New volunteers, grant applications and summer fairs

Namaste!

Since our last post we have a lot to fill you in on. We want to say a big hello to our two new volunteers Frances and Vivine from the University of East London.  We are extremely grateful for the help you giving to Basti Ram.

We also took part in the Redbridge Green Fair and the Celebration Day at Russell Square for Small Charities Week. Although both these days the weather was a little a bit rainy :( this didn't stop us! With live music at both events and interesting people to discuss the work we do it was a fab day out!! 

Our new banner at the Redbridge Green Fair

Our stall at the Redbridge Green Fair

You can just about see us in the background

We've also been spending the time building up our online presence. This has involved Volunteers Week run by Volunteer England which celebrates the fantastic work volunteer do. Basti Ram took part in the twitter chat discussin exactly that! Katherine and Rachael also took part in a meeting with the East London Business Centre to discuss the work we do and how to reach more people. 

Our main focus over the next few months is going to be grant applications and getting 1-to-1 advice on our bids. We have so far designed one project; working with the boys from the desitute home to provide business, IT and english skills; this will give the boys the opportunity to find decent employment once they are 18 and leave the home. We are also currently designing a project, with the help of our new volunteer Frances, the Womens Empowerment Project. This project will teach the women a new skill so they can provide an income for themselves and their family. This project will have a specific focus on gender equality and development. By accessing some specialist advice we aim to make our applications perfect and hopefully bring these projects to life!

We are still looking for participants on our 'Life through the Lens Participatory Photography Project - get in touch if this is for you! 

Thank you for reading our blog and showing your support for Basti Ram. If you would like to find out more about the work we do or how you could get involved please contact  info@bastiram.org or +44 (0) 7515857865.

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