Dear Friend,

As it's Valentine's Day, we'd like to share a little bit of love with you and let you know how much we appreciate everything you do.

On behalf of the 1.38 million people across rural Africa you helped to support last year alone, thank you for your support and generosity. One of those people is Aminadab (pictured below), a community hero, who has demonstrated the true meaning of creating a ripple effect.

From refugee to community hero

Aminadab is a refugee who fled the Civil War in Burundi in 2017 with his family. He now lives in Uganda and has been working alongside Ripple Effect, rebuilding his life.

After learning sustainable farming techniques from Ripple Effect, he began growing his own vegetables, providing his family with nutritious and filling meals. He has also trained as a peer farmer, leading a group of 30 people who are learning farming and enterprise skills.

He shared: "Without skills, we were nothing. Now with farming and business skills, we can't be poor or sleep hungry."

Using the savings he earned from his land, he bought a shop, which he rents as a cereal bulking store for the community. The shop not only provides an additional income, but has become a community hub. He has become a true community hero.

You can read more of Aminadab's story, as well as other inspirational stories from the countries where we work, in our latest annual review.

Thank you for making stories like Aminadab's possible, you deserve all the love this Valentine’s Day. 

Robyn Davis Sekula

Chair of US Board of Trustees