The Month of the Economics of Education and Skill Formation (Skills Development Month) 2025

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

05 November 2025

Post No. 429

 

Image

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• The Month of the Economics of Education and Skill Formation (Skills Development Month) 2025 

• Activity/Task 11 of the Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project: Equip People with Education and Skills to Handle Restoration Work

• Double Goal of the Month: Reduction of Educational and Education Poverty

 

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• The Month of the Economics of Education and Skill Formation (Skills Development Month) 2025 

 

November is the Month of the Economics of Education and Skill Formation (in short Skills Development Month) within CENFACS.  It is the month that we recognise the economic value of education as well as of the non-economic benefits from education even though there could be a dispute about these values or benefits.  It is also the month during which we pay a particular attention to the technology of skill formation; month during which we try to find out how skills are formed and how technologies relating to them can help us to further reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development.

So, our November work on economic issues relating to education has started.  This work will first be about the link between education economics and poverty reduction, then between education economics and sustainable development.  This work will include the identification of causal relationships between African organisations’ work and outcomes in educational projects in 2025 and beyond.

In this identification, we shall refer to the human capital theory, which will be the theoretical and working paradigm to be used this month.  In other words, all along this month we shall work on this assumption: the importance and capacity of education and training (skills development) to help reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development.

Skills formation and development will be about forming new skills (that is, any abilities to perform an activity in a competent way) to continue to fight poverty; for example poverty induced by the cost-of-living crisis or any other crisis.    This month, Skills formation and development will include four types of skills:

 

a) Economic Thinking or Economics Skills

b) Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication

c) Green Industry Skills

d) Restoration Skills to Handle a Crisis with No End in Sight.

 

Let us briefly highlight these skills.

 

σ Economic Thinking Skills or Economics Skills

 

Economic thinking is a skill that involves understanding and interpreting the world around us through the lens of economics or economists.  It is not just about money or business but about how people, institutions, and societies make decisions about scarce resources.  Economic thinking helps us make rational, informed decisions about resource allocation and encourages critical thinking.  It is essential in everyday life , as it aids in making decisions that maximize satisfaction or utility, understanding the world around us, and developing critical thinking skills.

As ‘econedmonth.org’ (1) puts it,

“Economics affects all of our lives.  It teaches us to think logically, use data smartly, and develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  It helps explain choices as small as your personal day-to-day decisions and as large as foreign policy decisions”.

During this Month of the Economics of Education and Skill Formation, we shall look in detail economic thinking as our core skill of the month.

 

σ Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication

 

Integrating Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) into Household Data Storytelling and Communication is one of CENFACS’ Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects.  It is about how households can use generative AI to enhance aspects or various stages of their data storytelling and how household members as human storytellers can stay at the centre of the process of integrating generative AI into their data storytelling and communication.

This integration is important as data are deeply embedded in households. Households need appropriate communications and storytelling skills about data to properly express by themselves what is behind data.  To better communicate the story behind their data, households do not need to be data scientists but they can require assistance from or the collaboration of AI.

The initiative, which will use generative AI to interpret and communicate data, will aim at empowering user households with skills to tell and visualise data (i.e., words and numbers) as well as get explained information that run their life.  It will help them to have control over their data and life while keeping pace with the evolution of data storytelling and communication technologies.

 

σ Green Industry Skills

 

The October History Month has gone, but our work on green industry continues with green industry skills.  The latter are the knowledge, abilities, and values needed to create and support a more sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient society.  These skills range from technical expertise in areas like renewable energy and green building to softer capabilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental awareness.  They are vital for adopting new poverty reduction solutions or models.

During this November 2025, we shall work on these green industry skills.

 

σ Restoration Skills to Handle a Crisis with No End in Sight

 

Restoration Skills to Handle a Crisis with No End in Sight,  which will make up our Development Day 0n 19 November 2025, will be those that people can learn and develop in order to freshly start or manage Autumn 2025.

This year, our Development Day will still be about skills that can be learnt and developed in order to freshly start Autumn 2025.  It will be about Women, Children and Restoration Skills for Handling a Crisis with No End in Sight.

A crisis with no end in sight refers to a dire situation where help, support, or a solution is not available or forthcoming.  It describes a severe, ongoing situation where the path to resolution is unclear or obstructed.

Examples of this type of crisis include the following:

 

σ Humanitarian crisis in the Great Lakes of Africa, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the victims receive inadequate aid and where international aid was cut;

σ Protracted conflicts (like in Sudan) and the long-term effects of recurring natural disasters (like drought in East Africa)

σ A severe situation where there is insufficient international funding or media attention causing people to more suffer in the shadow

Etc.

 

These types of crises or “no end in sight” crises highlight a state of prolonged emergency that lacks a visible resolution and often involves systemic failures, complex challenges or ongoing conflicts.  They can be handled by Restoration Skills.

Restoration Skills will include technical abilities for physical restoration, interpersonal skills, and cognitive and emotional skills.  In the last five years, the Development Day has been designed to resonate with the November month of Skills Development within CENFACS.  This year’s Development Day will too reverberate with the Skills Development Month within CENFACS.

This above-mentioned variety of abilities or skills will make our human capital this month.

Under the Main Development section of this post, you will find further information about this first key message.

 

Image

 

• Activity/Task 11 of the Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project: Equip People with Education and Skills to Handle Restoration Work

 

Our Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project have progressed to Activity/Task 11, which is ‘Equip People with Education and Skills to Handle Restoration Work’.   To undertake this task, let us explain these two ways of equipping people to handle restoration work.

 

• • Equipping People with Education to Handle Restoration Work

 

Education can foster skills and knowledge that are essential for ecological restoration efforts, such as sustainable land use practices and biodiversity conservation.

For instance, CENFACS’ Restoration Project can serve as educational opportunity for those who would like to have hands-on experience on the educational skills involved in restoration work, and to engage with the community.  So, CENFACS‘ current Restoration Project helps educate about sustainable issues and practices as well as the importance of environmental stewardship.

 

• • Equipping People with Skills to Handle Restoration Work 

 

Skills Development can ensure that for people to handle restoration challenges, they need to have the appropriate skills, techniques, technologies and knowledge.  They need to have technical abilities to manage restoration tools, understanding of science, problem-solving skills, effective communication, and knowledge.

So, continuous training and development as well as enhancing skills are essential in the restoration of life and things.

 

• • Supporting This Activity/Task

 

Those who would like to proceed with this activity/task by themselves can go ahead.

Those who would to be part of a working group helping in the realisation of this activity/task can let CENFACS know.

The above is what Activity/Task 11 of the Restoration (R) Year/Project is about.  Those who would like to undertake it, they can go ahead.

For those who need some help before embarking on this activity/task, they can speak to CENFACS.  To speak to CENFACS, they are required to plan in advance or prepare themselves regarding the issues they would like to raise.

For any other queries and enquiries about the ‘R‘ project and this year’s dedication, please contact CENFACS as well.

 

Image

 

• Double Goal of the Month: Reduction of Educational and Education Poverty

 

Our goal of November 2025 is double, that is the reduction of educational poverty and the reduction of education.  To understand this double goal, let us explain the two types of poverty.

 

• • What Is Educational Poverty?

 

Educational poverty is defined by ‘andreabocellifoundation.org’ (2) as

“A condition in which children and adolescents are deprived of essential opportunities to learn, explore the world, develop their potential, and shape their future with autonomy and awareness”.

The website ‘andreabocellifoundation.org’ adds that

“Educational poverty extends beyond poor academic attainment.  It is a multidimensional phenomenon, shaped by family, economic, and social factors, and encompasses both cognitive and non-cognitive skills, including emotional and relational competencies”.

This condition is found in many poor families and households; condition that can be linked to a a particular situation which is education poverty. 

 

• • What Is Education Poverty?

 

It can be understood as a situation where individuals, particularly children, are unable to access or benefit from quality education due to various barriers, primarily stemming from poverty.  This includes not only the absence of formal education but also the inability to achieve basic literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for personal and professional development.

Both educational and education poverty can be tackled.  Before looking at ways of tackling them, let us emphasise the difference between the two.

 

• • The Difference between Educational Poverty and Education Poverty

 

Within the education literature, it is stated that education poverty is a broader term that refers to the deprivation of educational opportunities, while educational poverty is the state of being in a cycle where poverty prevents a person from accessing education.  While related, the former is a lack of education outcome, and the latter is a cause of the lack of education.

In short, education poverty is the consequence (lack of education outcomes), while educational poverty is one of the key causes (poverty acting as a barrier to education).

 

• • Reduction of Educational Poverty and Education Poverty

 

Reducing or ending educational poverty requires a multifaceted approach that includes elements such as targeted school funding and resources, social and economic reforms, strengthening social protection systems, using technologies, etc.

Similarly, to combat education poverty, it is essential to invest in educational infrastructure, provide financial support for families, and ensure that all children have access to quality education.

The above ways of reducing the two types of poverty are just the few ones among the many.  The key takeaway here is it is possible to tackle education poverty as a consequence and educational poverty as a cause.

 

• • Implications for Selecting the Goal for the Month

 

After selecting the goal for the month, we focus our efforts and mind set on the selected goal by making sure that in our real life we apply it.  We also expect our supporters to go for the goal of the month by working on the same goal and by supporting those who may be suffering from the type of poverty linked to the goal for the month we are talking about during the given month (e.g., November 2025).

For further details on the goal of the month, its selection procedure including its support and how one can go for it, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• Autumn Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project – Activity 2 (05 to 11/11/2025): Matching Organisation-Impact Investor via Project Beneficiary Analysis versus Planning and Design

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign – In Focus for Week Beginning Monday 03/11/2025: Safekeeping Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis)

• E-discussion on the Embedment of Economic Activities in Social, Cultural, and Ecological Contexts 

 

Image

 

• Autumn Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project – Activity 2 (05 to 11/11/2025): Matching Organisation-Impact Investor via Project Beneficiary Analysis versus Planning and Design

 

The second activity or episode of our 5-week Autumn Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project is about Matching Organisation-Impact Investor via Project Beneficiary Analysis versus Planning and Design.

Both Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisation (ASCO) and not-for-profit (n-f-p) impact investor have decided to move forward with the matching talks as they scored points each of them during Activity 1.  They agreed to move to Activity 2 of the matching process while finalising the little bits remaining from Activity 1 of the matching negotiations.

To summarise what is going to happen at the level of this Activity 2, we have organised our notes around the following headings:

 

σ Activity 2 Matching Concepts 

σ Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisation’s Project Beneficiary Analysis (PBA) 

σ Not-for-profit Investor’s Project Planning and Design (PPD)

σ The Match or Fit Test.

 

Let us look at each of these headings.

 

• • Activity 2 Matching Concepts 

 

There are three concepts making this Activity 2.  The first concept is beneficiary analysis and is part of ASCO’s e-learning business plan.  The second and third concepts are project planning and design, which are one of the essential stages of SES Project lifecycle from N-f-p Impact Investor’s perspective.

Let us explain these concepts.

 

• • • Project beneficiary analysis

 

Project beneficiary analysis is a systematic approach identifying and evaluating the individuals or groups who will benefit from a project, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are integrated into project planning and implementation.  It involves assessing the value of a project as perceived by its intended beneficiaries.

This qualitative research tool aims to gather insights from those who are directly or indirectly affected by the project, allowing project managers to understand the impact of their interventions better.  The analysis helps in designing, monitoring, and evaluating projects by ensuring that the voices of beneficiaries are heard and prioritized.

Key components of project beneficiary analysis include the identification of beneficiaries, qualitative research methods, impact assessment, and integration of the findings from beneficiary analysis into project design.

 

• • • Project planning

 

The definition of project planning retained here comes from ‘knowledgehut.com’ (3) which argues that

“Project planning or project management planning is the foundation and most important stage of the project management life-cycle.  The project planning activity sets the project foundations by base-lining the project scope, schedule, quality standards, objectives, and goals.  Planning typically involves creating a document with all project information that comprises the respective tasks, assignee’s roles, and areas of responsibility”.

ASCO needs to have a document highlighting the different components of its project plan.

 

• • • Project design 

 

Project design can defined in many ways.  One way of defining it comes from ‘asana.com’ (4) which argues that

“Project design is an early phase of the project lifecycle where ideas, processes, resources, and deliverables are planned out.  A project design comes before a project plan, as it is a broad overview whereas a project plan includes more detailed information”.

In the negotiations, ASCO needs to demonstrate that it has properly designed its project and planned its ideas, processes, resources and deliverables about the SES Project.

 

• • • Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisation’s Project Beneficiary Analysis (PBA)

 

Eva Wieners (5), explains that

“Helping beneficiaries is the number one reason donors are willing to give money”.

Because of that, ASCO needs to thoroughly analyse beneficiaries.  As part of the project beneficiary analysis, ASCO can disperse information about beneficiaries throughout the entire SES proposal.  it should directly specify the target group of the educationally needy that the SES Project will help.  Its analysis will indicate the number of project beneficiaries to the n-f-p impact investor, specify the difference between indirect (e.g., educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities) and direct beneficiaries (such as pupils and students).  However, it must ensure that these beneficiaries are living people, even if it includes indirect beneficiaries like educational institutions.

The reading that the n-f-p impact investor can have on ASCO’s Project Beneficiary Analysis may differ or not.

For instance, the n-f-p impact investor may want to know the following:

 

σ If ASCO has conducted cost-benefit analysis in its beneficiary analysis;

σ Which segments of the African society will benefit from the project (that is, the people whose circumstances ASCO wants to change by implementing its idea of SES);

σ If ASCO will use beneficiary assessment (which is a qualitative social assessment method of investigation and evaluation consisting of data collection techniques);

Etc.

 

ASCO should bring some clarity regarding the above-mentioned issues if it wants these negotiations to progress to the next phase.

 

• • • Not-for-profit Investor’s Project Planning and Design (PPD)

 

The n-f-p impact investor will refer to its understanding of project planning in accordance to a sustainable educational project’s life cycle.  From this perspective, the n-f-p impact investor’s role will be to ensure that the project’s design incorporates sustainability and long-term value for all stakeholders.  He/she will also check that the  project focus will be on green and cost-effective design that minimises long-term operations and maintenance costs and maximises durability and efficiency.  Still from the same perspective, the key activities will be to integrate sustainable practices into the educational model and the physical infrastructure, the use of life cycle assessments for material and design choices, and the plan for project management, including risk management and communication.

With the above-mentioned elements (that is, investor’s role, project focus and key activities), the n-f-p impact investor would like to check ASCO’s project plan to find out if ASCO has

defined stakeholders, clarified roles and responsibilities, introduced stakeholders, set goals, prioritised work, created a schedule, correctly assessed risks, communicated, reassessed risks, evaluated, and signed off those who will accountable.

The n-f-p impact investor also wants to to be sure that ASCO has

clearly defined project goals, determined outcomes, identified both risks and constraints, refined strategy, estimated its budget, created a contingency plan, and documented its milestones.

ASCO’s has to demonstrate that it has done all of these tasks in order to reach an agreement.

 

• • • Reaching an agreement on the contents of Activity 2

 

The two sides (ASCO and the n-f-p impact investor) need to reach an agreement on the contents of ASCO’s project beneficiary analysis and n-f-p impact investor’s project planning and design.  If there is a disagreement between ASCO and n-f-p impact investor, this could open up the possibility for a match/fit test.  The match/fit test can be carried out to try to help the two sides of the matching process.  The match/fit test can also be undertaken if there is a disagreement on any of aspects of the SES Project.

 

 

• • • The Match or Fit Test

 

As part of the match or fit test, the contents of ASCO’s PBA must be matched with n-f-p impact investor’s view on PPD.

The match test (or matched sampling) will help to increase the accuracy and statistical efficiency of the study of the SES Project by carefully selecting subjects for comparison.  The purpose here will be to increase the statistical efficiency of the study on SES Project by controlling for confounding variables when forming a sample.

The fit test will assist in determining how well the observed sample data matches a specified theoretical distribution.  The fit test will check if the data collected fits a model or an assumed population distribution.  So, the purpose of the fit test is to validate or invalidate the statistical model by checking if the sample data follows an expected distribution.

The match can be perfect or close (that is, when every unit is paired with an equivalent unit) in order to reach an agreement.  If there is a huge or glaring difference between the two (i.e., between what the investor’s approach to project planning and design and what ASCO is saying about its project beneficiary analysis, between what the investor would like the project beneficiary analysis to indicate and what ASCO’s project beneficiary analysis is really saying), the probability or chance of having an agreement at this second round of negotiations could be null or uncertain.

 

• • • Impact Advice to ASCO and Guidance to n-f-p Impact Investor

 

Where there could be a disagreement, CENFACS can impact advise ASCO to improve the contents of its project beneficiary analysis.  CENFACS can as well guide n-f-p impact investors with impact to work out their expectations in terms of project planning and design to a format that can be agreeable by potential ASCOs.

CENFACS’ impact advice for ASCOs and guidance on impact investing for n-f-p impact investor, which are impartial, will help each of them (i.e., investee and investor) to make informed decisions and to reduce or avoid the likelihood of any significant losses or misunderstandings or mismatches.

 

• • • The Rule of the Matching Game

 

The rule of the game is the more impact investors are attracted by ASCOs’ project beneficiary analysis the better for ASCOs.  It means that ASCO’s process must pass the attractiveness test (that is, the evaluation of market’s appeal).  Likewise, the more ASCOs can successfully respond to impact investors’ level of enquiries and queries about the SES Project the better for investors.  In this respect, the matching game needs to be a win-win one to benefit both players (i.e., investee and investor).

The above is the second Activity of the Matching Organisation-Investor via SES Project.

Those potential organisations seeking investment to set up a SES Project and n-f-p educational investors looking for organisations that are interested in their giving, they can contact CENFACS to arrange the match or fit test for them.  They can have their fit test carried out by CENFACS’ Hub for Testing Hypotheses.

 

• • • CENFACS’ Hub for Testing Hypotheses 

 

The Hub can help to use analysis tools to test assumptions and determine how likely something is within a given standard of accuracy.  The Hub can assist to

 

√ clean, merge and prepare micro-data sources for testing, modelling and analysis

√ conduct data management and administration

√ carry out regression analysis, estimate and test hypotheses

√ interpret and analyse patterns or trends or insights in data or results.

 

For any queries and/or enquiries about this second stage/activity of Matching Organisation-Investor via SES Project, please do not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign – In Focus for Week Beginning Monday 03/11/2025: Safekeeping Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis)

 

To keep safe Western Nimba Toadalso known by its scientific name as  Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis, we have composed our note around the following headings:

 

σ What is Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis)?

σ The conservation status of Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis)

σ What can be done to Keep Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) Safe.  

 

In addition, we shall describe the campaign themed activity we have planned for this week.  This campaign themed activity is Attend a Public Event about Amphibian Conservation.

Let us look at each of the headings making this note.

 

• • What Is Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis)?

 

The Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) is a unique species of toad found in the highlands of the Mount Nimba region, which spans parts of Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking about the taxonomy and systematics about the Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis), ‘uk.inaturalist.org’ (6) states that

“Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis was first described by Fernand Angel in 1943.  A second species from Mount Nimba, Nectophrynoides liberiensis, was describe in 1979.  The two were the transferred to a newlyerected genus Nimbaphrynoides in 1987”.

