself. I feel as though I am a better extension of my previous self. Renewed beyond expectation. I expected to be impacted but not to this extent. Partaking in such a profoundly moving experience has opened my mind to thoughts, concepts, and ideas I never imagined. I met so many amazing people that despite their situation were so full of life."


"And when I looked into the beautiful brown eyes of the children I SAW THAT THEY HAD A FUTURE, A HOPE, A DREAM and were not a statistic!"

Margareet - City Gateway

"I could write a whole book just about the two weeks I spent in Kenya though I'll leave that for another time! In summary, I'm delighted and honoured to be a part of United 4 Change and to have been a part of this trip. I went on this trip to create change and in the process I was being changed and now I'M CHANGED!!"

Maria - Founder of Twinkle Entertainments for children

This year we want you to be a part of INSPYIRE 2012 

Inspyire is a once - in - a - lifetime adventure. Our program gives you the opportunity to:

• Test yourself and achieve something truly amazing and unforgettable. 
• Witness first hand where your fundraising is going, meet those who will benefit, experience and be part of United 4 Change's work on the ground.
• Meet and join other volunteers on this expedition.
• Have the opportunity to make a long term connection with those whose lives you have helped to transform
• And of course have lots of fun!!

Details:

Date: 11th - 25th April 2012

Duration: 14 days

Destination: Kibera, Kenya

Cost: Estimated cost including accommodation, flight and food: £950.00*

*Please note that the price above does not include cost of vaccinations, visa applications and personal spending money for the trip.

If you are between the age of 18 - 25, you could be in with a chance to receive up to £300 funding towards the cost of your trip.

Download an application and reference form here: http://www.scribd.com/United4Change and email to info@united4change.org. For further details about INSPYIRE 2012, email info@united4change.org. 

EXTENDED closing date for applications now  15th January 2012.

We look forward to hearing from you.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Eat a donut, change a life: TOP seller!!!

These are the images of our top seller Trinity Chapel Youth Church who managed to raise £447. The team worked really hard and we would like to congratulate them as we move closer to our goals of launching the feeding program in 2012 when we will be providing breakfast and lunch for 300 orphans in Kibera, Kenya.

For more information on Trinity Chapel visit www.trinitychapel.org.uk

'Eat a donut, change a life' campaign update!

EVENTS

Events took place literally all over the place from Brighton University, Imperial University, Trinity Chapel, St Anselms Church of England, Ruach Ministries, Edmonton Baptist Church, Elthan Primary School, St Marks Church of England Primary School, Offices such as Synovate, African Health Policy Network, Hall and Partners Europe, Liverpool street station, Southbank and so many other places 

PICTURES

A video with footage from all the events will be circulated around shortly, but in the meantime here are some pictures from events!

TOP SELLER

We can reveal that the TOP seller was (drum roll)...............Esana Ilori who managed to raise a massive £447 at Trinity Chapel. we will contact you to arrange a collection for your prize which consists of a hungry4change customised mug and fair-trade chocolates!! 

HOW MUCH WAS RAISED

 Thanks to you all a total of £1,190.43 was raised!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when you think that that much was raised from just selling donuts its crazy! this has by far been the most fun, stress free and successful fundraiser we've ever had and  this was only made possible because of you all!! we would therefore love and hope that you can continue to support us through future events and campaigns 

What will the money be used for?

We will be launching the feeding program in 2012 when we take the next group of volunteers under the 'inspyire' program to volunteer in Kibera Kenya, which will involve:

·providing breakfast and lunch to 300 orphans

·Providing food packages for 300 orphans to take home at the end of the month to ensure their siblings can eat and also that they receive vital nutrition as many of them are living with HIV.

*if you are interested in our missions programme, dates will be released soon! if however you are unable to go to Kenya with us, then watch out for the pictures, videos and articles where you can see the impact of the money you helped raised

Keep up to date

As always to stay up todate with what U4C are doing with the Feeding program, HIV, education and securing livelihood projects as well as our events then here are the links u need: www.unitedforchange.blogspot.com / twitter: @unitedch4nge/ FB: United 4 Change. We also have a massive sale on all our fair-trade merchandise click here 4 more deets www.fashion4change.bigcartel.com