Empowering Communities & Transforming Lives: The Impact of the Village by Village Charity

In the vast and diverse landscape of charitable organisations, Village by Village stands out as a beacon of community-driven change. Focused on addressing the consequential issues of poverty, with an emphasis on children’s education, health and wellbeing, and a mission to reduce the needless suffering and deaths of children living in poverty in remote rural African villages, this UK-based registered charity has been working in Ghana, West Africa, since 2006. At the heart of their mission lies a commitment to long-term solutions and sustainable development, achieved through collaboration with donors, volunteers, and local communities.  

Central to Village by Village's success is their community-led approach, which prioritises sustainability and empowerment. CEO Neil Kerfoot explains, unlike traditional top-down charity models, this organisation works hand-in-hand with the very communities we aim to uplift. Projects are not imposed from above but are instead designed collaboratively, with local stakeholders who live in the remote rural villages they serve, like Aikins Mensah – Director of Operations, and Emmanual Mensah – Construction Manager, playing a pivotal role in decision-making. This grassroots involvement ensures that initiatives are culturally sensitive, locally relevant, and tailored to address the specific needs of each village. Neil continues, ‘We believe in living our organisational values through our behaviour. We sleep on friend’s sofas/spare rooms rather than staying in an expensive hotel when we travel for business. We live in the communities we support (Including the ones without electricity or running water) rather than arriving for an afternoon and then returning to a comfortable hotel in the capital. We work from our homes in Europe and build our head office in West Africa, not in the capital but in one of the villages we support and design it so when we move the building will become a health clinic or Junior High School. We try our hardest to build things that will last a very long time and we will not work with anyone we feel does not truly want to help themselves. Using the best of the “low or no cost” web-based technologies we bring donors and recipients closer together to generate better mutual transparency, understanding and therefore trust.’ 

One of the hallmarks of Village by Village's work is their focus on education, healthcare, and clean water access. By building schools, preschools, health clinics, and wells, the charity lays the foundation for brighter futures and healthier communities. But their impact extends far beyond infrastructure. Through education programs and healthcare services, lives are saved, and transformative change is realised. Children who once faced uncertain futures now have the very real opportunity to thrive.

Since its inception, Village by Village has created;

1011 scholarships for children to educate themselves out of poverty

Successfully completed over 100 Village sanitation projects

Built 4 Health Clinics staffed by the Ghana Health Service

Built 5 Crèche & kindergartens in villages in poverty

Created 5 wells and a borehole to provide clean drinking water

Built 3 Junior High Schools & 5 Primary Schools

Installed 12 Rain water harvesting projects for hand washing in schools in rural communities

Completed 46 Toilet projects

Initiated Behavioural Change programmes in rural schools.

For 2024 the Village by Village focus is now on 10 Ghanian villages supporting them with the Clean Hands Save Lives programme. 

So, what does this have to do with you? Or us?  Well for 2 years now, the Outdoor365 Group, parent company to Farrar & Tanner, Swiss Store, Multi-tool Store and more, has been donating to Village by Village and supporting Neil and his exceptional team. Specifically donating to the ‘Under 5s Feeding Scheme’ in the village of Aboabo.  And of course, we at the Outdoor365 Group would not be able to do that without you, our customers! Your purchases with us, allow us to provide funding to Village by Village, enabling the charity to expand its reach and deepen its impact. The Under 5s Feeding Scheme seeks to get children on the first steps to education and all the benefits it brings by offering a basic meal during the school day. There are few opportunities for children to learn at home in Ghana. These challenges lead to poor health, poor education, lost life opportunities and this continues the cycle of poverty. Most parents in rural communities are uneducated themselves and haven’t been taught simple childcare practices or ways to stimulate learning. As poverty is all they’ve known, they have low aspirations for themselves and their children.  The Under 5s Feeding Scheme aims to help the very youngest children of these families access education early on. 

“I am a mother with three children in a small village in Ghana. Life is hard here, but sending my youngest girl to the ‘under 5s feeding scheme’ is really good for us” 
 

“It's tough to get enough food for my kids. This program gives my daughter good food that helps her grow strong and healthy.” 

“When my daughter eats well, she listens and learns better at school. It's not just about the food; it's about her doing well in school.” 

“Good food makes my daughter not get sick as much. This is very important for us.” 

“Since my daughter gets food at the program, I don't have to worry about one meal for her. This helps us use our little money for other important things.” 

“I want my daughter to have a better life than I did. This program gives her a good start, and I feel hopeful for her future.” 

“I know learning is important for a better future. This program helps my daughter go to school and learn with a full belly. So, this feeding program is a big help for us. It's more than just food; it gives my daughter a chance to grow up healthy, learn well, and have a better life. It makes things a bit easier for our family.” 

Yet, perhaps what truly sets Village by Village apart is their unwavering commitment to cultural sensitivity. Recognising that every community is unique, the charity goes to great lengths to ensure that their programs respect local traditions and values. Parents and community members are actively involved in the planning and development of initiatives, ensuring that they are not only effective but also culturally appropriate. This inclusive approach fosters trust and collaboration, laying the groundwork for sustainable development. 

In a world where the challenges of poverty and injustice can often seem insurmountable, Village by Village offers a glimmer of hope. Through their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community empowerment, they are transforming lives and building brighter futures for children in West Africa. With the support of partners like Outdoor365 Group, powered by you, our customers, Village by Village continue to make strides towards a more just and equitable world. 

To read more about Village by Village and the incredible life changing work they do, or show further support, visit their website here...

Village by Village Children's Charity in West Africa

Me da se ("Thank you" in Ghanaian)