According to ‘animalia.bio’ (7),

“Nimbaphrynoides is a monotypic genus of true toads from highlands in the Mount Nimba region of West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.  The sole species is Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis.  Along with Nectophrynoides, Eleutherodactylus jasperi, and Limnonectes larvaepartus, Nimbaphrynoides is one of the only anurans that combine internal fertilization with ovoviparity”.

 

• • The Conservation Status of The Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis)

 

The Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) is critically endangered due to restricted range caused by habitat loss.  Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this unique toad from the threats posed by habitat destruction and other environmental factors.

 

• • What Can Be Done to Keep The Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) Safe

 

There are many initiatives that have been taken and need to be undertaken to Keep The Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) Safe.   They include the following measures to help ensure the

 

σ Conservation management: Improve the management of the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve;

σ Environmental monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the herpetofauna and key environmental parameters to understand the toad’s distribution and population dynamics;

σ Research and education: Help raise awareness about the toad’s conservation status and the importance of its habitat;

σ Community engagement: Enhance the toad’s protection and promote sustainable practices by involving local communities in conservation efforts;

σ Policy advocacy: Advocate for policies that protect the Nimba Mountain and the toad’s habitat

Etc.

 

Besides that, one can donate to causes relating to the Keeping of the Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) Safe.

By taking the above-mentioned few actions, individuals can contribute to the safekeeping of the Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis)  and help the survival of this critically endangered species.

There is more that can be done to Keep The Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) Safe.   To stay within the scope of this note, we can limit ourselves to the above-mentioned actions or steps to Keep The Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides Occidentalis) Safe.

 

Image

 

• • Add-on Campaign Activity of the Week’s Campaign: Attend a Public Event about Amphibian Conservation

 

It is about attending an event about amphibians to promote amphibian conservation efforts. There are various events about amphibians at local, community, national, regional, and international levels.  These events can be in-person and or online.  Among these types of events, we can mention education workshops, nature connection events, environmental education programmes, amphibian weeks, etc.

These types of events not only raise awareness but also foster a sense of community and action towards amphibian conservation.

To find out more about the entire “A la une” Campaign and Themed Activities, please communicate with CENFACS.

Before closing this note, we would like to remind every body that from the 10th to the 16th of November 2025, we shall carry out Impact Monitoring, Evaluation and Review of the “A la une” Campaign and Themed Activities conducted.  For those who may be interested in this exercise of monitoring, evaluation and review; they should not hesitate to engage with this campaign and its activities.  Please do not miss the opportunity to affect this campaign.

 

Image

 

• E-discussion on the Embedment of Economic Activities in Social, Cultural, and Ecological Contexts 

 

Our work on African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem continues.  It carries on with an e-discussion on how African Charities can embed their activities in social, cultural, and ecological contexts where they operate in Africa in order to meet their users’ needs as well as social and solidarity economy goals.

The e-discussion will be an exchange of ideas, views and propositions on economic embeddedness, which emphasizes that economic activities are deeply intertwined wit the social relationships, cultural norms, and ecological systems.  In other words, economic activities are not isolated.  They are influenced by social structures and cultural practices.

For those of our members who may have any views or thoughts or even experience to share with regard to this matter, they can join our e-discussion to exchange their views or thoughts or experience with others.

To e-discuss with us and others on economic embeddedness, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Message in English-French (Message en Anglais-Français)

 

• CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum E-discusses This Question:

How Can Art Galleries Become Real Points for Reducing Poverty in Africa?

Art galleries can become real points for reducing poverty by leveraging their space to host exhibitions that address social issues such a poverty and inequality.  By showcasing art that reflects the struggles of marginalised communities, galleries can foster empathy and inspire action.  They can also organise events that feature performances focused on themes of poverty, inequality, and social justice, serving as both fundraising opportunities and platforms for education and training.

Additionally, art galleries can commission local artists to produce artwork that reflects the stories of those affected by poverty, which can then be showcased in exhibitions or online platforms.  This approach not only raises funds through sales but also sparks conversations about poverty and its impact on society, ultimately leading to increased awareness and support for the cause.

Regarding art galleries in Africa, they can leverage their platforms to support and promote African artists who use their activity to address social issues and advocate for change.  By advocating and promoting these artists’ work, galleries can help raise awareness about the importance of art in combating poverty in Africa and can also generate revenue in the form of alternative funding sources; revenue that can be reinvested into the communities they serve.

By taking these steps, African art galleries can become powerful points of poverty reduction.

The above thought on African art galleries provides space for reflection, expression, discussion and action.

Those who may be interested in reflection, expression, discussion and action on African art galleries as real points for reducing poverty can join our poverty reduction pundits and/or contribute by contacting CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum, which is a forum or space for discussion on poverty reduction and sustainable development issues in Africa and which acts on behalf of its members by making proposals or ideas for actions for a better Africa.

To contact CENFACS about this discussion, please use our usual contact address on this website.

 

• Le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS discute en ligne  cette question:

Comment les Galeries d’Art Peuvent-elles Devenir de Véritables Points de Réduction de la Pauvreté en Afrique ?

Les galeries d’art peuvent devenir de véritables points de réduction de la pauvreté en utilisant leur espace pour organiser des expositions traitant de questions sociales telles que la pauvreté et l’inégalité. En présentant des œuvres qui reflètent les luttes des communautés marginalisées, les galeries peuvent susciter de l’empathie et inciter à l’action. Elles peuvent également organiser des événements mettant en avant des performances axées sur les thèmes de la pauvreté, de l’inégalité et de la justice sociale, servant à la fois d’opportunités de collecte de fonds et de plateformes pour l’éducation et la formation.

De plus, les galeries d’art peuvent commander à des artistes locaux de créer des œuvres reflétant les histoires des personnes touchées par la pauvreté, qui peuvent ensuite être exposées dans des expositions ou sur des plateformes en ligne. Cette approche permet non seulement de collecter des fonds grâce aux ventes, mais aussi de susciter des discussions sur la pauvreté et son impact sur la société, ce qui conduit finalement à une prise de conscience accrue et à un soutien pour la cause.

En ce qui concerne les galeries d’art en Afrique, elles peuvent exploiter leurs plateformes pour soutenir et promouvoir les artistes africains qui utilisent leur activité pour aborder des problématiques sociales et plaider en faveur du changement. En défendant et en promouvant le travail de ces artistes, les galeries peuvent contribuer à sensibiliser à l’importance de l’art dans la lutte contre la pauvreté en Afrique et peuvent également générer des revenus sous forme de sources de financement alternatives ; des revenus qui peuvent être réinvestis dans les communautés qu’elles servent.

En prenant ces mesures, les galeries d’art africain peuvent devenir des points puissants de réduction de la pauvreté.

La réflexion ci-dessus sur les galeries d’art africain offre un espace pour la réflexion, l’expression, la discussion et l’action.

Ceux ou celles qui pourraient être intéressé(e)s par la réflexion, l’expression, la discussion et l’action sur les galeries d’art africain en tant que véritables points de réduction de la pauvreté peuvent rejoindre nos experts en réduction de la pauvreté et/ou contribuer en contactant le ‘me.Afrique’ du CENFACS (ou le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS), qui est un forum ou espace de discussion sur les questions de réduction de la pauvreté et de développement durable en Afrique et qui agit au nom de ses membres en faisant des propositions ou des idées d’actions pour une Afrique meilleure.

Pour contacter le CENFACS au sujet de cette discussion, veuillez utiliser nos coordonnées habituelles sur ce site Web.

 

Image

 

Main Development

 

The Month of the Economics of Education and Skill Formation (Skills Development Month) 2025 

 

The following items make up our Skills Development 2025:

 

∝ Month of November within CENFACS

∝ Poverty as a Lack of Skills and Knowledge

∝ CENFACS Community’s Skills Data Bank

∝ CENFACS and Its Work on Skills Formation and Development

∝ Economic Thinking Skills or Economics Skills

∝ In Focus from Monday 03/11/2025: Understanding of Economic Concepts and Frameworks

∝ Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication

∝ In Focus from Wednesday 05/11/2025: Automating Data Preparation for Households

 

Let us summarise these items.

 

• • Month of November within CENFACS

 

November month has two features within CENFACS, which are: Skills evaluation (or audit) and training implementation, and economics of education.

 

• •  November as a month of skills evaluation or audit and training implementation month

 

• • • • November as a month of skills evaluation

 

November at CENFACS is the month of education and training, which revolves around the development of skills for life, for work, for poverty relief and sustainable development.  It is the month during which we look into ourselves and try to assess, explore and learn the skills we need in order to further help reduce poverty in a sustainable way amongst ourselves and re-engage with the business of sustainable development.

November at CENFACS is also part of National Career Development and is often called a ‘month of skill formation’ because it is a time for individuals to focus on their professional development by gaining new skills and creating plans for their future success.

National Career Development Month 2025 in the UK will be observed from November 1st to November 30th.  It is the month-long campaign that aims to empower individuals of all ages to take charge of their career journeys, make informed decisions, and pursue fulfilling and meaningful work.

It means that at CENFACS we encourage our volunteers and other supporters to evaluate their career goals and commit to their professional development.  They can learn new skills and technologies, acquire knowledge, and create actionable plan for success not only for themselves but also for our noble and beautiful cause of poverty reduction.

 

• • • • November as a training implementation month

 

November is as well the training implementation; month during which we pay attention to the following: educationally related projects or projects that involve training, skills development and acquisition of new knowledge to help our users and Africa-based Sister Organisations (ASOs) to empower themselves with the educational tools and training resources they need to further help reduce poverty.

For example, one of the skills development projects to support ASOs is skills to hybrid work (that is, the flexibility to split time between working remotely and from the office), in particular when there is handicap for people to meet in-person and work.

 

• •  November as a month of economics of education

 

It is the month of recognizing the value of economic thinking and economic education.

 

• • • • November as a month of recognizing the value of economic thinking

 

The Economic Education Month (or Month of Economics of Education) within CENFACS recognises the value of economic thinking as a core skill necessary for everyone to understand the world they live in and make better personal, family and civic decisions.

As ‘econedmonth.org’ (op. cit.) explains it,

“Economics affects all of our lives.  It teaches us to think logically, use data smartly, and develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  It helps explain choices as small as your personal day-to-day decisions and as large as foreign policy decisions”.

As part of this 2025 Economic Education Month (that is, November 2025), the core skill we are focusing on is Economic Thinking.

 

• • • • What is economic thinking?

 

According to ‘principlebasedmanagement.com’ (8),

“Economic thinking refers to the principles and concepts we use from economics, which is the study of choice in using scarce resource.  Economic thinking is the foundation for making good decisions because it helps us understand reality, avoid decision traps, generate alternatives and analyse trade-offs (what we give up to gain something) – so we can create the greatest value for ourselves and others”.

Economic thinking is also a skill.  As a skill, economic thinking involves understanding and interpreting the world around us through the lens of economics or economists.  It is not just about money or business but about how people, institutions, and societies make decisions about resources.  Economic thinking helps us make rational, informed decisions about resource allocations and encourages critical thinking.  It is essential in everyday life, as it aids in making decisions that maximise satisfaction or utility, understanding the world around us and developing criterial thinking skills.  This skill is going to be highlighted within CENFACS, this month.

 

• • Poverty as a Lack of Skills and Knowledge

 

It is known that poverty is not only material or the lack of monetary income; it is even more the lack of knowledge, skills, knowhow and technologies than anything else.   Therefore, knowing and learning a skill can help to further reduce poverty, particularly but not exclusively poverty induced by the cost-of-living crisis, and can set one on the right course of the development process.  In this respect, there could be relationships between economics of education and poverty reduction, between skill formation and poverty reduction.

 

• • • Relationship between the economics of education and poverty reduction

 

The economics of education is generally defined as the study of economic issues relating to education.  According to ‘oxfordbibliographies.com’ (9),

“The economics of education is a rapidly growing and evolving field that applies a diverse array of economic theories, models, and quantitative methodologies to understand, analyse, and improve the performance of education systems”.

The paradigm used in the economics of education is human capital theory.  This theory suggests that investment in education and training lead people to become productive.

However, education and training do not only lead to the improvement of productivity.  They can also pave the way for poverty reduction.  As people get more educated and trained, these further education and training can provide them with the means to overcome poverty.  As a result of this, there could be relationship between the economics of education and poverty reduction.

There could be disagreement about this link between the two.  However, despite this disagreement we are working on the assumption that education and training can lead to poverty reduction.

 

• • • Link between skill formation and poverty reduction

 

Let us briefly try to understand skill formation by highlighting its definitions.  One of its definitions comes from an online dictionary at the website igi—global.com (10), which explains the following:

“Skill formation is the process by which individuals achieve and develop innate or acquired skills to cope with everyday life challenges.  Besides heredity, it includes formal and informal training activities and life experience”.

From this definition, it is possible to deduct that individuals who are poor can use their innate or acquired skills to cope with the challenge of poverty by developing survival and coping strategies.  If they continue to use their skills and those strategies, they can navigate their way out of poverty.  When they reach the point at which their skills and strategies effectively enable them to reduce poverty, then one could argue about the link between skill formation and poverty reduction.

However, Kenneth King and Robert Palmer (11) think that

“The translation of skills development into skills utilisation, and therefore poverty reduction and/or growth, is dependant on many factors, including good quality education/training and the presence of a supportive environment” (p. 71)

The Skills Development Month provides us with the opportunity to learn these factors and find ways of turning them in favour of poverty reduction.

 

 

• • CENFACS Community’s Skills Data Bank

 

As part of our Skills Development Month, we would like to remind every member of our community that they can register their skills to our data bank, which is repository containing information about CENFACS and the data of the CENFACS’ Community.  The register is free.  Skills and information are stored on it in accordance with the latest regulations on data protection.

Knowing the skills that one possesses; it makes easy when opportunity arises to match them with registered skills.  It also helps to point those in need of support to the right and relevant a skilful person and direction.

To register your skills to make up the CENFACS’ Community of skilled people, please contact CENFACS.

 

• • CENFACS and Its Work on Skills Formation and Development

 

As far as CENFACS is concerned, we strive to support those who want to learn a skill while we at CENFACS as an organisation plan our own training, learning and development programme from time to time when we can access both funding and training.

This month, Skills Formation and Development will include four types of skills:

 

a) Economic Thinking Skills

b) Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication

c) Green Industry Skills

d) Restoration Skills to Handle a Crisis with No End in Sight.

 

Let us briefly highlight these skills.

 

• • • Highlights of the Skills for the Month of the Economics of Education and Skill Formation (Skills Development Month) 2025

 

σ Economic Thinking Skills or Economics Skills

 

As explained above, economic thinking is a skill that involves understanding and interpreting the world around us through the lens of economics or economists.  It is not just about money or business but about how people, institutions, and societies make decisions about resources.  Economic thinking helps us make rational. informed decisions about resource allocation and encourages critical thinking.  It is essential in everyday life , as it aids in making decisions that maximize satisfaction or utility, understanding the world around us, and developing critical thinking skills.

 

σ Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication

 

Integrating Generative AI into Your Data Storytelling and Communication is one of CENFACS’ Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects.  It is about how households can use generative AI to enhance aspects or various stages of their data storytelling and how household members as human storytellers can stay at the centre of the process of integrating generative AI into their data storytelling and communication.

This integration is important as data are deeply embedded in households. Households need appropriate communications and storytelling skills about data to properly express by themselves what is behind data.  To better communicate the story behind their data households, they do not need to be data scientists.

The initiative, which will use generative AI to interpret and communicate data, will aim at empowering user households with skills to tell and visualise data (i.e., words and numbers) as well as get explained information that run their life.  It will help them to have control over their data and life while keeping on track storytelling and communication technology.

 

σ Green Industry Skills

 

The October History Month has gone, but our work on green industry continues.  They are the knowledge, abilities, and values needed to create and support a more sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient society.  These skills range from technical expertise in areas like renewable energy and green building to softer capabilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental awareness.  They are vital for adapting to new poverty reduction solutions or models.

During this November 2025, we shall as well work on these green industry skills.

 

σ Restoration Skills to Handle a Crisis with No End in Sight

 

Restoration Skills to Handle a Crisis with No End in Sight,  which will make up our Development Day 0n 19 November 2025, will be those that people can learn and develop in order to freshly start or manage Autumn 2025.

This year, our Development Day will still be about skills that can be learnt and developed in order to freshly start Autumn 2025.  It will be about Women, Children and Restoration Skills for Handling a Crisis with No End in Sight.

A crisis with no end in sight refers to a dire situation where help, support, or a solution is not available or forthcoming.  It describes a severe, ongoing situation where the path to resolution is unclear or obstructed.

Examples of this type of crisis include the following:

 

σ Humanitarian crisis in the Great Lakes of Africa, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the victims receive inadequate or no international aid;

σ Protracted conflicts (like in Sudan) and the long-term effects of recurring natural disasters (like drought in East Africa);

σ A severe situation where there is insufficient international funding or media attention causing people to more suffer in the shadow;

Etc.

 

These types of crises or “no end in sight” crises highlight a state of prolonged emergency that lacks a visible resolution and often involves systemic failures, complex challenges or ongoing conflicts.  They can be handled by Restoration Skills, which will include technical abilities for physical restoration, interpersonal skills, and cognitive and emotional skills.

This above-mentioned variety of abilities or skills will make our human capital this month.

 

• • • How we are going to apply the above-mentioned skills

 

Economic Thinking Skills or Economics Skills will be our focus every Monday while Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication will be our every Wednesday’s focus, this November 2025.

Green Industry Skills will be looked at between 06 and 21 November 2025 to echo COP30 (the 30th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) which will be held during the same period in Belém, Brazil.

Restoration Skills to Handle a Crisis with No End in Sight  will be developed on our Development Day (that is, 19 November 2025).

Let us kickstart the Skills Development Month 2025 with Economic Thinking Skills or Economics Skills and Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication.

 

Image

 

• • Economic Thinking Skills or Economics Skills

 

Economics skills are to be approached from the definition of economics and economic think.  In this approach, the website ‘online.hbs.edu’ (12) mentions the following skills:

 

σ Understanding of economic concepts and frameworks

σ Ability to assess demand

σ Ability to conduct and interpret economic analysis

σ Ability to communicate findings

σ Strategic thinking skills.

 

These skills can be complex for those who are trying to think like economists. Because ‘unm.edu’ (13) explains that economists as scientists try to address their subject with a scientist’s objectivity, devise theories, collect data and analyse them as well as use scientific methods (like observation and theories), assumptions, economic models, etc.

Without expecting the household members of our community to be economists, they can nevertheless use the following selected 4 Economics Skills making Mondays’ Skills Development starting on 03/11/2025, as shown on the table 1.

 

Image

 

• • • Mondays’ Skills Development

 

The above table (table 1) summarises our plan (Mondays’ Skills Development) for working with CENFACS Community members on Economic Thinking or Economics Skills, this November 2025.  It summarises the four selected skills to concentrate on from each Monday of the week until the end of November 2025.

