The Fari Lwyd raising money for Africa

It has been a shaky start to the New Year to say the least.

With the rising conflict in Gaza to more unemployment, people across the world have had a tough time over the last few weeks.

I was therefore pleased to hear some good news that the local youth group had managed to raise over a £1,500 for WaterAid.

They had taken part in a sponsored trek up the Pen y Fan mountain, situated in the Brecon Beacons; the third highest summit in Wales.

The local church had arranged a meal in aid of WaterAid which was a great way of getting members of the community together and raising money for a good cause.

The third way in which the community raised the money was by taking part in the old Welsh tradition of the Fari Lwyd.

Families will go from door to door singing traditional rhymes and will wish them a happy new year, and the old tradition was to carry a horses' skull with you.

The tradition has disappeared in many parts of Wales although our locals take part in this tradition most years.

It was good to see that the Fari Lwyd had been successful in raising money for families on the other side of the world, whilst at the same time keeping up with the tradition.

It was also a reminder that people are willing to help eachother out, at a time when hatred is becoming out of hand.

Fundraise for WaterAid

There are a number of ways in which you can support WaterAid.

Whether you are interested in taking part in a fundraising event, becoming a local volunteer speaker or creating your own WaterAid group, it's easy.

As I have been volunteering for WaterAid once a week for the last few months, I would like to take this opportunity to share some of the great work WaterAid does.

Working with communities across 17 countries, it stresses the importance of giving local people the skills and resources needed rather than sending people from here to do the job for them.

This means that in the long run, these projects are sustainable and the people can keep them going.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer speaker, then you can contact WaterAid via the website wateraid.org.uk.

WaterAid works with a variety of community groups who are extremely supportive. Groups range from youth groups, churches and rotary clubs.

There are a number of fun ways in which groups can get together and raise funds for WaterAid but at the same time, doing something they enjoy.

WaterAid also have many events throughout the year including Sing for Water. If you are part of a choir or singing group, you can join this campaign which takes place once a year at the Thames Festival in London.

So there are many easy and fun ways to raise money for WaterAid which you can do with friends, family or members of your community.

Take a look at wateraid.org.uk for plenty more information.

Image: WaterAid/ Papa Diouf

WaterAid Madagascar

All Images: WaterAid / Marco Betti


















The WaterAid Madagascar project is one of many examples as to why this fantastic charity came to existence over twenty years ago.

It's main aims are to tackle water and sanitation problems in poor countries, and to provide hygiene education as a means of preventing the spread of disease.

WaterAid works in conjunction with local teams and organisations in 17 countries including Ethiopia, Nepal, Mali and Madagascar.

There is a strong emphasis in the importance of working with local communities to ensure sustainable developments.

I began working for WaterAid over a year ago, as a volunteer speaker. This gave me the opportunity to visit schools, churches and youth groups to share the work of WaterAid and to plan fundraising events.

When moving to London, I decided to apply as a volunteer fundraising assistant. This position has given me an interesting in-depth insight into the work of WaterAid and the specific projects in which they have in each country.

One which has caught my attention is the WaterAid Madagascar project, where the images above and below were taken.

This charity has many projects based in both rural and urban areas of the 17 countries and Madagascar is no exception. There have been significant developments in this country over the last year.

President Marc Ravalomanana considers water and sanitation to be at the top of his agenda which makes work for WaterAid much easier.

Partners in Madagascar have been busy designing water wells and sanitation facilities in many communities and it is estimated that WaterAid will impact on the lives of around 30,000 people in this country this year.

This is one WaterAid project of many that are successfully reaching the targets set and are planning to reach even more people than originally thought.

The impact that this charity is having worldwide is phenomenal and it is growing more and more each year.

If you are interested in getting involved in raising money for WaterAid, you can take part in running, triathlon, trekking, singing events and much more.

You could also organise your own event suitable for what you are interested in.

For more information go to http://www.wateraid.org.uk/