In addition, we have planned Economic Education Month Activities for each week of November 2025 to accompany the Economic Thinking Skills for those who would like to further commit themselves to master these skills.

 

• • • What are Economic Education Month Activities?

 

These activities help to understand how economy works and how economic decisions affect family/household outcomes.  They focus on practical knowledge like financial literacy and numeracy, economic trends and public policy issues.  They can vary for different age groups and are mainly designed for poor households.

At the end the key notes to Economic Thinking Skills or Economics Skillsthere will be impact monitoring and evaluation work which we are inviting our supporters to contribute to.

Let us now begin with the first skill of our Mondays’ Skills Development, which is Understanding of Economic Concepts and Frameworks.

 

• • In Focus from Monday 03/11/2025: Understanding of Economic Concepts and Frameworks

 

• • • What are economic concepts and frameworks?

 

An economic concept is a fundamental idea that helps explain how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about producing, distributing, and consuming goods and services with limited resources.  It is a foundational idea that explains how economies function, including the principles making that functioning. 

Among the key concepts or ideas, we can mention a few of them like scarcity (limited resources versus unlimited wants), supply and demand (the relationship between the availability of a good and the desire for it), opportunity cost (the value of the next-best alternative when a choice is made), etc.

An economic framework is a conceptual structure that provides a guiding model or set of rules for analysing and understanding economic issues.  It is a system that helps us understand how resources are distributed and how decisions are made in society. 

It can range from fundamental assumptions about human behaviour (like the Standard Economic Model) to comprehensive systems for policy coordination (like the African Union economic governance framework) or analytical tools for specific topics (like a framework for analysing two-sided markets). 

Among the economic frameworks, we can name traditional economies, mixed economies, socialist or command economies, capitalist or market economies, donut economies, ‘degrowth’ economies, social and solidarity economies, etc.

 

• • • What is the understanding of these economic concepts and frameworks about and why do households need to understand them?

 

Understanding of Economic Concepts and Frameworks involves grasping how markets (like labour, capital and property markets) work and the impact of changes on people and households as well as business performance.  Obviously, this understanding can differ according to households and families, students and professionals.

However, the more people and households understand how these markets work, the more they can likely deal with issues such changing their career, finding a job, saving money, buying or renting a property, paying their bills, investing for their children’s education, etc.

This economics skill also help them to deal with poverty issues and how they can reduce or end it if they are poor. It will finally assist them in strategically thinking in their financial decision-making processes.

 

• • • CENFACS Working with the Community Members on Understanding of Economic Concepts and Frameworks

 

Not all households making the CENFACS Community are able to deal with economic concepts and frameworks.  This is despite the fact that every household lives and has its own economy.  Because of this limitation in terms of knowledge about economic concepts and frameworks for many households, it makes sense to work with those households that are willing to so that they can grasp the economic concepts and frameworks that run their lives.  The understanding of these concepts and frameworks will help them to better understand and interpret the world around them through the lens of economics.

 

• • • Economic Education Month Activity of the Week: Workshop or Talk about Economic or Financial Security

 

The workshop or talk will look at how economic decisions affect economic or financial security of families and households.  Economic or financial security is the ability to cover living expenses and withstand financial shocks, such as job loss or illness, while maintaining a stable standard of living now and in the future.  It involves having sufficient income to pay for essentials and responsibilities, an emergency fund for unexpected events, and a long-term plan that incudes saving and investment for the future.

Those who may be interested in this workshop or talk can contact CENFACS.  Also, those who have any enquiries and or queries about the skill of Understanding of Economic Concepts and Frameworks and or Economic Thinking or Economics Skills, they can communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• • Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication (as part of Data and Insight Advocacy and Skills Project)

 

Data are deeply embedded in households. Households need appropriate communications and storytelling skills about data to properly express by themselves what is behind data.  To better communicate the story behind their data households, they do not need to be data scientists.  But, they may need some of the skills that data scientists use or some assistance with new technologies (like Generative AI).  It is those skills and the assistance (like AI storytelling assistants) they may receive from Generative AI that this note is about.

Indeed, integrating Generative AI into household data storytelling and communication can help households and their members create personalised narratives in the human-AI collaborative environment.  Generative AI can enhance various stages of the data storytelling process.  As part of this enhancement, this note is about how households can use Generative AI for enhancing aspects of their data storytelling and communications, while households as human storytellers staying at the centre of the process.

To work with households to do that, we are going to consider 4 Essential Stages of the data storytelling and communication process through our Wednesdays’ Integration Focus starting on 05/11/2025, this month.

 

Image

 

• • • Wednesdays’ Integration Focus

 

The above table (table 2) summarises our plan (Wednesdays’ Integration Focus) for approaching the above-mentioned Generative AI Data Storytelling and Communications, this month.  It highlights a set of integration skills to focus on from every Wednesday of each week of November 2025 starting from 05/11/2025.

Besides that, there will a weekend homework for those households wanting to indulge in the study of the integration of generative AI into their data storytelling and communications.

After delivering the key notes to Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communicationthere will be impact monitoring and evaluation of the same Skills to Integrate Generative AI into Household Data Storytelling and Communication.

Let us start with the first integration activity of our Wednesdays’ Integration Focus, which is Automating Data Preparation.

 

Image

 

• • In Focus from Wednesday 05/11/2025: Automating Data Preparation for Households

 

• • • What is Data Preparation?

 

Data preparation involves cleaning, transforming, and structuring raw data into a usable format suitable for analysis and visualisation.  This step involves tasks like correcting errors, standardising formats, and combining different datasets to ensure the final data is accurate, consistent, and high-quality.  It is essential for generating reliable insights and making sound household decisions.

Key processes in data preparation include data cleaning, data transformation, data structuring, data integration, and data augmentation.

Households can use AI-powered tools (like Data Robot’s to automatically handle data preparation), which can help them leave Generative AI to prepare data while households can focus on deriving insights and crafting compelling narratives.

Sensible households would like to tell and communicate the findings from or stories behind  their data.  The households making the CENFACS Community too want to describe the findings from or stories behind their data.  Where they experience some difficulties, they may need some assistance.  They need it since ‘datacamp.com’ (14) argues that

“Data storytelling is the art of translating complex data into compelling narratives.  It goes beyond a mere presentation of numbers and charts.  It is about weaving data, visuals, and narrative into a cohesive story that resonates with your audience”.

 

• • • What is Automating Data Preparation?

 

Automating data preparation is the use of software, often enhanced by AI, to clean, transform, and organise data with minimal human intervention, making it ready for analysis.  This process replaces manual tasks with guided workflows and intelligent suggestions, streamlining the data lifecycle from collection to analysis and making data more accessible, accurate, and usable at scale.

As part of assisting households in this complex work of data translation into compelling narratives, CENFACS can also work with them.

 

• • • CENFACS Working with the Community Members through Automating Data Preparation for Households

 

CENFACS can work with them at two levels: of automating data preparation and of dealing with data systems generally.

 

• • • •  Working with the Community Members at the level of automating data preparation 

 

We would like to emphasise that the purpose of working with the community members on automated data preparation is to help them

 

√ Reduce manual efforts

√ Improve the quality of their data

√ Increase efficiency, support them to make data-driven decisions

√ Use intelligence technology like AI for their data storytelling an communication processes

√ Automate their process in data storytelling and communications.

 

• • • • Working with the Community Members at the level of data systems

 

It is as well to encourage households as follows:

 

√ To create trust in data systems

√ To learn and build technical skills like skills for Automating Data Preparation (like Artificial Intelligence skills)

√ To enhance a culture of data use and insight generation within household

√ To improve household/family the overall data preparation and communication skills

√ To attach value to data preparation and communications

√ To empower and inform household data storytellers and communicators

√ To encourage the community members to register their skills on CENFACS Skills Data Bank

√ Above all, to reduce poverty linked to poor data preparation and communications skills; yet data storytelling and communications skills are necessary to deal with life-saving household/family matters.

 

As ‘cambridgehealth.edu’ (15) puts it,

“Data is one of the most important assets for any organisation”.

For households and families, data is an asset like other assets.

 

• • • Homework for the End of the Week: Enhanced Visual Narratives

 

Those who would like can try to use generative AI to suggest to create optimal visualization for dataset.   It involves using large language methods and other AI techniques to automatically generate and suggest the most appropriate and effective charts, dashboards, and visual elements.  This moves beyond traditional rule-based methods to create more dynamic, customised and context-aware visual representations.

One can consider the key functions of generative AI data visualisation like intelligent visual mapping generation, automated data insights, enhanced data preparation, personalised and context-aware design, creative stylisation and embellishment, interactive and adaptive dashboards.

This homework will help enhance visual storytelling and communications.

This exercise is all part of the above-mentioned integration process.

Those who have any queries about this homework, they can submit their queries to CENFACS.

For those community members of our community who will be interested in Automating Data Preparation for Households, they can contact CENFACS.

Additionally, for those who would like to register their skills on CENFACS Skills Data Bank, they are welcome to do so.  This registration will help in matching the support in terms of skills and the needs in the community.

To get further insight into Skills Development Month at CENFACS, please continue to read our weekly posts.

_________

 

• References

 

(1) https://www.econedmonth.org (accessed in November 2025)

(2) https://www.andreabocellifoundation.org/educational-poverty-definition-causes-and-strategies-for-change/ (accessed in November 2025)

(3) https://www.knowledgehut.com/blog/project-management/what-is-project-planning (accessed in November 2025)

(4) https://asana.com/resources/project-design (accessed in November 2025)

(5) https://proposalsforngos.com/project-beneficiaries/ (accessed in November 2025)

(6) https://uk.inaturalist.org/taxa/134953-Nimbaphrynoides-occidentalis (accessed in November 2025)

(7) https://animalia.bio/nimbaphrynoides (accessed in November 2025)

(8) https://principlebasedmanagement.com/en/fundamentals/principles/economic-thinking (accessed in November 2025)

(9) https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199756810/obo-9780195756810-0055 (accessed in October 2023)

(10) https://www.igi—global.com/dictionary/is-entrepreneurship-a-bio-social-phenomenon/92105 (accessed in November 2025)

(11)  King, K. & Palmer, R. (2006), Skills Development and Poverty Reduction: The State of the Art, Post-basic Education and Training Work Paper Series – No. 9, Centre of African Studies< University of Edinburgh at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/ (accessed in October 2023)

(12) https: //online.hbs.edu/blog/post/economics-skills (accessed in November 2025)

(13) https://www.unm.edu/~parkman/M2.pdf (accessed in November 2025)

(14) https://www.datacamp.com/blog/ai-data-storytelling (accessed in November 2025)

(15) https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/data-management/become-a-data-manager/what-are-data-management-skills/ (accessed in October 2023)

_________

 

 Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

 

Autumn Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

29 October 2025

Post No. 428

 

Image

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• Autumn Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project

• Support Alternative Funding Sources Software Project!

• Project for Directory of Social and Solidarity Economy Organisations in Africa

 

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• Autumn Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project

 

This is a new initiative from our Matching Organisation-Investor Programme, which is part of CENFACS’ Guidance Programme to not-for-profit impact investors.  The new matching initiative consists of matching an African charitable organisation’s project to set up a SES project and a prospective investor who may be interested in impact investing in education in Africa.  The matching process will be run for five weeks, starting from the 29th of October 2025.

To better understand this matching initiative, let us briefly explain it, the project underpinning it as well as the aims of the matching initiative and of the underpinning project.

 

• • What Is Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project?

 

It is a set of five correlated activities designed to arrange the match/fit test between an Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisation planning to set up a SES project and a prospective not-for-profit impact investor willing to invest in this project.  This project of CENFACS’ Matching Programme will enable the former to find a suitable investor, and the latter to gain an investee in which they can impact invest in.

 

• • The Project Being the Basis for the Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System: SES Project

 

The project being the basis for negotiation between Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisation (ASCO) and Impact Investor is Sustainable Education System (SES) Project, which is also known as Education for Sustainable Development.    The project will connect ASCO as an investee and an Not-for-profit (n-f-p) impact investor.

Indeed, on 1 October 2025 the African Union Commission (1) launched the African Union Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa (2025 – 2034).  As way of supporting the educationally needed in Africa and of taking forward the African Union’s dedication, ASCO would like to address the challenges of limited access to schools, poor learning resources and infrastructures, teacher shortages and training gaps, the digital divide, and financial and social barriers in Africa’s educational systems.

ASCO wants to  address these challenges by leveraging technology for learning with e-learning platforms, mobile education apps, and digital libraries, which can provide access to quality education.  ASCO is also planning to include affordable internet and solar-powered digital classrooms to help bridge the gap in areas with limited electricity or no electricity at all in Africa.

To realise its ambitious idea of sustainable educational system in Africa, ASCO is looking for an educational investor.  ASCO is inviting educational investors to bid for its idea, investors who can make a difference not to receive something financially in return really.  Not-for-profit impact investors will be part of the overall SES Project.  ASCO prefers a transformational funder who will focus on long-term results rather than short term transactional funders.  ASCO wants a funder who will connect with and help prepare the project to function according to the aspirations and needs of the educationally deprived in Africa.

 

• • The Aim of Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Education System (SES) Project (MOIvSESP)

 

The main aim of MOIvSESP is to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship, where the organisation (investee) gains access to capital, expertise, and resources, and the investor earns a potentially high-return not-for-profit investment opportunities through sustainable education system.  This connection can lead to the organisation’s growth, innovation, and long-term success, while allowing the investor (who generally is a not-for-profit one in accordance to CENFACS‘ matching model and rules) to achieve their goals (which are other things than financial gains).

Besides this main aim, there is also the specific aim of the SES Project, that is the project that will connect investee and investor.

 

• • The Aim of Sustainable Education System (SES) Project (SESP)

 

The aim of SESP is to reduce education poverty (that is, the a situation where individuals, particularly children, are unable to access or benefit from quality education due to various barriers, primarily stemming from poverty).  This education poverty reduction can be achieved  through the setting up of a sustainable educational system.  In other words, SESP aims to equip the educationally needy in Africa with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to create a more sustainable future.  SESP is interdisciplinary and addresses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability, encouraging critical thinking and responsible decision-making to ensure a better future for these educationally disadvantaged in Africa.

Through this SESP, it is hoped that ASCO will meet its dream not-for-profit (n-f-p) impact investor.  It is as well expected that the n-f-p impact investor will find the right organisation to invest in for impact.  Where the two parties experience difficulties  in matching their project proposals or respective dreams, CENFACS will organise the match test for them.

More details about this Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project can be found under the Main Development section of this post.

 

Image

 

• Support Alternative Funding Sources Software Project!

 

To support Alternative Funding Sources Software Project (AFSSP) one may want to know what this project is about, its aim and how it works.

 

• • What Is AFSSP?

 

AFSSP, which is one of CENFACS Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects, is software application or platform that will help organisations or individuals secure non-traditional funding, outside of standard funding from major investors.  The idea is to develop a software that provides information for African Charities looking for alternative funding sources.

The project will outline the main alternative funding options for African Charities and NGOs.  It will also include information on private-charity partnerships, social enterprising as an alternative funding, social impact investing, locally-driven solutions to international aid cuts, etc.  Like any project, AFSSP has an aim.

 

• • What Is the Aim of AFSSP?

 

The main aim of this project is to reduce poverty due to the lack of targeted information for African Charities looking for alternative funding sources to realise or keep momentum of their mission.  The project will provide various methods of funding, such as crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, revenue-based financing, by connecting those who are looking for funding (like grant seekers, beneficiaries, founders, borrowers, investees, etc.) and those who can provide funding (such as grant makers, funders, donors, lenders, investors, etc.)

 

• • How AFSSP Will Work and Help

 

The software functionality will help

 

σ Connect users as the software will act as a platform to connect African Charities needing  capital with a network of funders or investors

σ Support various funding methods or models like

crowdfunding (a platform where a large number of people contribute to a small amounts of money to a project), peer-to-peer lending (a system that allows individuals to borrow and lend money directly to one another), revenue-based financing (a model where an organisation receives capital in exchange for a percentage of future revenue), etc.

σ Early-stage project planning and development: The software is intended to be used during the early planning and development of project, not just as a last resort result when traditional funding fails

σ Facilitate non-traditional finance: By leveraging technology, the software can make alternative financing more accessible and efficient for start-ups and small organisations that may not qualify for traditional funding.

 

• • AFSSP Funding Needs

 

The estimated average cost of AFSSP is projected to the region of £45,000.  This cost takes into account the target funding sources, feature set, solutions to funding information gaps, etc.  The cost also includes User Interface/User Experience design, backend development, third-party integrations, Quality Assurance testing, development and ongoing support.

To support or contribute to AFSSP, please contact CENFACS.

For further details including the implementation plan of the AFSSP, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Project for Directory of Social and Solidarity Economy Organisations in Africa (DSSEOA)

 

Since there is no specific list of SSE (Social and Solidarity Economy) organisations in Africa and Africa’s SSEE (Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem) is new, it makes sense to create a directory that will provide information and some basic features and facts about these organisations.  The items below help in understanding this directory or DSSEOA.

 

• • What Does DSSEOA Consist of?

 

DSSEOA consists of conducting research to develop methodologies to capture and increase the statistical visibility of SSE (Social and Solidarity Economy) organisations in Africa.  It is about creating an accessible database to map out, promote, and support these entities.

DSSEOA will provide information on groups prioritizing social or environmental goals over profit maximisation.  It will help users find and support SSE entities by making information on their location, products, services, and mission publicly accessible.

 

• • What Is the Aim and Goal of DSSEOA?

 

The project aims to reduce poverty through better consumer choice as well as bridge the gap in publicly available information about SSEE organisations and services for CENFACS‘ Africa-based Sister Organisations and other users in Africa.

The goal is to help people and Africa-based Sister Organisations recognise and connect with SSE initiatives, such as co-ops, non-profits, and community groups, by collecting data, creating a digital map, and sharing inspiring stories and case studies.

 

• • What Are the Purpose and Functions of DSSEOA?

 

The purpose and functions of DSSEOA will be to

 

σ Connect users with SSE organisations in Africa

σ Promote these SSE entities

σ Encourage support and investment in SSE organisations dealing with poverty, social and environmental issues.

 

• • What Are DSSEOA Objectives?

 

Key objectives of DSSEOA include:

 

σ Mapping and visibility: Create a digital map to identify and showcase existing SSE organisations, projects and informal groups in Africa

σ Awareness and recognition: Raise public awareness of the SSE sectors and highlight their contribution to the poverty reduction and the community well-being

σ Identifying gaps and opportunities: Analyse the data to see what is missing in the current SSE landscape and identify opportunities for new initiatives

σ Showcasing impact: Bring the directory to life by featuring stories, videos and case studies that illustrate the social, environmental, and economic impact of these organisations.

 

• • Format of DSSEOA

 

DSSEOA, which will be available both online and paper formats, will also outline SSE cooperatives, associations, and social enterprises.  

The paper format of DSSEOA will be a book listing SSE organisations alphabetically and thematically with details such as names, addresses, phone numbers and websites.

The online version of DSSEOA will be the listings providing information about SSE organisations such as the name, address, contact information, associations, and the services and products offered.  SSE organisations will be categorised by location, activity, or size.  The directory will be updated regularly with new information and new entrants to the directory.

 

• • DSSEOA Funding Requirements

 

The cost of this directory project depends on the usage of platform, the level of customisation, the average age of funding organisations, the directory’s scope and audience.  The estimated cost to create DSSEOA is around £5,000+ annually, including both online and paper directory.

For the online directory, this cost can involve those linked to platform expenses, marketing, additional or advanced features (like SSL certificate, domain name, and custom development), scope of work, pricing models, document digitalisation service, directory website hosting, etc.

For the paper directory, the cost will include design, print, artwork, the number of copies, distribution costs, labour, marketing, etc.

To support or contribute to the cost of creating DSSEOA, please contact CENFACS.

For further details including the implementation plan of the Project for DSSEOA, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities – In Focus for Week Beginning 27/10/2025: Preserving Blommersia dupreezi

• Information, Guidance and Signposts on Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Services and Entities

• Review of the Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living

 

Image

 

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities – In Focus for Week Beginning 27/10/2025: Preserving Blommersia dupreezi

 

To help Preserving Blommersia dupreezi, we have composed our note around the following headings:

 

σ What is Preserving Blommersia dupreezi?

σ The conservation status of Blommersia dupreezi

σ What can be done to Preserve Blommersia dupreezi.  

 

In addition, we shall provide the themed activity we have planned for this week.  This themed activity is about working with a local group to raise awareness about amphibian conservation and encourage community action.

Let us look at each of the headings of this note.

 

• • What Is Blommersia dupreezi?

 

On the website ‘getaway.co.za’ (2), it is stated that Blommersia dupreezi is a newly discovered species of frog from southern Madagascar named in honour of Professor Louis du Preez of North West University.  The species belongs to the Mantellidae family, which occurs only in Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.

 

• • The Conservation Status of Blommersia dupreezi

 

Blommersia dupreezi is critically endangered, Blommersia dupreezi, as indicated by its classification on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.  There is a need to preserve this and other critically endangered frog species.

 

• • What Can Be Done to Preserve Blommersia dupreezi

 

To Preserve the critically endangered Blommersia dupreeziseveral actions can be taken such as the following:

 

σ Educate the public: Raise awareness about the importance of frogs and their role in ecosystem

σ Support conservation efforts: Volunteer in research  and conservation programmes

σ Use the guide to preserve frogs: Identify and report sightings of frogs to help scientists verify and protect them

σ Participate in habitat protection: Protect national areas where frogs live and help restore habitats if necessary

σ Engage in policy advocacy: Support legislation and policies that protect endangered species and their habitats.

 

Besides that, one can donate to causes relating to the Preservation of Blommersia dupreezi.

By taking the above-mentioned few actions, individuals can contribute to the preservation of  Blommersia dupreezi  and help the survival of this critically endangered species.

There is more that can be done to Preserve Blommersia dupreezi.   To stay within the scope of this note, we can limit ourselves to the above-mentioned actions or steps to Preserve Blommersia dupreezi.

 

Image

 

• • Add-on Activity of the Week’s Campaign: Raise Awareness 

 

To raise awareness of the ecological, cultural, and intrinsic value of amphibians and their habitats, one can work with a local group and encourage community action on amphibian conservation matters.  Alternatively, one can consider involving in organisations outside the local level working on amphibian matters.

In the UK, there is a number of organisations working on amphibian conservation issues.  Among these organisations in the UK, we can mention the following:

Amphibian and Reptile Group of the UK, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Rethink Nature, Froglife, Natural England, etc.

In Africa, one can consider organisations like

Anura Africa, African Herpetological and Biodiversity Institute, IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG Southern Africa), Endangered Wildlife Trust, Amphibian Survival Alliance, World Wildlife Fund, Synchronicity Earth, etc.

These organisations (both in the UK and Africa) play a significant role in the conservation of amphibians as they work to ensure the survival of these species and the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Those who may be interested in raising awareness about the ecological, cultural, and intrinsic value of amphibians and their habitats; they should not hesitate to contact a local group and/or the above-named organisations.

To find out more about the entire “A la une” Campaign and Themed Activities, please communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Information, Guidance and Signposts on Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Services and Entities

 

Information, guidance and signposts include three types areas of support via CENFACS, which are:

 

a) Information Service: making available information about SSE services for those looking for this information

b) Guidance Service: includes orientation, counselling, exploration and placement on SSE Services and Entities to help people and organisations make informed decisions and adjust to life’s changes

b) Signposting Service: guides individuals to other organisations or support networks that can better meet their needs in SSE matters.

 

Let us expand a bite on the above-mentioned three services.

 

• • Information and Guidance on SSE Services and Entities

 

The following information or listing provides some examples of SSE organisations operating in Africa:

 

∝) The African Network for Social and Social Solidarity Economy (ANSSE): a non-profit association that brings together country networks in the field of sustainable development

∝) Beninese Group of the Solidarity Social Economy (GBESS) in Benin: works with other groups and promotes SSE initiative through partnerships and project calls

∝) The National Social and Solidarity Network (RENESS) in Cameroon: works on SSE matters

∝) Stokvels and Rotating Savings and Credit Associations in South Africa: ROSCAs deals with informal savings and credit groups in South Africa

∝) Eastern African Farmers Federation: is an example of cooperative

∝) Diesis network: provides support and resources for SSE organisations

Etc.

 

The above listing is about some of the organisations that work on SSE matters.  Having information about them can guide those who want to know more about Africa’s Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem and the type of support available on SSE matters.  The listing is not exhaustive and has to be used with other sources of information on the subject.

Those Africa-based Sister Organisations (ASOs) that are looking for information and guidance on SSE matters or to embrace SSE model and that do not know what to do, CENFACS can work with them (via needs assessment conducted under CENFACS’ International Advice Service) or provide them with leads about SSE organisations, institutions and services that can help them.

We can provide information and guidance to address SSE issues and support to ASOs to reduce information and knowledge gaps.  Our Information and Guidance Services will help them foster creativity, community engagement and opportunities for growth through SSE models.

 

• • Signposts to Improve Users’ Experience about SSE Services and Entities

 

For those who are looking for whereabout to find help about SSE Services and Organisations, we can direct them.

More tips and hints relating to the matter can be obtained from CENFACS‘ Advice-giving Service and Sessions.

Additionally, you can refer to above-mentioned list of SSE organisations and services providing help and support in the area of SSE matters.  If the organisations you are looking for are not on the above-named list, you can ask CENFACS to find them.  But, before making any request one needs to specify the kind of SSE organisations and information they are looking for.

To make your request, just contact CENFACS with your name and contact details.

 

Image

 

• Review of the Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living

 

Before approaching this review, let explain the Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living.

 

• • What Is the Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living?

 

The Campaign to End Poverty Linked to Rising Costs of Living, which we launched in October 2022, is an organised series of actions to gain support for the cost-of-living poor so that something can be done for them.  These actions need to result in change, particularly the reduction and end of poverty led by the cost-of-living crisis.  The latter is now a barrier for many poor.

As part of this campaign, we have taken short-, medium- and long-term actions as follows.

Short-term or immediate actions with the community are critical actions or activities undertaken for a period of six months to help those who are poor because of high costs of living that prevent them to make ends meet.

Medium-term actions, which are actions run between 6 and 24 months, are taken to avoid that the cost-of-living crisis to settle in with the time and to become a humanitarian crisis.

Long-term actions, which are actions going from 2 to 10 years, help avoid the cost-of-living crisis leads to intergenerational poverty which can happen if poverty linked to high cost of living is transmitted to future generations.

Because it is now three years since this campaign was launched, we would like to review it.

 

• • What Is the Review of the Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living?

 

It is a structured look back at the three campaign actions we have conducted so far.  The campaign review will examine the goals, outcomes, response and lessons to be learned for the remaining years of this campaign as the cost-of-living crisis is still there.  It will help capture insights and drives campaign optimisation.

In this respect, the campaign reviews will include the campaign performance review (checking metrics and key performance indicators of this campaign) and the cost-of-living poor’s feedback.  They will help improve the remaining parts of this campaign.  This set of reviews will enable us to generate campaign review report.

Those who have been acting with us and would like to provide their inputs or feedback, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

For any enquiries and/or queries about this review or the campaign itself, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Message in French (Message en français)

 

• FACS, Numéro 89, Automne 2025, Titre du numéro : Les Oeuvres de Charité Africaines dans le Nouvel Écosystème de l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire de l’Afrique

Dans le 88ᵉ numéro de FACS, il s’agissait de trouver des sources de financement alternatives afin que les associations caritatives africaines puissent continuer leur mission de réduction de la pauvreté en Afrique, car les coupes dans l’aide étrangère et internationale les ont forcées à chercher des alternatives, en particulier pour élaborer de nouveaux modèles de financement et d’affaires. Nous travaillons toujours sur des développements alternatifs qui permettraient aux associations caritatives africaines de mener à bien leur mission. Nous abordons ces développements alternatifs du point de vue de ‘sociology.institute’ (3), qui explique que

« Les modèles de développement alternatifs peuvent être compris comme une réaction aux limites des approches traditionnelles. Ces modèles alternatifs privilégient le bien-être humain, la durabilité environnementale et la préservation des cultures locales ».

Nous travaillons également sur des systèmes économiques alternatifs. Les systèmes économiques alternatifs peuvent être compris, selon ‘auditingaccounting.com’ (4), comme

«Les différentes manières dont les sociétés organisent la production, la distribution et la consommation de biens et de services. Chaque système possède des structures, des valeurs et des méthodes distinctes pour gérer les ressources. Les systèmes économiques les plus courants incluent le capitalisme, le socialisme, le communisme, les économies mixtes et les économies traditionnelles. Chaque système influence l’activité économique et les résultats sociaux de manière différente, reflétant des approches diverses de la gestion des ressources et des objectifs sociétaux».

De plus, il existe de nouvelles formes économiques alternatives dans lesquelles nous nous intéressons. Parmi ces formes émergentes, « koloo.at » (5) en nomme trois : l’économie donut, l’économie du bien commun et l’économie post-croissance (ou décroissance).

Ces modèles de développement alternatifs, systèmes économiques et formes ont contribué à la conception du 89ᵉ numéro de FACS.

Dans le 89ᵉ numéro de FACS, il s’agit de dépasser les limites des approches économiques traditionnelles en traitant des économies alternatives ou des espaces pouvant être favorables aux associations caritatives africaines, en particulier aux Organisations Sœurs Basées en Afrique de CENFACS (OSA), non seulement pour continuer à réduire la pauvreté, mais aussi pour éventuellement la faire disparaître en Afrique. Le 89ᵉ numéro puise son contenu dans les économies alternatives. Il existe de nombreuses économies ou espaces alternatifs. L’économie ou l’espace alternatif qui nous intéresse est l’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS). Qu’est-ce que l’ESS ?

Il existe plusieurs définitions de l’ESS. Sans toutes les énumérer, référons-nous à celle donnée par l’Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Économiques (6) ; définition qui est la suivante :« L’ESS est une formation économique qui vise à améliorer la qualité de vie d’une région ou d’une communauté sur la base de la solidarité. Il cherche à traiter et à transformer l’exploitation dans le cadre de l’économie capitaliste et de l’économie dominée par les grandes entreprises et les grands actionnaires ».

L’ESS opère dans un lieu ou une région spécifique. Nous nous intéressons à l’ESS qui opère en Afrique, c’est-à-dire à l’écosystème africain de l’ESS. L’écosystème de l’économie sociale et solidaire (EESS) est ici perçu du point de vue de ‘socialchangeinnovators.com’ (7) comme

« Un cadre qui clarifie les notions fondamentales de l’économie sociale et solidaire, ainsi que des concepts connexes tels que l’économie sociale, l’entreprise sociale et l’innovation sociale. Il vise à expliquer ce que sont ces concepts et à comprendre comment ils ont évolué au cours des dernières décennies ».

Le 89ème numéro porte sur la façon dont les associations caritatives africaines peuvent se démarquer de la masse grâce aux avantages structurels des modèles ou écosystèmes de l’économie sociale et solidaire. Parmi ces avantages, on trouve la création d’emplois, les flux de capitaux dirigés par la communauté, l’alignement des systèmes, la propriété collective, la démocratisation et les relations basées sur la solidarité au sein des différentes organisations constituant l’ESS. Comme le soulignent Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (8),

« L’économie solidaire est un hétéroespace pour les activités économiques et les relations économiques solidaires, ainsi que pour les interactions entre les personnes lorsqu’elles construisent leurs moyens de subsistance. »

Pour que l’écosystème de l’ESS de l’Afrique fonctionne comme un hétéroespace, il est nécessaire que les entités engagées dans des activités économiques, sociales et environnementales interagissent et échangent entre elles tout en servant l’intérêt collectif et/ou général.

L’Institut de la Société Civile de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (9) déclare que

« La Banque Africaine de Développement estime que les dons locaux pourraient contribuer jusqu’à 400 milliards de dollars américains au produit intérieur brut de l’Afrique d’ici 2030 ».

De même, ‘africa.com’ (10) affirme que

« À travers l’Afrique subsaharienne, on estime que les entreprises sociales créent directement entre 28 et 41 millions d’emplois ».

Malgré l’absence de cadres statistiques dédiés qui entrave une mesure précise, les chiffres estimés mentionnés ci-dessus mettent en évidence le potentiel significatif des efforts philanthropiques et caritatifs nationaux pour dynamiser l’économie sociale et solidaire ainsi que pour réduire la pauvreté en Afrique. Les associations caritatives africaines jouent et peuvent jouer un rôle clé dans l’ESS en mettant l’accent sur le bien-être communautaire et l’impact social plutôt que sur le profit, en comblant les lacunes en matière de services en fournissant des services essentiels tels que les soins, en créant des environnements inclusifs et en favorisant la gouvernance démocratique au sein de l’écosystème de l’ESS.

Le 89ᵉ numéro se réfère aux fondements théoriques clés de l’ESS qui rejettent la maximisation pure du profit au profit de l’impact social et des valeurs humaines. Il fait également référence aux théories de l’équité, de la promotion, de la démocratie et de la durabilité. Certaines de ces théories qui rejettent la maximisation pure du profit ont été mises en avant par Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (op. cit.) qui mentionnent Karl Polanyi en ces termes :

« La théorie économique proposée par Karl Polanyi affirme que les systèmes économiques basés sur les éléments collaboratifs de réciprocité et de redistribution précèdent historiquement l’approche utilitariste du marché ».

Ils se réfèrent également à la théorie démocratique développée par des penseurs comme Jürgen Habermas et John Dewey.

Le 89e numéro prend en compte les modèles ou écosystèmes de l’ESS, qui incluent les coopératives, les mutuelles, les associations, les organisations à but non lucratif, les entreprises sociales et les initiatives de commerce équitable ; tout en abordant les OAS (Organisations d’Appui au Secteur) en termes de dynamisme qu’elles peuvent apporter à l’ESS pour une transformation systémique du système économique actuel vers un système qui favorise la réduction de la pauvreté.

Comme les modèles ou les écosystèmes de l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire offrent un environnement pour des formes alternatives de capital, le 89ᵉ numéro explore comment les OSA peuvent bénéficier de sources de financement alternatives issues de l’espace ESS en Afrique. Il examine également la structure, le déploiement et la mesure du capital des OSA en Afrique.

Étant donné la primauté des personnes et de l’objectif social sur le capital comme l’une des valeurs clés de l’ESS, le 89ᵉ numéro partage l’expérience d’alignement des flux de capitaux avec l’impact dans les associations caritatives africaines générant de la valeur sociale et répondant aux besoins de leurs utilisateurs/rices.

La transition de l’Afrique vers l’économie sociale implique que les associations africaines participent à un mouvement stratégique vers des systèmes évolutifs, inclusifs et préparés pour l’avenir. Le 89ᵉ numéro reflète les perceptions des associations africaines quant à leur expérience dans ce mouvement et sur la manière dont cela affectera les bénéficiaires de leurs projets.

On pense également que les EESS sont des modèles économiques ancrés dans la communauté et des zones mal desservies par les systèmes formels. Le 89ᵉ numéro examine comment la participation des ASO dans l’EESS africain contribue à répondre aux besoins de ceux ou celles qui vivent dans l’économie informelle.

Loin d’être un exposé sur la nouvelle expérience africaine en matière de l’ESS, le 89ᵉ numéro explore la tentative des OSA de construire une indépendance par rapport au système de subventions perpétuelles afin d’améliorer leur participation au sien de l’EESS en Afrique tout en réalisant leur mission dans un espace inclusif, évolutif et tourné vers l’avenir.

Pour obtenir de plus amples informations sur le publication n° 89, veuillez contacter le CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Main Development

 

Autumn Matching Organisation-Investor via Sustainable Educational System (SES) Project 

 

The following items explain this project:

 

σ What Is a MOIvSESP?

σ The Aim of MOIvSESP

σ Sustainable Education System

σ Key Points about Matching Organisation-Investor Programme (MOIP) to Consider

σ How MOIP Works

σ Benefits of Matching Organisation and Not-for-profit Impact Investors 

σ How Can Africa-based Sister Organisations and Not-for-profit Investors be Matched through Sustainable Education System (SES)?

σ Matching Guidelines

σ Outcomes of MOIvSESP

σ Plan for 5-week Matching Activities

σ 29/10/2025 to 03/12/2025:  Activity 1 of MOIvSESP

 

Let us highlight each of the above-mentioned items.

 

• • What Is a MOIvSESP?

 

MOIvSESP, which is part of CENFACS’ Matching Organisation-Investor Programme, refers to the process of connecting or aligning a charitable organisation (specifically Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisations) seeking investment (investee) with a suitable potential impact investor via a sustainable educational system project.

Essentially, it is about finding a charitable organisation that fits the impact investor’s investment criteria, goals and interests; as well as creating a good match/fit between the two parties involved in an investment transaction.

MOIvSESP is indeed an exercise to keep active and engaged Africa-based sister Charitable Organisations (ASCOs) and n-f-p impact investors for the rest of the Autumn Season and the beginning of Winter Season 2025.  The exercise is meant to keep their respective dreams alive and to awake their potentials to grab any existing opportunities within the n-f-p market.

For those ASCOs and n-f-p educational investors willing to realise their Autumn/Winter dream of winning an investment for the former and a share for the latter, this Autumn-Winter initiative is a golden opportunity for each of them not to miss.

 

• • The Aim of MOIvSESP

 

The main aim of MOIvSESP is to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship, where ASCO (investee) gains access to capital, expertise, and resources, and the investor earns a potentially high-return not-for-profit investment opportunities through a sustainable educational system/project.  This connection can lead to ASCO’s growth, innovation, and long-term success, while allowing the investor (who generally is a not-for-profit one in accordance of CENFACS‘ matching model and terms) to achieve their goals (which are other than financial ones).

Besides this main aim, there is the specific aim of the sustainable educational system/project, which is the reduction of educational poverty.  Educational poverty could be (but not necessarily) due to the lack of best match or fit between ASCOs’ needs and not-for-profit impact investors’ interests.  Where the needs of the ASCOs best meet or match the vested interests of not-for-profit impact investors, there could be high probability to reduce educational poverty amongst the beneficiaries of ASCOs.  The match probability could be high (that is, a number close to 1.00 or 100%) or average (that is, expected value) or low (that is, a value close to zero) depending on how much ASCOs’ needs meet impact investors’ interests.

 

• • Sustainable Education System (SES) Project 

 

To understand sustainable education system, let us define it and where ASCO would like to focus within this system in terms of project.

 

• • • What is sustainable education system (SES)?

 

It emerges from the literature review of SES that a sustainable education system, also known as Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), is a form of education that empowers people with the knowledge, skills and values to create a more sustainable future by balancing environment, social and economic well-being.  It goes beyond curriculum to include active participatory, and critical teaching methods that prepare learners to make responsible choices and take action on issues, like climate change, inequality and diversity loss.

Depending on the local needs on the grounds where SES will be implemented as a project, ASCO will determine which aspects of SES it would like to embark on.

 

• • • What is SES Project Aim and Goal?

 

The aim of SES Project is to reduce educational poverty (that is, the condition of experiencing poor education) through the setting up of a SES Project.  In other words, SES Project aims to integrate sustainability principles into all aspects of learning to prepare students to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.  This can involve curriculum reform, new technology methods, community engagement, and institutional changes to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for a sustainable future.

The goal is to foster awareness and action on issues like climate change, inequality, and resource depletion.

 

• • • What is SESP’s business model?

 

Depending on areas of Africa where SESP will be implemented, ASCO’s business model is business-to-consumer (or charity-to-beneficiaries) and/or business-to-business (or charity-to-educational institutions) .  In other words, the SES Project will directly offer educational services to schools/learning institutions and indirectly to students/pupils.  However, students and pupils will be the real or end-users.   It will specifically leverage technology for for learning.

 

• • • What is leveraging technology for learning?

 

It is about strategically using digital tools and resources to create more personalised, engaging, and accessible educational experiences.  It involves integrating technology to improve how content is delivered and how students interact with it, leading to better outcomes through personalised learning, access to global resources, collaborative tools, and interactive content.

This approach prepares students for the digital age by building essential skills like digital literacy and critical thinking. The approach will help accelerate action for the transformation and skills development in Africa in accordance to the African Union Commission’s dedicated decade of 2025 – 2034 (op. cit.).

ASCO would like to address the challenges of limited access to schools, poor learning resources and infrastructures, teacher shortages and training gaps, the digital divide, and financial and social barriers.

ASCO wants to  address these challenges by leveraging technology for learning with e-learning platforms, mobile education apps, and digital libraries, which can provide access to quality education.  ASCO is also planning to include affordable internet and solar-powered digital classrooms to help bridge the gap in areas with limited electricity in Africa.

 

• • • Key components of a SES

 

They include:

 

σ Holistic curriculum: Integrates topics like climate change, poverty reduction, and sustainable consumption into all subjects

σ Skills and competencies: SES Project helps to develop critical thinking, systemic analysis, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving

σ Participatory methods: Encourages active learning through group work, real-world projects and dialogue

σ Behavioural change: Empowers students to change their own behaviour and take action for sustainable development

σ Long-term vision: Focuses on shaping a sustainable future for current and future generations.

 

• • • Why SES is important

 

SES is important as it help to

 

σ Prepare for the future by equipping individuals/students/learners for a world with growing economic, social, and environmental challenges

σ Drive innovation by fostering the skills and agency needed to create solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future

σ Encourage responsible action by bringing smart, responsible choices that benefit both people and the planet

σ Foster critical thinking by assisting people to critically engage with complex issues like climate justice and global inequality.

 

In short, SES Project will be an opportunity to increase support to fight educational poverty and hardships amongst the Africa-based Charitable Organisation’s users and beneficiaries.

 

• • • SES can help fight and reduce educational poverty

 

To explain if SES can reduce educational poverty, let us first provide the meaning of educational poverty.  Educational poverty is defined by ‘andreabocellifoundation.org’ (11) as

“A condition in which children and adolescents are deprived of essential opportunities to learn, explore the world, develop their potential, and shape their future with autonomy and awareness”.

The website ‘andreabocellifoundation.org’ adds that

“Educational poverty extends beyond poor academic attainment.  It is a multidimensional phenomenon, shaped by family, economic, and social factors, and encompasses both cognitive and non-cognitive skills, including emotional and relational competencies”.

SES can help reduce educational poverty by empowering individuals with skills for better jobs, fostering economic growth through a qualified workforce, and promoting social mobility and reduced inequality.  It can equip people with the knowledge to make better decisions, start business, and participate in society, while focusing on lifelong learning and addressing educational barriers for disadvantaged groups.

 

• • Key Points about Matching Organisation-Investor Programme to Consider

 

There are three points that need explanation to understand the implementation of MOIvSESP, which are: investee, investor, and matching process or programme.

 

a) Investee is the ASCO that is seeking and will receive the investment.

b) Investor is the person or entity providing the capital for SES Project.  In our matching model, this investor is not-for-profit impact one or a transformational one.  A not-for-profit (n-f-p) impact investor is a kind of an investor who is trying to invest in a project without looking to make money for themselves.  Our n-f-p impact investor, who is driven by selfless motivations, would invest to reduce educational poverty for impact in Africa’s not-for-profit organisations and charitable causes.

c) Matching process is the analyse of factors (like charity sector, education industry, e-learning technology and industry, business stage development, investment size, risk tolerance, and strategic fit) to find the best possible pairing between investee and not-for-profit impact investor.

 

• • How MOIP Works

 

MOIP works under CENFACS’ Matching Platform by comparing and contrasting investor’s profiles and investee’s profiles.

 

• • • Investor’s profiles

 

Impact investors outline their investment preferences, including target sectors, preferred investment stages, and desired social return on investment.

 

• • • Investee’s profiles

 

ASCOs seeking funding create profiles detailing their charitable models, programmes, volunteering policies, financials, teams, achievements, and investment needs.

 

• • • CENFACS’ matching platform 

 

This platform helps match investors with investees based on their stated criteria.

 

• • Benefits of Matching Organisation and Not-for-profit Impact Investors

 

There are benefits when organisations’ needs match not-for-profit investors’ interest.  These benefits include:

 

√ Cost-effectiveness as MOIvSESP reduces the costs for both organisations (for instance, the costs of looking for investment) and impact investors (e.g., the costs of finding the right organisation in which to invest)

√ Reduction of opportunity costs between the two parties (i.e., investee and investor) engaged in the MOIvSESP

√ Increased efficiency which facilitates quicker connection, creates and sustains relationships between organisations seeking funds and investors

√ Better alignment as impact investors find organisations that align with their investment goals, as well as problems-solving mechanisms or solutions for organisations’ problems and needs, and solutions to investors’ requests

√ Opportunity for a fit test (i.e., testing organisation-investor fit on mutual interests and contribution to the right decision)

√ Qualitative feedback about Organisation-Investor and background knowledge

√ Better decision-making processes for the two parties (e.g., organisations and investors)

√ Access to diverse opportunities as CENFACS’ Matching Platform provides access to pool of potential investees for impact investors looking for organisations to invest in

Etc.

 

For ASCO (investee), CENFACS’ Matching Platform will help as follows:

 

σ Access to capital: CENFACS’ Matching Platform enables to secure funding, crucial for ASCOs to scale their charity objects/mission;

σ Expertise and resources: ASCOs will benefit from investor’s valuable experience, industry knowledge, and networking connections;

σ Strategic alignment: Investor’s investment philosophy and goals will be aligned with ASCO’s vision;

σ Reduced search effort: CENFACS’ Matching Platform streamlines the search for suitable investors, saving ASCO’s valuable time and resources.

 

For Not-for-profit investor, CENFACS’ Matching Platform will provide the following:

 

σ Access to high-growth opportunities: CENFACS’ Matching Platform provides access to a stream of vetted deal flow;

σ Diversification: CENFACS’ Matching Platform can help investors diversify their portfolio and reduce risks;

σ Expertise and network: Through CENFACS’ Matching Programme, investors can leverage the expertise of other investors or industry experts;

σ Risk reduction: CENFACS’ Matching Platform help investors reduce risk and get confidence in their investments.

 

Briefly, CENFACS’ Matching Programme creates a win-win situation where both the investee and investor benefit from a well-matched partnership.

 

• • How Can Africa-based Sister Organisations and Not-for-profit Investors be Matched through SES Project?

 

The matching happens through the two main components of this programme, which are Impact Advice to ASCOs and Guidance to Not-for-profit Investors for Impact.

 

• • • What is Impact Advice to ASCOs?

 

It is an approach to or methodology of working with ASCOs that uses a theory of change to measure impact following advice given on project planning.

Impact Advice uses impact measuring tools and frontline metrics to track results and outcomes.

 

• • • Guidance to Not-for-profit Investors for Impact

 

This is a service we offer to those n-f-p investors who would like to not-for-profit invest for impact in Africa’s not-for-profit organisations and charitable causes.

Briefly, Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisations and Not-for-profit Investors can be matched via Impact Advice on project planning for the former and Guidance on Impact Investing for the latter.  They can as well be advised on project appraisals.  To realise a successful match, some guidelines need to be followed.

 

• • Matching Guidelines

 

To carry out matching, one needs to know the profile of the organisation that is looking for not-for-profit  investment, the specification or description of the investor, and identification of possible ways of matching organisation’s profile and investor’s specification.

 

• • Outcomes of MOIvSESP

 

It is better to differentiate outcomes for not-for-profit investors from those relating to Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisations and Causes.

 

• • • Outcomes for Not-for-profit Investors

 

The activity will provide peace of mind for n-f-p investors and a good return in terms of education outcomes and the rate or size of educational poverty reduction they will expect from the organisations or causes in which they will invest or support.

 

• • • Outcomes for Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisations and Causes

 

The activity will enable them to access the type of investment they need and build the capacity they are lacking.  In doing so, this helps them to achieve their project aims, objectives and key deliverables with peace of mind.

 

• • Plan for 5-week Matching Activities

 

As part of CENFACS‘ Matching Organisation-Investor via a  Sustainable Educational System Project (MOIvSESP)we are running 5-week matching activities to support both educational charitable organisations and not-for-profit impact investors.  It is a 5-week work about Impact Advice Service for educational charitable organisations and Guidance Service on Impact Investing for not-for-profit investors.

The project is based on 5 Basic Components of eLearning Business Plan as suggested by ‘planpros.aid’ (12) and 5 Essential Stages of Sustainable Education System (SES) Project Life Cycle from an investor’s perspective as highlighted within the literature about SES.

The 5 Basic Components of eLearning Business Plan, which ASCO needs to consider are as follows:

 

Component one: eLearning Industry Analysis

Component two: Project Beneficiary Analysis

Component three: Marketing Analysis

Component four: Operations Analysis

Component five: Financial Analysis.

 

The 5 Essential Stages of Sustainable Education System (SES) Project Life Cycle from the investor’s perspective are:

 

Stage 1: Initiation and Feasibility

Stage 2: Planning and Design

Stage 3: Execution and Implementation

Stage 4: Monitoring and Reporting

Stage 5: Exit

 

We have adapted these components and phases to SES Project.

However, let us recognise that there could be more than five components or stages in any SES Project e-learning process and any  investment lifecycle.  Because we set up some boundaries by limiting ourselves to deliver this project in five weeks, we chose a five-stages model for SES investment lifecycle.

The project is designed to work with both those seeking not-for-profit impact investors and those who would like to invest in the not-for-profit educational charitable organisations and causes.  The following is our action plan.

 

Image

Note to table no. 1:

(*) Match periods are portions of time intended to help discover whether or not investors’ interests match organisations’ needs

 

If you want advice, help and support to find not-for-profit impact investors; CENFACS can work with you under this 5-week Matching Organisation-Investor via a SES Project, starting from 29 October 2025.

If you need guidance to outsource educational charitable organisations and causes in Africa; CENFACS can work with you under this 5-week Matching Organisation-Investor via a SES Project, starting from 29 October 2025.

It is worth saying that a charitable educational organisation has a fantastic chance to fulfil their winter dream of receiving a much-needed investment through these matching activities. Additionally, they are a lofty goal for a not-for-profit educational investor to locate wintertime tranquilly by impact investing in an appropriate organisation in Africa.

Need to engage with Matching Organisation-Investor via a SES Project, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• • 29/10/2025 to 04/11/2025: Activity 1 of MOIvSESP –

Matching Organisation-Impact Investor via eLearning Industry Analysis versus  Initiation and Feasibility Study

 

There are many scenarios in which an investor can invest in an organisation.  In our scenario or model of matching organisation-investor programme, we are trying to bring a potential impact investor in an Africa-based Sister Educational Charitable Organisation and/or Cause through two things:

 

a) The first component of ASCO’s eLearning Business Plan (component which is eLearning  Industry Analysis)

b) The first stage of SES Project lifecycle from the perspective of the Not-for-profit Transformational Investor (this first stage is Initiation and Feasibility Study).

 

We are trying to match what ASCO is offering as part of its business plan and what a transformational investor’s view on sustainable educational project lifecycle.

 

• • • Matching Organisation’s eLearning Industry Analysis with Not-for-profit Impact Investors’ View on Initiation and Feasibility Study

 

• • • • ASCO’s Approach to this First Activity

 

To approach this matching exercise, ASCO has to show that it has carried out e-learning industry analysis in Africa by sharing its findings on the following elements:

 

σ The adoption percentage of online learning platforms by educational institutions

σ The necessity of remote learning in Africa

σ The demand for personalised and self-paced learning experiences

σ The market for online courses and flexible learning options to cater for the diverse needs and preferences of students and schools in Africa

σ The spread level for the use of mobile devices and the availability of high-speed internet

σ The analysis on mobile learning or “mlearning”.

 

ASCO needs to have credible information about the above-mentioned items.  This is because the not-for-profit transformational investor may want to know the following:

 

σ How beneficiaries or users will access educational content at anytime and anywhere

σ The optimisation of ASCO’s platform for mobile devices and how ASCO will ensure seamless user experience across different devices (like mobile phones, laptops, PC , etc.)

σ If ASCO’s system will be regularly updated with emerging technologies and incorporating them into their e-learning solutions

σ If ASCO will build a robust e-learning platform that will be a user-friendly, scalable e-learning platform with essential features like course management, donation gateway integration, and beneficiary support mechanisms

σ That ASCO will ensure all technologies and beneficiary service processes will be operational and optimised for user experience.

 

• • • • Not-for-profit Investor’s Perspective on this First Activity

 

The transformational not-for-profit investor will want to identify that ASCO’s project has a clear purpose and is aligned with both the educational mission and budget.  He/she will check the project feasibility study that includes a life cycle costing analysis to assess long-term operational costs potential for energy efficiency and other sustainability factors.

As part of the key activities relating to the Project Initiation and Feasibility Study, the N-f-p Investor will verify if ASCO has

 

σ Defined the project scope and objectives, including social and environmental impacts

σ Identified project stakeholders and built relationships with them from the start

σ Assessed financial viability, potential fundraising streams, and long-term social return on investment

σ Confirmed alignment with investor’s values and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals.

 

ASCO needs to demonstrate that it handle the initiation and feasibility study properly.

In order to reach an agreement, ASCO needs to set the tone through its Business Description throughout the e-learning business plan.  It should convince any potential n-f-p impact investors that it is worth investing in the SES Project.

The n-f-p impact investor, who will be looking through ASCO’s Business Description, would like to get the first impression of ASCO’s business idea.  He/she wants to understand the core activities of the SES Project, the products or services it will offer and how it will benefit local people or ASCO’s project beneficiaries or users.

 

• • • • Matching Organisation’s eLearning Industry Analysis with Not-for-profit Impact Investors’ View on Initiation and Feasibility

 

ASCO needs to explain why it wants to develop an e-learning platform.  To do that, it needs to clearly define its project goals, target patient groups, and the functionalities of the platform.  It means ASCO has understood potential users’ needs and has analysed the competition.

As to the n-f-p impact investor, he/she may want to know the specific needs of ASCO’s technology for learning and the features and functionalities that will be included.  He/she wants to know its idea of creating a unique ecosystem of the e-learning.  He/she would like to be ensured that there will be a link between ASCO’s e-learning industry analysis with SES project initiation and feasibility (both technical and financial feasibility).

To enable this Activity 1 or first level of matching talks to move further, ASCO has to respond to the queries, enquiries and questions from the not-for-profit impact investors.

Briefly, the not-for-profit impact investors would like to be ensured that ASCO’s project goals are SMART enough and will be directed towards SES activities and education poverty reduction.  If this is the case, there will be a possibility to reach an agreement.

 

• • • Reaching an Agreement on the the Key Areas of the eLearning Industry Analysis as well as Initiation and Feasibility Study

 

The two sides (ASCO and the n-f-p impact investor) need to reach an agreement on the contents of ASCO’s e-learning industry analysis and n-f-p impact investor’s view on project initiation and feasibility.  If there is a disagreement between ASCO and n-f-p impact investor, this could open up the possibility for a match/fit test.  The match/fit test can be carried out to try to help the two sides of the matching process.  The match/fit test can also be undertaken if there is a disagreement on any of aspects of the SES Project.

 

 

• • • The Match or Fit Test

 

As part of the match or fit test, the contents of ASCO’s e-learning industry analysis must be matched with n-f-p impact investor’s view on project initiation and feasibility study.

The match test (or matched sampling) will help to increase the accuracy and statistical efficiency of the study of the SES Project by carefully selecting subjects for comparison.  The purpose here will be to increase the statistical efficiency of the study on SES Project by controlling for confounding variables when forming a sample.

The fit test will assist in determining how well the observed sample data matches a specified theoretical distribution.  The fit test will check if the data collected fits a model or an assumed population distribution.  So, the purpose of the fit test is to validate or invalidate the statistical model by checking if the sample data follows an expected distribution.

The match can be perfect or close (that is, when every unit is paired with an equivalent unit) in order to reach an agreement.  If there is a huge or glaring difference between the two (i.e., between what the investor’s approach to project initiation and feasibility study and what ASCO is saying about its e-learning industry analysis, between what the investor would like the e-learning industry analysis to indicate and what ASCO’s e-learning industry analysis is really saying), the probability or chance of having an agreement at this first round of negotiations could be null or uncertain.

 

• • • Impact Advice to ASCO and Guidance to n-f-p Impact Investor

 

Where there could be a disagreement, CENFACS can impact advise ASCO to improve the contents of its e-learning industry analysis.  CENFACS can as well guide n-f-p impact investors with impact to work out their expectations in terms of project initiation and feasibility study to a format that can be agreeable by potential ASCOs.

CENFACS’ impact advice for ASCOs and guidance on impact investing for n-f-p impact investor, which are impartial, will help each of them (i.e., investee and investor) to make informed decisions and to reduce or avoid the likelihood of any significant losses or misunderstandings or mismatches.

 

• • • The Rule of the Matching Game

 

The rule of the game is the more impact investors are attracted by ASCOs’ e-learning industry analysis the better for ASCOs.  It means that ASCO’s process must pass the attractiveness test (that is, the evaluation of market’s appeal).  Likewise, the more ASCOs can successfully respond to impact investors’ level of enquiries and queries about the SES Project the better for investors.  In this respect, the matching game needs to be a win-win one to benefit both players (i.e., investee and investor).

The above is the first Activity of the Matching Organisation-Investor via SES Project.

Those potential organisations seeking investment to set up a SES Project and n-f-p educational investors looking for organisations that are interested in their giving, they can contact CENFACS to arrange the match or fit test for them.  They can have their fit test carried out by CENFACS’ Hub for Testing Hypotheses.

 

• • • CENFACS’ Hub for Testing Hypotheses 

 

The Hub can help to use analysis tools to test assumptions and determine how likely something is within a given standard of accuracy.  The Hub can assist to

 

√ clean, merge and prepare micro-data sources for testing, modelling and analysis

√ conduct data management and administration

√ carry out regression analysis, estimate and test hypotheses

√ interpret and analyse patterns or trends or insights in data or results.

 

For any queries and/or enquiries about this first stage/activity of Matching Organisation-Investor via SES Project, please do not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

_________

 

 References

 

(1) https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20251001/auc-launched-decade-education-and-six-strategic-frameworks-pacted-2025 (accessed in October 2025)

(2) https://www.getaway.co.za/wildlife/critically-endangered-frog-species-named-after-south-african-scientist/ (accessed in October 2025)

(3) https://sociology.institute/sociology-of-development/alternative-development-approaches-theory-action/ (accessed in September 2025)

(4) https://auditingaccounting.com/alternative-economic-systems-types-characteristics-and-comaprisons (accessed in October 2025)

(5) https://www.koloo.at/en/2023/05/12/alternative-economies/ (accessed in October 2025)

(6) https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/09/what-is-the-social-and-solidarity-economy-a-review-of-concepts_4b3d724b/dbc78 (accessed in September 2025)

(7) https://socialchangeinnovators.com/content/what-is-the-social-and-solidarity-economy-a-review-of-concepts/ (accessed in October 2025)

(8) Andersen, L. L., Hulgärd, L. & Laville, J.-L., (2022), The Social and Solidarity Economy: Roots and Horizons at doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-81743-5_5 (In book: New Economies for Sustainability. Edition: Luise Li Langergaard. Publisher: Springer)

(9) https://wacsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Research-Report_Local-Giving-in-Africa.pdf (accessed in September 2025)

(10) https://africa.com/social-enterprises-could-hold-the-key-to-a-prosperous-and-equitable-future-for-africa/#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

(11) https://www.andreabocellifoundation.org/educational-poverty-definition-causes-and-strategies-for-change/ (accessed in October 2025)

(12) https://planpros.aid/busin-examples/technology/elearning-business-plan-template/ (accessed in October 2025)

_________

 

 Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

 

African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

22 October 2025

Post No. 427

 

Image

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• FACS, Issue No. 89, Autumn 2025, Issue Title: African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities – In Focus for Week Beginning 20/10/2025: Protecting Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa)

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 15/10/2025: Aid in Planning for Future Economic Crises

 

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• FACS, Issue No. 89, Autumn 2025, Issue Title: African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem

 

In the 88th Issue of FACS, it was about finding alternative funding sources so that African Charities could continue their mission of reducing poverty in Africa since foreign and international aid cuts forced them to look for alternatives, in particular to craft new funding and business models.  We are still working on alternative developments that would enable African Charities to deliver their mission.  We are approaching these alternative developments from the perspective of ‘sociology.institute’ (1), which explains that

“Alternative development models can be understood as a reaction to the limitations of traditional approaches.  These alternative models prioritise human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of local cultures”.

We are as well working on alternative economic systems.  Alternative economic systems can be understood, according to ‘auditingaccounting.com’ (2), as

“The different ways societies organise the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.  Each system has distinct structures, values and methods for managing resources.  Common economic systems include capitalism, socialism, communism, mixed economies, and traditional economies.  Each system influences economic activity and social outcomes differently, reflecting diverse approaches to resource management and societal goals”.

In addition, there are newly emerging alternative economic forms in which we are interested.  Among these emerging forms, ‘koloo.at’ (3) names these three ones: the donut economy, the common good economy, and the post-growth economy (or degrowth).

These alternative development models, economic systems and forms have contributed to the shaping of the 89th Issue of FACS.

In the 89th Issue of FACS, it is about going beyond the limitations of traditional economic approaches by dealing with alternative economies or spaces that can be favourable to African Charities, particularly CENFACS‘ Africa-based Sister Organisations (ASOs), not only to keep on reducing poverty, but to possibly end it in Africa.  The 89th Issue draws its contents from alternative economies.  There are many alternative economies or spaces.  The alternative economy or space that we are interested in is the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE).  What is SSE?

There are various definitions of SSE.  Without listing all them, let us refer to the one given by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (4); definition which is:

“The SSE is an economic formation that aims to improve the quality of life of a region or community based on solidarity.  It seeks to address and transform exploitation under capitalist economics and the large-corporation, large-shareholder-dominated economy”.

SSE operates in specific place or region.  We are interested in SSE that operates in Africa, that is Africa’s ecosystem of SEE.  The Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem (SSEE) is perceived here from the perspective of ‘socialchangeinnovators.com’ (5) as

“A framework that clarifies the core notions of the social and solidarity economy, along with related concepts such as social economy, social enterprise, and social innovation.  It aims to explain what these concepts are and understand how they have evolved in recent decades”.

The 89th Issue is about how African Charities can stand out of the crowd from the structural advantages of SSE models or ecosystems.  Among these advantages are job creation, community-driven capital flows, systems alignment, collective ownership, democratic-making, and solidarity-based relationships within various organisations making the SSE.  As Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (6) put it,

“Solidarity economy is a heterospace for economic activities and solidarity economic relations to people’s interactions when building the livelihood”.

For Africa’s SSE Ecosystem to function as heterospace it requires that entities engaged in economic, social and environmental activities in it have interactions and exchanges between them while serving the collective and/or general interest.

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (7) states that

“The African Development Bank estimates that local giving could contribute up to US $400 billion to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product by 2030″.

Likewise, ‘africa.com’ (8) argues that

“Across Sub-Saharan Africa, social enterprises are estimated to directly create between 28 and 41 million jobs”.

Despite the lack of dedicated statistical frameworks hindering precise measurement, the above-mentioned estimated figures highlight the significant potential of domestic philanthropic and charitable efforts to fuel SSE as well as reduce poverty in Africa. African Charities play and can play a key role in the SSE by focusing on community well-being and social impact over profit, bridging service gaps by providing essential services like care, creating inclusive environments, and fostering democratic governance within the SSE ecosystem.

The 89th Issue refers to the key theoretical underpinnings of the SSE which reject pure profit-maximisation to favour social impact and human values.  It also refers to theories of equity, promotion, democracy and sustainability.  Some of these theories that reject pure profit-maximisation have been highlighted by Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (op. cit.) who mention Karl Polanyi in these terms:

“The economy theory offered by Karl Polanyi claims that economic systems based upon the collaborative elements of reciprocity and redistribution historically precedes that of the utilitarian approach to the market”.

They also refer to the democratic theory developed by thinkers like Jurgen Habermas and John Dewey.

The 89th Issue takes into account SSE models or ecosystems which include cooperatives, mutuals, associations, non-profits, social enterprises and fair trade initiatives; while approaching ASOs in terms of the dynamism they can bring to SSE for a systemic transformation of the current economic system to system that favours poverty reduction.

Because SSE models or ecosystems provide an environment for alternative forms of capital, the 89th Issue investigates how ASOs can benefit from alternative funding sources stemming from SSE space in Africa.  It also considers ASOs capital structure, deployment and measurement in Africa.

Since there is the primacy of people and social purpose over capital as one of they key values of SSE, the 89th Issue is the experience of alignment of capital flows with impact into African Charities with social value creation and the needs of their users.

Africa’s shift to the social economy implies African Charities to participate in strategic move towards scalable, inclusive and future-ready systems.  The 89th Issue provides the feelings of African Charities about their experience in this move and how it will affect their project beneficiaries.

SSEEs are also thought to be community-embedded economic models and areas underserved by formal systems.  The 89th Issue examines how the participation of ASOs in Africa’s SSEE helps meet the needs of those living in informal economy.

Far from being an exposé on Africa’s new experience about SSE, the 89th Issue explores ASOs’ attempt to build independence from perpetual grants system in order to improve their participation in SSEE in Africa while delivering their mission in a space that is inclusive, scalable and future-oriented.

To get further insights into the Issue No. 89, please read the summaries presented under the Main Development section of this post.

 

Image

 

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities – In Focus for Week Beginning 20/10/2025: Protecting Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa)

 

To help Protect Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa), we have composed our note around the following headings:

 

σ What is Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa)?

σ The conservation status of Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa)

σ What can be done to Protect Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa).  

 

In addition, we shall provide the themed activity we have planned for this week.  This themed activity is about Discovering Local Amphibian Population.

Let us look at each of the headings of this note.

 

• • What Is Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa)?

 

Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa) is a tiny critically endangered frog species native to the Klein Swartberg Mountain in South Africa.  It is known for its rough, granular skin, which provides excellent camouflage in its habitat of seeps and wet areas, and it faces significant threats from invasive plants and habitat loss.

 

• • The Conservation Status of Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa)

 

Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa) is listed as Critically Endangered due its extremely limited range and severe threats.  According to Hannah Steiner (9),

“One of the most pressing threats to frogs today is the chytrid fungus, a deadly skin fungus that has moved across the globe causing amphibian declines in Australia, South America, North America, Central America, New Zealand, Europe, and Africa killing frogs by the millions.   The chytrid fungus is responsible for over 100 frog and other amphibian species extinctions since the 1970’s”.

Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa) experiences threats due to its habitat degradation from invasive plants, such as pine and hakea, which alter the hydrology of the seepages and increase the frequency of intense fires.  Intense and unplanned fires are another major threat.

 

• • What Can Be Done to Protect Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa)

 

To protect Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa), there are many types actions that can be taken and that can be grouped under conservationist and public actions.

 

# Conservationist actions include the following:

 

σ Controlled ecological burns to manage its habitat

σ Creativity firebreaks

σ Establishing contract nature reserves to protect critical areas.

 

# Public actions, which can help all frogs, can involve:

 

σ Creating backyard ponds

σ Providing national cover like logs and leaves

σ Avoiding pesticides

σ Protecting local wetlands

Etc.

 

Both conservationist and public actions are complementary in order to protect Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa). 

Besides that, one can donate to causes relating to the protection of Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa).

The above actions are the few ones.  There is more that can be done to protect Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa).   To stay within the scope of this note, we can limit ourselves to the above-mentioned actions or steps to Protect Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa).

 

Image

 

• • Add-on Activity of the Week’s Campaign: Discover Local Amphibian Population

 

This discovery can be done by undertaking the following:

 

σ Searching for native species in local habitats like ponds and wetlands (by looking for frogspawn or toadspawn in the water, as well as in the back gardens where toads can be found);

σ Checking with national organisations like the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation or the National Amphibian Survey;

σ Consulting publicly available science databases.

 

You can as well report on your findings or share your sightings so that other people can find amphibians.

 

Those who may be interested in taking part in this discovery themed activity can contact CENFACS.

To find out more about the entire “A la une” Campaign and Themed Activities, please communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 15/10/2025: Aid in Planning for Future Economic Crises

 

Aid in Planning for Future Economic Crises is the fourth long-term campaign action of our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living.  To tackle this campaign action, let us start with the types of long-term economic crises that the people who are suffering from high costs of living may face, then look at what strategies they can use to plan for these future economic crises.

 

• • Long-term Economic Crises 

 

Long-term Economic Crises could stem from escalating trade tensions, financial market adjustments, policy shifts, and growing government and private debt. In its 20th Edition of The Global Risks Report 2025, The World Economic Forum (10) provides the following economic risks over a 2- and 10-year horizon:

 

Asset bubble burst, concentration of strategic resources and technologies, crime and illicit economic activity, inflation, debt, disruptions to a systematically important supply chain, disruptions to critical infrastructure, economic downturn, talent and/or labour shortages. 

 

The World Economic Forum also mentions other risks that one may consider as they may have economic content or connotation.

Other potential risks include geopolitical instability, climate-related shocks, and technological disruptions, such as supply chain issues or cyberattacks.  Experts also point to long-term pressures like aging populations and rising health and pension costs as significant risk factors.

Both 2- and 10-year period risks can exacerbate the existing cost-of-living crisis and poverty.  That is why it makes sense to have strategies to deal with these future or long-term economic crises or risks.

 

• • Strategies to Aid in Planning for Future Economic Crises

 

To aid in planning for future economic crises, households can implement the following strategies:

 

σ Budgeting: Track income and expenses, set saving goals, and regularly review and adjust the budget as necessary;

σ Emergency fund: Create an emergency fund that ideally covers three to six months of living expenses and is used only for true emergencies;

σ Financial awareness: Stay informed about economic conditions by reading financial views, signing up for financial newsletters, and following economic indicators like interest rates, inflation and unemployment rates;

σ Financial preparedness: Develop a financial safety net by building an emergency fund, investing wisely, and managing debt;

σ Crisis support: Seek discretionary crisis support/help if your are eligible.

 

These strategies, which may not be exhaustive, can help households planning for future crises to navigate financial uncertainties and maintain their living when future crises strike.

Those who will be interested in this fourth campaign action and would like to join it, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who have any enquiries and or queries about Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions, they can address them to CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• Happening on 27 and 28 October 2025: Making Memorable Positive Difference (MM+D) Project – In Focus: History of Africa’s Green Industry

• The State of Play, Run and Vote 2025

• CENFACS’ Climate Talks Follow-up Project & International System for Poverty Reduction (World Anti-poverty System)

 

Image

 

• Happening on 27 and 28 October 2025: Making Memorable Positive Difference (MM+D) Project – In Focus: History of Africa’s Green Industry

 

There will be Two Days of the History of Africa’s Green Industry as follows:

 

∝ One day of identifying and profiling historical African figures (including green industry activists and advocates) in Africa’s green industrial sector

∝ One day of assessing the historical role of green industry in reducing green poverty and in enhancing sustainable industrial development in Africa.

 

Let us summarise the contents of each day’s work.

 

Image

 

• • Day of Heritage/Patrimony/Industrialists/Activists/Advocates (27 October 2025): History of Those Who Shaped the Green Industry in Africa

 

On the first day of our MM+D, which is the Heritage and Patrimony Day, we shall remember those talented and skilful African industrialists, activists, and advocates of green industry for their admirable green and sustainable skills and techniques, which were passed on to other generations.  It is the day of learning a brief outline or sketch in terms of their profiles and their historical green and sustainable industrial development work.

Through the study of their profiles and green industrial work, it will be possible to know the kind of role they played or did not play in the development of green industry in Africa.  They are part of Africa’s heritage and patrimony as they represent Africa’s historic green industry traditions and Africa’s wealth,  that transcends many eras and was passed on to other generations.

Since we are in 2025 as the Year of African Cultural and HeritageHeritage and Patrimony Day of MM+D will also be about looking at the links between Africa’s culture and the green industry, between Africa’s heritage and the green industry.

The links between Africa’s culture and the green industry will be about emphasizing sustainable practices rooted in traditional knowledge, like sustainable agriculture and resource management, and the adoption of new technologies that align with cultural values of community and resilience in Africa.   It is also about how green policies were fitted into Africa’s culture; policies that leverage Africa’s vast natural and human resources to develop green value chains in sectors like renewable energy, green construction, and agriculture, aiming for both climate action and economic development to address challenges such as poverty and food security.

The connections between Africa’s heritage and the green industry will consist of acknowledging Africa’s rich heritage which is associated with the green industry through its abundant renewable energy sources and critical minerals, which are essential for the global clean energy transition, as well as through the potential to develop local, sustainable economies.  This heritage also includes traditional knowledge of land and resource management which can inform sustainable practices and community-led conservation efforts, fostering both ecological health and economic development.

 

Image

 

• •  Legacies and Gifts Day (28 October 2025): The Historical Role of Green Industry in Reducing Green Poverty and in Enhancing Sustainable Industrial Development in Africa

 

On the Legacies and Gifts Day of MM+D, we shall learn what was handed on to the current generations in terms of knowledge and techniques to reduce green poverty and enhance sustainable industrial development in Africa by the industrialists, green activists and advocates of the past.  We shall as well recollect in our memory what these past green industry players gave to today’s green economy and industrial development in Africa.  In other words, we shall study the legacies and gifts of green industry in reducing green poverty and creating green wealth in Africa.

Still on the Legacies and Gifts Day of MM+D, we shall discuss the legacies of Africa’s growing green industry in terms of sustainable industrial development.  Its legacies include a shift in the global narrative of Africa, increased economic opportunities in green sectors, enhanced energy security, and the potential for a sustainable industrial development that leverages vast renewable resources.  We shall as well talk about the gifts that African green industry offers.  In particular, emphasis will be put on the gifts of sustainable growth, green poverty reduction, and job creation by focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and eco-tourism; leveraging Africa’s natural resources to achieve economic development without environmental degradation.

The above is this year’s MM+D theme.  To engage with this theme and or support this project, please contact CENFACS on this site. 

 

Image

 

• The State of Play, Run and Vote 2025

 

• • What Is the State of Play, Run and Vote?

 

It is an annual report on the situation of CENFACS’ three All Year Round Projects or Triple Value Initiatives (that is; Play, Run and Vote Projects).  This situation is normally provided by all those who are using these projects or initiatives through the information or data they give on how their individual project is doing.  It is more than just telling us your 3 bests of the year in terms of Play, Run and Vote Projects.

 

• • How to Contribute to This Year’s State of Play, Run and Vote

 

Let us summarise the way of contributing to each project.

 

• • • Playing CENFACS’ Poverty Relief League

 

If you are playing CENFACS’ Poverty Relief League as part of your Play project, you could let us know the teams that are in the league, the points each has scored so far, their performance, the top performer, etc.   You could as well update us about any upcoming events relating to your play or reveal any new games/tournaments  you have in mind.

So, your State of Pay refers to the current status or progress of your Play project including a series of carried out games with scores and incoming fixtures.

 

• • • Running for Poverty Reduction

 

If you are Running for Poverty Reduction, you could share with us you state of running which could contain things such as the number of race runners, the popularity of your Run project, out/indoor activities you undertook, your running statistics, the fastest runners for your Run project, etc.  You can mention the benefits of running and running participation as well.

Summarily, your State of Running Report indicates the overall runners’ participation, the interest from non-runners, and trend about the category of runners for those who choose to run in group.

 

• • • Voting Your International Development and Poverty Reduction Manager of 2025

 

If you are in the process of Voting Your International Development and Poverty Reduction Manager of 2025, you could mention the number of voting intentions, the course of actions you are taking to choose among several possible alternative options and competing candidates.  The goal is to find the best fit for the role based on skills, experience, and cultural alignment.  You can explain your selection criteria and the way you screen candidates against this criteria.

You could also inform us if your votes are rational or irrational, if you use social choice theory, your voting system, the rules of voting and how you will reach your decision on International Development and Poverty Reduction Manager of 2025.

Briefly, your State of Voting is the series of steps you take to choose the most suitable candidate to be the best International Development and Poverty Reduction Manager of 2025.  

If you use orange, blue, brown, green and grey spaces as social prescribings in your Play or Run or Vote project; you could also share this information with us to make the State of Play, Run and Vote 2025.

The above exemplifies how one can contribute to this year’s State of Play, Run and Vote.  To share your contribution, please do not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

 

 

• CENFACS’ Climate Talks Follow-up Project & International System for Poverty Reduction (World Anti-poverty System)

 

We are continuing to jointly work our Climate Talks Follow-up Project and our Campaign for an International System for Poverty Reduction (or World Anti-poverty System) as we are preparing to follow next month’s global climate talks (COP30).

Our Climate Talks Follow-up Project is still in Phase 3.4. which is known as Taking Climate Protection and Stake for African Children at the Implementation Level with Implementation Sub-phase.

We are look at how COP30 priorities could be enhanced if we had an International System for Poverty Reduction (or World Anti-poverty System).  What are those COP30 priorities we are talking about?

 

• • COP30 Priorities

 

Amongst the priorities, we can mention the following three ones:

 

σ Accelerating the implementation of climate solutions

σ Reinforcing multilateralism and cooperation

σ Connecting climate change to people’s daily lives and economies.

 

• • Enhancement of COP30 Priorities within an International System for Poverty Reduction (or World Anti-poverty System)

 

Regarding the acceleration of the implementation of climate solutions, if the world (and Africa in it) had a Word Anti-poverty System, there would be more and better opportunities in green energy for the poor, increased agricultural resilience, and the provision of more essential services like clean energy access for the poor.

Concerning the reinforcement of multilateralism and cooperation, if the world (and Africa in it) had a Word Anti-poverty System, technical and financial assistance, policy support, and trade facilitation would increase with the prospect of lifting more people out of poverty.

With respect to connecting climate change to people’s daily lives and economies, if the world (and Africa in it) had a Word Anti-poverty System, climate protection of livelihoods, the creation new opportunities and climate resilience of poor communities would be made much easier.

 

CENFACS‘ WAS (World Anti-poverty System) Campaign includes this enhancement, which system reforms of global institutions can help better achieve.  CENFACS always campaign for an International System for Poverty Reduction, which does not exist, to serve the poor and bridge the gap in the institutions of Bretton Woods.

An International System for Poverty Reduction is the missing piece from these institutions.  System reforms, like the ones to the global financial architecture and others, will help to mobilise and channel both funds and technologies for climate transitions in places (like Africa) where these transitions are unaffordable.  Much better, an International System for Poverty Reduction will level up the plain field by providing voices and spaces for the poor to win the battle against poverty including poverty induced by climate change.

If you believe in reforming the global institutional architecture and in a new International System for Poverty Reduction, you can support our joint work on Following Climate Talks and Setting up a New International System for Poverty Reduction (or World Anti-poverty System).

To support, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Message in English-French (Message en Anglais-Français)

 

• CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum E-discusses Economic Wars and Poverty Reduction in Africa

To introduce this e-discussion, let us provide the definition of economic war. What is economic war?

According to ‘britannica.com’ (11),

“Economic warfare [refers to] the use of, or the threat to use, economic means against a country in order to weaken its economy and thereby reduce its political and military power.  Economic warfare also includes the use of economic means to compel an adversary to change its policies or behaviour or to undermine its ability to conduct normal relations with other countries.  Some common means of economic warfare are trade embargoes, boycotts, sanctions, tariff discrimination, the freezing of capital assets, the suspension of aid, the prohibition of investment and other capital flows, and expropriation”.

From this definition, it is possible to argue that some of the wars that happened in Africa can be treated as economic wars as well.

For instance, the trade disputes between nations such as the prolonged milk trade war between Kenya and Zambia, or conflict economies (that is, conflicts fuelled by control over natural resources) like the Democratic Republic of Congo’s second war and the current conflicts in its eastern part (Kivu region), or resource-driven conflicts (e.g., North and South Sudan conflicts which were driven by the control of oil resources) can be interpreted as economic wars.

These economic wars can have impacts on the work of poverty reduction in Africa.  Indeed, economic wars under various forms – like wars of aggression, civil wars, and conflict involving external powers – can lead to severe economic contraction, increased poverty, and unemployment levels.  These conflicts disrupt key sectors, exacerbate poverty and reduce the potential for economic growth.  This is let alone the human toll in terms of casualties and fatalities.  Our e-discussion is about them, about their impacts on the work of poverty in Africa where these economic wars happened.

The above is what our e-discussion is about.  Those who may be interested in this discussion can join our poverty reduction pundits and/or contribute by contacting CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum, which is a forum for discussion on poverty reduction and sustainable development issues in Africa and which acts on behalf of its members by making proposals or ideas for actions for a better Africa.

To contact CENFACS about this discussion, please use our usual contact address on this website.

 

• Le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS discute en ligne des Guerres Economiques et la Réduction de la Pauvreté en Afrique

Pour introduire cette discussion en ligne, fournissons la définition de la guerre économique. Qu’est-ce qu’une guerre économique ?

Selon ‘britannica.com’ (11),

« La guerre économique [se réfère à] l’utilisation ou la menace d’utilisation de moyens économiques contre un pays afin d’affaiblir son économie et ainsi réduire son pouvoir politique et militaire. La guerre économique inclut également l’utilisation de moyens économiques pour contraindre un adversaire à changer ses politiques ou son comportement, ou pour saper sa capacité à entretenir des relations normales avec d’autres pays. Parmi les moyens courants de guerre économique figurent les embargos commerciaux, les boycotts, les sanctions, la discrimination tarifaire, le gel des actifs financiers, la suspension de l’aide, l’interdiction d’investissement et d’autres flux de capitaux, ainsi que l’expropriation. »

À partir de cette définition, il est possible de soutenir que certaines des guerres qui ont eu lieu en Afrique peuvent également être considérées comme des guerres économiques.

Par exemple, les différends commerciaux entre nations tels que la guerre prolongée du commerce du lait entre le Kenya et la Zambie, ou les économies de conflit (c’est-à-dire les conflits alimentés par le contrôle des ressources naturelles) comme la seconde guerre de la République Démocratique du Congo et les conflits actuels dans sa partie orientale (région du Kivu), ou les conflits liés aux ressources (par exemple, les conflits entre le Soudan du Nord et le Soudan du Sud qui étaient alimentés par le contrôle des ressources pétrolières) peuvent être interprétés comme des guerres économiques.

Ces guerres économiques peuvent avoir des impacts sur le travail de réduction de la pauvreté en Afrique.  En effet, les guerres économiques sous diverses formes – comme les guerres d’agression, les guerres civiles et les conflits impliquant des puissances extérieures – peuvent entraîner une contraction économique sévère, une augmentation de la pauvreté et du chômage. Ces conflits perturbent les secteurs clés, aggravent la pauvreté et réduisent le potentiel de croissance économique. Cela sans parler du coût humain en termes de victimes et de pertes en vies humaines. Notre discussion en ligne porte sur ces guerres et sur leurs impacts sur les efforts de lutte contre la pauvreté en Afrique, là où ces guerres économiques ont eu lieu.

Ce qui précède est le sujet de notre discussion en ligne.  Ceux ou celles qui pourraient être intéressé(e)s par cette discussion peuvent se joindre à nos experts en réduction de la pauvreté et/ou contribuer en contactant le ‘me.Afrique’ du CENFACS (ou le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS), qui est un forum de discussion sur les questions de réduction de la pauvreté et de développement durable en Afrique et qui agit au nom de ses membres en faisant des propositions ou des idées d’actions pour une Afrique meilleure.

Pour contacter le CENFACS au sujet de cette discussion, veuillez utiliser nos coordonnées habituelles sur ce site Web.

 

Image

 

Main Development

 

FACS, Issue No. 89, Autumn 2025, Issue Title: African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem

 

The contents and key summaries of the 89th Issue of FACS are given below.

 

• • Contents and Pages

 

I. Key Terms Relating to the 89th Issue of FACS (Page 2)

II. Theories Used in the 89th Issue of FACS (Page 2)

II. African Charities as Difference Makers from Structural Advantages of Africa’s New SSEE  (Page 3)

III. African Charities’ Participation in Africa’s SSEE and Strategic Move (Page 3)

IV. The Potential Effects of Domestic Philanthropic Efforts and African Charities’ Actions on Africa’s SSEE and Poverty Reduction  (Page 4)

V. African Charities, Capital Flows Alignment, Social Value Creation and Users’ Needs (Page 4)

VI. Comment les Organisations Soeurs Basées en Afrique (OSBA) peuvent tenter de construire leur indépendence financière au sein de l’écosystème africain de l’économie sociale et solidaire (EESSA) par rapport au système de subventions perpétuelles (Page 5)

VII.  Comment les Organisations Sœurs Basées en Afrique peuvent jouer leur rôle au sein de l’EESSA pour desservir les zones mal couvertes par les systèmes formels (Page 6)

VIII. Survey, Testing Hypotheses, E-questionnaire and E-discussion on SSE (Page 7)

IX. Support, Tool and Metrics, Information and Guidance on SSE (Page 8)

X. Workshop, Focus Group and Booster Activity about SSE (Page 9)

XI. Giving and Project (Page 10)

 

• • Key Summaries

 

Please find below the key summaries relating to the 89th Issue of FACS from page 2 to page 10.

 

• • • Key Terms Relating to the 89th Issue of FACS (Page 2)

 

There are three terms used in the context of this Issue of FACS.  These terms are African charities, social and solidarity economy (SSE), and SSE ecosystem.  Let us briefly explain these key terms.

 

• • • • African charities

 

To explain African charities, let us first clarify the word ‘charity’.  Our explanation of this word comes from ‘howcharitieswork.com’ (12) which provides three statements, which are:

 

a) A charity’s aims have to fall into categories that the law says are charitable

b) It has to be established exclusively for what is known as public benefit

c) Charities can’t make profits (that is; all the money they raise has to go towards achieving their aims; a charity can’t have owners or shareholders who benefit from it)”.

 

The term African charities relate to charities from Africa.  We presume that our African counterpart charities would share the above-mentioned rules for charity.  We also assume that the law in African countries would classify the African charities we are talking about as charitable as it is in the UK.

 

Image

 

• • • • Social and Solidarity Economy

 

There are various definitions of SSE.  Without listing all them, let us refer to the one given by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (op. cit.); definition which is:

“The SSE is an economic formation that aims to improve the quality of life of a region or community based on solidarity.  It seeks to address and transform exploitation under capitalist economics and the large-corporation, large-shareholder-dominated economy”.

This type of economic formation also exists in Africa.  In February 2025, African Union (13) through its Heads of State adopted the continent’s first 10-year Strategy on the Social and Solidarity Economy.  Like any SSE, Africa’s SSE comprises social enterprises, cooperatives, mutuals and mission-driven organisations pursuing social, environmental and economic goals in tandem rather than as a trade-off.  And African Charities are part of this new economy or space created in Africa; a space for societal action, social enterprise or social entrepreneurial and charitable activities.

We are interested in Africa’s ecosystem of SSE.  What is SSE ecosystem?

 

• • • • Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Ecosystem

 

A SSE Ecosystem is a network of interconnected organisations and individuals that prioritizes social and environmental goals over profit.  The ecosystem includes cooperatives, associations, and social enterprises that operate on principles like cooperation, solidarity, and democratic governance to meet collective needs and build a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable economy.

As ‘eurocities.eu’ (14) puts it,

“SSE ecosystems are an evolutionary step forward from standard social enterprises: rather than focusing solely on promoting a social goal they also involve collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and resources between organisations as well as co-design and consultation with citizens and civil society organisations”.

The above-named three key terms shape the contents of the 89th Issue of FACS.  However, theories are also required to explain the relationships between the contents of the 89th Issue of FACS.

 

• • • Theories Used in the 89th Issue of FACS (Page 2)

 

The 89th Issue uses the theories of the SSE that emphasize that it is a paradigm where organisations prioritize social and environmental goals over profit, using cooperatives, associations and solidarity-based relations to achieve collective well-being and reassert social control over the economy.

Key theoretical underpinnings include theories of Social Capital and Collective Action, which highlight the importance of strong social networks and community participation, and Convention Theory which analyses the different values and norms that guide SSE organisations and their role in transforming established economic systems.

So, the 89th Issue utilises Social Capital theoretical framework which emphasises how the strength of relationships and networks within a community (like the CENFACS Community) can enable individuals (here CENFACS members) to achieve collective goals that would be impossible alone.  The 89th Issue also relies on Convention Theory, which helps analyse the shared values and norms within SSE organisations and their political dimension, explaining how organisations can challenge and transform existing economic structures by promoting different logics of decision-making.

These key theoretical frameworks help in understanding the contents of the 89th Issue.

 

• • • African Charities as Difference Makers from Structural Advantages of Africa’s New SSEE  (Page 3)

 

African Charities could make a positive difference from the structural advantages of Africa’s new SSEE.  They can do it by leveraging their unique roles and contributions in Africa.  There is a number they can do it, in particular via the following:

 

σ Service delivery: by working together with statutory bodies and other SSE entities to deliver services

σ Advocacy: by speaking for social justice, systemic change and policy that benefits everyone

σ Community empowerment: by providing resources and support, fostering social cohesion, and promoting economic development

σ Local engagement: by directly engaging with those who are hardest to reach, fostering trust and building social networks.

 

Summarily, they could create sustainable jobs and help in community-driven capital flows as most of these charities work with disadvantaged sections of the population.  They can as well assist in systems alignment, collective ownership, democratic-making and solidarity-based relationships with other organisations or entities making Africa’s SSEE.

 

• • • African Charities’ Participation in Africa’s SSEE and Strategic Move  (Page 3)

 

African Charities’ participation in strategic move towards scalable, inclusive and future-ready systems involves engaging diverse stakeholders in the development and implementation of strategies that address the needs and aspirations of the community or organisation.  This process is crucial for ensuring that the strategies are not only effective but also resonate with and are supported by the people they aim to serve.

Key aspects of participation in strategic moves include inclusivity, participatory planning, sustainable growth, and digital engagement.  So, this participation in strategic moves will help African Charities to create scalable, inclusive and future-ready systems.

 

• • • The Potential Effects of Domestic Philanthropic Efforts and African Charities’ Actions on Africa’s SSEE and Poverty Reduction   (Page 4)

 

Domestic philanthropic efforts and African Charities’ actions can significantly fuel Africa’s SSEE by the following:

 

σ Promoting social justice (advocating for social and ecological justice)

σ Enhancing community engagement (fostering connections between individuals and groups)

σ Supporting grassroots organisations (as African Charities and philanthropic networks can direct resources to grassroots organisations)

σ Encouraging public participation (promoting public participation in addressing social issues like poverty)

σ Creating a supportive environment (helping social movements and allies

Etc.

 

• • • African Charities, Capital Flows Alignment, Social Value Creation and Users’ Needs   (Page 4)

 

Africa’s New SSEE provides the possibility to align capital flows with impact into African Charities with social value creation and the needs of their users.  This alignment is about ensuring that the resources of African Charities are aligned with their strategic goals and objectives.  In doing so, this alignment will improve decision-making, enhanced collaboration, and increased innovation.

The capital alignment can help African Charities achieve high performance, efficiency, and value creation, while also fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork.  It is also about ensuring that finance remains a force for positive, measurable impact.

Briefly, the alignment will enable African Charities to create supportive environment for experimentation, learning, and risk-taking, and can facilitate the diffusion and adoption of best practices, new technologies and new business models.

 

Image

 

• • • Comment les Organisations Soeurs Basées en Afrique (OSBA) peuvent tenter de construire leur indépendence financière au sein de l’écosystème africain de l’économie sociale et solidaire (EESSA) par rapport au système de subventions perpétuelles (Page 5)

 

Les OSBA peuvent construire leur indépendance financière vis-à-vis du système de subventions permanentes en explorant diverses sources de financement alternatives et en développant de nouveaux modèles économiques. Pour ce faire, elles doivent élaborer certaines stratégies, qui peuvent inclure les éléments suivants :

σ Philanthropie locale : en s’engageant avec les communautés et organisations locales pour collecter des fonds et soutenir des projets qui correspondent à leur mission;

σ Investissement à impact social : en investissant dans des projets qui créent une valeur sociale à long terme, tels que l’éducation, la santé et la durabilité environnementale, ce qui peut attirer des investisseurs et des donateurs;

σ Contributions de la diaspora : en tirant parti des ressources financières des membres de la diaspora africaine pour soutenir leurs communautés et projets d’origine;

σ Entreprises sociales auto-suffisantes : (en créant des branches commerciales qui génèrent des revenus tout en répondant à des problématiques sociales telles que la microfinance ou le tourisme communautaire);

σ Financement participatif et obligations sociales : (en utilisant des plateformes de financement participatif et des obligations sociales pour collecter des fonds auprès d’un large éventail de soutiens, y compris des individus, des entreprises et des gouvernements).

En résumé, les OSBA peuvent profiter de leur présence dans l’EESSA pour diversifier leurs sources de financement et développer des modèles caritatifs innovants. Elles peuvent réduire leur dépendance aux subventions et créer une base financière plus durable pour leurs activités.

 

• • • Comment les Organisations Sœurs Basées en Afrique peuvent jouer leur rôle au sein de l’EESSA pour desservir les zones mal couvertes par les systèmes formels  (Page 6)

 

Les OSBA peuvent jouer leur rôle en abordant divers défis tels que la pauvreté, les soins de santé, l’éducation et les problèmes environnementaux. En particulier, elles peuvent servir ces communautés mal desservies ou non desservies par les moyens clés suivants :

σ Programmes d’autonomisation : en veillant à ce que les personnes et les communautés qu’ils servent ou avec lesquelles ils travaillent puissent se soutenir elles-mêmes sans aide extérieure ;

σ Connaissances locales : en s’appuyant sur les connaissances locales pour mettre en œuvre des solutions efficaces et durables qui résonnent avec les contextes culturels et sociaux des communautés qu’ils servent ;

σ Engagement communautaire : en favorisant l’engagement et l’autonomisation des communautés en travaillant en étroite collaboration avec les populations locales pour identifier des besoins spécifiques et adapter les interventions en conséquence ;

σ Pratiques informelles de don : dans de nombreuses cultures africaines, le don est une tradition profondément enracinée, mettant l’accent sur le bien-être collectif et le soin mutuel ; une pratique qui peut être mise à profit pour créer un environnement favorable aux initiatives caritatives ;

σ Plaidoyer et influence sur les politiques : en s’engageant dans le plaidoyer pour sensibiliser et mobiliser les communautés, influençant les changements de politiques qui soutiennent la réduction de la pauvreté et une croissance équitable.

Ainsi, sur la base des principes de coopération volontaire, de gouvernance démocratique, d’autonomie et de primauté des personnes et de l’objectif social sur le capital, les organisations sœurs basées en Afrique peuvent jouer leur rôle au sein de l’EESSA pour servir les zones peu ou pas desservies par les systèmes formels.

 

 

• • •  Survey, Testing Hypotheses, E-questionnaire and E-discussion on SSE (Page 7)

 

• • • • Survey on people’s experience of SSE

 

The survey is on how people know well about SSE services.

The purpose of this survey is to collect information from a sample of our Africa-based Sister Organisations and community members regarding their perception on SSE services.  It is also about the feelings of African Charities about their experience in this move of Africa’s new SSEE and how it will affect their project beneficiaries.

Participation to this survey is voluntary.

As part of the survey, we are running a questionnaire which contains some questions.  Two of these questions are:

 

Q1: Do you join a community of practice where peers can learn and unlearn together, share experiences and insights about SSE services?

Q2: Will the participation of African Charities in Africa’s SSEE help better meet the needs of those living in informal economy?

 

You can respond and directly send your answer to CENFACS.

 

 

• • • • Testing hypotheses about SSE

 

SSE hypotheses centre on transforming economies to be more people-centred, equitable, and environmentally conscious by prioritizing human needs, social goals, and collective action over profit maximisation.  Among SSE hypotheses are fostering social cohesion and building community resilience.  Fostering social cohesion is about strengthening social bonds, creating social capital and enhancing engagement within communities.  Building community resilience refer to the fostering of capacity and capability to withstand crises and address shared needs.

For those of our members who would like to dive deep into hypotheses surrounding SSE, they can test the inference of the following hypotheses:

 

a.1) Null hypothesis (Ho): SSE promotes social cohesion between a charity’s members

a.2) Alternative hypothesis (H1): SSE does not promote social cohesion between a charity’s members

b.1) Null hypothesis (Ho): SSE helps community members to build community resilience

b.2) Alternative hypothesis (H1): SSE does not help community members to build community resilience.

 

The above tests are for those of our members who would like to dive deep into SSE.  In order to conduct these tests, one needs data.

 

• • • • E-question on your view about achieving greater equity and inclusion through SSE

 

It is great for Africa to have its first 10-year Strategy on the Social and Solidarity Economy.    One of these questions is:

 

Q: How can African Charities use the mechanism of SSEE to overcome inequalities and foster inclusion for the members of society where these charities operate in Africa?

 

Any of our readers and users can answer the above-mentioned question.  You can provide your answer directly to CENFACS.

For those answering any of this question and needing first to discuss the matter, they can contact CENFACS.

 

• • • • E-discussion on the embedment of economic activities in social, cultural, and ecological contexts 

 

The e-discussion is on how African Charities can embed their activities in social, cultural, and ecological contexts where they operate in Africa in order to meet their users’ needs and the SSE goals.

For those of our members who may have any views or thoughts or even experience to share with regard to this matter, they can join our e-discussion to exchange their views or thoughts or experience with others.

To e-discuss with us and others, please contact CENFACS.

 

 

• • • Support, Tool and Metrics, Information and Guidance on SSE (Page 8)

 

• • • • Ask CENFACS for Guidance on how to access SSE services

 

Those who are looking for new sources of support or need some guidance regarding access to SSE services or organisations that prioritise social and environmental goals over profit, CENFACS can guide them on where to find them.

The above-mentioned areas of guidance can also be done through capacity building, advocacy, advice, networking, signposting, etc. run by CENFACS.

For those African Charities, especially CENFACS‘ Africa-based Sister Organisations, that are looking for guidance or direction for SSE services or organisations (such as cooperatives, mutuals, associations, social enterprises, support for vulnerable populations, and community-based services), CENFACS is prepared to work with them on this matter.

CENFACS can work with them to explore ways of aligning their mission with the goals of SSE models or organisations.

We can work with them under our International Advice-, Guidance- and Information-giving Service.  We can as well signpost them to organisations working on SSE Matters.

Need advice, guidance and information; please contact CENFACS for support.

 

• • • • Tools, frameworks and metrics of the 89th Issue of FACS

 

SSE metrics encompass quantitative data and qualitative indicators that measure the sector’s economic contribution, such as jobs and output, and its social impact, focusing on quality jobs, wealth generation, sustainability, inclusion, and local development.  Key approaches involve mapping the scale (number and size of organisations) and scope (variety of activities) of SSE.

 

• • • • • Tools and frameworks

 

Among the tools and frameworks used in the SSE sector and considered by the 89th Issue of FACS are Social Return on Investment (SROI) and Cost-benefit Analysis to quantify social values.

 

∝) Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a framework to quantify the social, environmental, and economic value created by a project or initiative.

∝) Cost-benefit Analysis is a tool to understand the economic benefits of social impact, comparing costs to outcomes.

 

• • • • • Scale and scope metrics

 

Among these metrics, the 89th Issue of FACS considers the number and size of SSE organisations, employment (jobs created), economic output (the value of goods and services produced by SSE entities), and reach (the geographical spread of SSE entities).

 

• • • • • Social impact metrics

 

The 89th Issue of FACS takes into account the following metrics: Quality of employment (prioritisation on decent work and fair working conditions), wealth generation (contribution to wealth creation), sustainability (alignment to Sustainable Development Goals), and community engagement (e.g., building resilient communities).

These are the metrics that we are going to use as they provide a clear understanding of African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem.

 

Image

 

 

• • • • Information, guidance and signposts on SSE Services and Entities for charities in Africa

 

Information, guidance and signposts include three types areas of support via CENFACS, which are:

 

a) Information service: making available information about SSE services for those looking for this information

b) Guidance service: includes orientation, counselling, exploration and placement on SSE Services and Entities to help people and organisations make informed decisions and adjust to life’s changes

b) Signposting service: guides individuals to other organisations or support networks that can better meet their needs in SSE matters.

 

• • • • • Information and guidance on SSE Services and Entities in Africa

 

The following information or listing provides some examples of SSE organisations operating in Africa:

 

∝) The African Network for Social and Social Solidarity Economy (ANSSE): a non-profit association that brings together country networks in the field of sustainable development

∝) Beninese Group of the Solidarity Social Economy (GBESS) in Benin: works with other groups and promotes SSE initiative through partnerships and project calls

∝) The National Social and Solidarity Network (RENESS) in Cameroon: works on SSE matters

∝) Stokvels and Rotating Savings and Credit Associations in South Africa: ROSCAs deals with informal savings and credit groups in South Africa

∝) Eastern African Farmers Federation: is an example of cooperative

∝) Diesis network: provides support and resources for SSE organisations

Etc.

 

The above listing is about some of the organisations that work on SSE matter.  Having information about them can guide those who want to know more about Africa’s SSEE and the type of support available on SSE matter.  The listing is not exhaustive and has to be used with other sources of information on the subject.

Those Africa-based Sister Organisations (ASOs) that are looking for information and guidance on SSE matters or to embrace SSE model and that do not know what to do, CENFACS can work with them (via needs assessment conducted under CENFACS’ International Advice Service) or provide them with leads about SSE organisations, institutions and services that can help them.

We can provide information and guidance to address SSE issues and support to ASOs to reduce information and knowledge gaps.  Our information and guidance services will help them foster creativity, community engagement and opportunities for growth through SSE models.

 

• • • • • Signposts to improve Users’ Experience about SSE Services and Entities

 

For those who are looking for whereabout to find help about SSE Services and Organisationswe can direct them.

More tips and hints relating to the matter can be obtained from CENFACS‘ Advice-giving Service and Sessions.

Additionally, you can refer to above-mentioned list of SSE organisations and services providing help and support in the area of SSE matters, although the Issue 89 lists only the few of them.  If the organisations you are looking for are not on the above-named list, you ask CENFACS to find them.  But, before making any request one needs to specify the kind of SSE organisations and information they are looking for.

To make your request, just contact CENFACS with your name and contact details.

 

 

• • • Workshop, Focus Group and Booster Activity about SSE   (Page 9)

 

Image

 

• • • • Mini themed workshop on SSE Awareness

 

It is a training or learning event that will explore SSE models.  The workshop will cover three main areas: SSE principles and models, SSE organisations, and steps to take to embrace SSE model.

The workshop aims at supporting those without or with less information and knowledge about SSE models.  Those who need an in-depth SSE skills training assessment are also welcome.   The workshop will provide recommendations for actions with options and opportunities for the participants.

Briefly, the workshop aims to educate participants about SSE models and ways of embracing them.

To enquire about the workshop, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• • • • Focus group on SSE 

 

This is a qualitative research method to be used to explore and identify possible ways of capturing alternative forms of capital by African Charities to increase their participation in Africa’s SSEE.

The focus group will bring together a small group of individuals (between 6 and 10) making the CENFACS Community to discuss their ideas, experiences, and perspectives on SSE in Africa.

The focus group will help understand needs, inform policy, promote ownership, identify barriers, and test new ideas about alternative forms of capital in the context of SSEE.

To take part in the focus group, group that will use deliberative practice strategies, please contact CENFACS.

 

• • • • Booster activity: ‘Talking to an SEE Adviser or Social Economist’

 

This user involvement activity revolves around the answers to the following question:

Q: Do you talk to an SSE advisor or social economist to navigate issues like poverty, healthcare, education, and community development through the principles of SSE? 

Those who would like to answer this question and participate to our ‘Talking to an SSE Adviser or Social Economist Activity, they are welcome.

To take part in this activity, please contact CENFACS.

 

• • • Giving and Project (Page 10)

 

• • • • Readers’ giving

 

You can support FACSCENFACS bilingual newsletter, which explains what is happening within and around CENFACS.

FACS also provides a wealth of information, tips, tricks and hacks on how to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development.

You can help to continue its publication and to reward efforts made in producing it.

To support, just contact CENFACS on this site.

 

• • • • Project of Directory of Social and Solidarity Economy Organisations in Africa (DSSEOA)

 

Since there is no specific list of SSE organisations in Africa and Africa’s SSEE is new, this project consists of conducting research to develop methodologies to capture and increase the statistical visibility of SSE organisations in Africa.

The purpose and functions of DSSEOA will be to connect users with SSE organisations in Africa, promote these SSE entities and encourage support and investment in SSE organisations dealing with poverty, social and environmental issues.

DSSEOA will provide information on groups prioritizing social or environmental goals over profit maximisation.  It will help users find and support SSE entities by making information on their location, products, services, and mission publicly accessible.

The project will help reduce poverty through better consumer choice as well as bridge the gap in publicly available information about SSEE organisations and services for CENFACS‘ Africa-based Sister Organisations and other users in Africa.

DSSEOA, which will be available both online and in print, will also outline SSE cooperatives, associations, and social enterprises.  

To support or contribute to DSSEOA, please contact CENFACS.

For further details including the implementation plan of the DSSEOA, please contact CENFACS.

The full copy of the 89th Issue of FACS is available on request.

For any queries and comments about this Issue, please do not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

_________

 

 References

 

(1) https://sociology.institute/sociology-of-development/alternative-development-approaches-theory-action/ (accessed in September 2025)

(2) https://auditingaccounting.com/alternative-economic-systems-types-characteristics-and-comaprisons (accessed in October 2025)

(3) https://www.koloo.at/en/2023/05/12/alternative-economies/ (accessed in October 2025)

(4) https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/09/what-is-the-social-and-solidarity-economy-a-review-of-concepts_4b3d724b/dbc78 (accessed in September 2025)

(5) https://socialchangeinnovators.com/content/what-is-the-social-and-solidarity-economy-a-review-of-concepts/ (accessed in October 2025)

(6) Andersen, L. L., Hulgärd, L. & Laville, J.-L., (2022), The Social and Solidarity Economy: Roots and Horizons at doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-81743-5_5 (In book: New Economies for Sustainability. Edition: Luise Li Langergaard. Publisher: Springer)

(7) https://wacsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Research-Report_Local-Giving-in-Africa.pdf (accessed in September 2025)

(8) https://africa.com/social-enterprises-could-hold-the-key-to-a-prosperous-and-equitable-future-for-africa/#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

(9) https://www.tiredearth.com/articles/how-to-protect-frogs-from-extinction (accessed in October 2025)

(10) https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/ (accessed in October 2025)

(11) https://www.britannica.com/topic/economic-warfare (accessed in October 2025)

(12) https://howcharitieswork.com/about-charities/what-is-a-charity/ (accessed in October 2024)

(13) https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/africa-social-economy-development/ (accessed in September 2025)

(14) https://eurocities.eu/latest/social-ecosystems-through-solidarity-economy/ (accessed in October 2025)

 

_________

 

 Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

 

Autumn 2025 Humanitarian Relief and Nature Conservation Appeals

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

15 October 2025

Post No. 426

 

ImageImage

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• Autumn 2025 Humanitarian Relief and Nature Conservation Appeals

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities – In Focus for Week Beginning 13/10/2025: Conserving Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 15/10/2025: Reduce the Impacts of Oppressive and Punitive Market Dictatorship

 

… And much more!

 

Image

Key Messages

 

• Autumn 2025 Humanitarian Relief and Nature Conservation Appeals

Needy People, Flora, Fauna, Funga, Communities and Organisations in Africa are Asking for Your Support!

 

These combined appeals, which are made of human relief and nature/species conservation, are about supporting needy people, flora, fauna, funga, communities and organisations in Africa.

The humanitarian relief side is a fundraising drive launched by CENFACS to solicit donations for people experiencing the asymmetrical distribution effects of natural disasters, gap/shortage in digital creation skills, young people suffering from social inequalities (like in Morocco and Madagascar), and out-of-school children in Africa.

The nature or species conservation aspect of these appeals is about raising money to protect threatened species  (like African Forest Elephant for fauna, Marasmodes Genus for flora and Afrothismia Fungiformis for funga), their habitat, or the broader ecosystem they depend on.

The two aspects of these appeals will work together as there are links between humanitarian needs and long-term conservation goals in Africa.

The appeals include the following five selected projects:

 

1) Digital Creation Skills

2) Symmetry Poverty Reduction Projects

3)  Youth Social Inequalities Reduction

4) Rescuing Children’s Education

5) African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genus and Afrothismia Fungiformis.

 

A brief summary of these projects can be found under the Main Development section of this post.  The full project proposals of each project making these appeals are available should any of the potential donors or funders make a request.

Supporting these combined appeals will provide three types of relief:

 

a) Human relief for project beneficiaries

b) Nature/species relief through the protection of these species and biodiversity

c) Shared relief for both humans and nature/species (expressed as human-nature connection) in terms of the contribution of the well-being of both humans and the environment.

 

Donors and funders can seize the opportunity provided by these projects and the giving season to directly and respectively donate or fund these projects.

A message about this appeal can also be passed on to a person who is in a position and willing to support.  Many thanks to those who will be passing this message!

We understand that the world is still trying to find ways of coming out of multiple crises (food, energy, climate change, geo-economic crises, etc.).  This struggle affects the ability of people to support good and deserving causes.

However, the effects of these crises are even stronger in places where there is a high level of poverty and where humans are busy with their own problems than to worry about nature/species conservation, like in Africa.  This is why we have launched these seasonal appeals to help not only to reduce poverty but also to save both human and species lives from these crises.

Therefore, we are inviting those who can, to donate £7 to create 3 reliefs (1 relief for humans, 1 relief for other natural livings and 1 shared relief between humans and nature) or any amount starting from £7 or more as they wish or can.

You can gift aid your donation as well as support these projects in a way that is the most suitable and related to your situation, status, circumstances, budget, capacity, feeling, and willingness.

To donate, gift aid and support otherwise; please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities – In Focus for Week Beginning 13/10/2025: Conserving Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)

 

To compose the note relating to the conservation of the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)let us briefly explain the following:

 

σ What is the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)?

σ The conservation status of the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)

σ What can be done to Conserve the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi).  

 

• • What Is the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)?

 

The website ‘nationalgeographic.com’ (1) explains that

“The Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi) is a small and powerful amphibian which is part of a family that goes back 70 to 80 million years, to the time of the dinosaurs.  The Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi) ranks 18th in the hundred most genetically distinct and critically endangered in the world: It is as different from other amphibians as humans are from pigs”.

The Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi), which is a species of frog in the family of Conrauidae, is found in the Togo-Volta Highland, along the border of Togo and Ghana.  It inhabits flowing water in forest habitants, primarily in streams and waterfalls.

 

• • What Is the Conservation Status of the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)?

 

The Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi) was previously thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in the 2000s after being unrecorded for over 20 years.  It is classified as critically endangered.  It needs conservation.  Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this species from habitat destruction and human consumption.

 

• • What Can Be Done to Conserve the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)

 

To conserve the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi), the following actions can be taken:

 

σ Educate and raise awareness about the importance of the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi) and its conservation efforts

σ Implement sustainable water systems that reduce dependence on stream water

σ Promote conservation-sensitive behaviour that teach children about the value of ecosystem integrity and the impact of poaching and pollution

σ Establish reserves to protect the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi) and its habitat from human activities

σ Support conservation programmes relating to the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi)

Etc.

 

The above-mentioned actions are the few ones that can help ensure the survival of the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi) and its critical habitat.  To stay within the scope of this note, we can limit ourselves to the above-mentioned actions or steps to conserve the Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi).

 

Image

 

• • Add-on Activity of the Week’s Campaign: Develop an Interactive Game to Engage Participants to Learn about Amphibians

 

Developing an Interactive Game to Engage Participants to Learn about Amphibians involves creating activities that are educational, fun and engaging.  There are many activities that one can research both online and on paper to engage participants to learn about amphibians.  Among these activities, we can mention the following ones:

 

σ Interactive science game where children can be helped to learn to identify different amphibians by matching the shadow of an amphibian with the correct image;

σ Hoppy frog, which is a board game designed to raise awareness about amphibians and their conservation needs;

σ Reptiles and Amphibians Interactive, which is an online resource that serves as an online reference about reptiles and amphibians, with 30 different species profiles available;

Etc.

 

These games and activities are designed to make learning about amphibians enjoyable and accessible, helping participants to develop a deeper understanding of the amphibians.

Briefly speaking, the above is our second note of the “A la une” Campaign for this year.

To find out more about this second note and/or the entire “A la une” Campaign, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 15/10/2025: Reduce the Impacts of Oppressive and Punitive Market Dictatorship

 

Reduce the Impacts of Oppressive and Punitive Market Dictatorship is the third long-term campaign action of our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living.  To approach this action, it is better to clarify some of the issues surrounding this action.  In particular, there is a debate over the dictatorial or non dictatorial character of market.

Let us highlight this discussion as well as what consumers can do to deal with the prices the market is dictating them which they cannot afford because of their real disposable income.

 

• • Controversy over the Dictatorial or non Dictatorial Character of the Market 

 

Author like Colin Leys (2) in his book entitled ‘Market-driven Politics’ argues in an interview that

“With the removal of capital controls, once capital could move where it wished to, governments ceased to have control of the direction of investment, or the terms on which investment is made making politicians more responsive to the bond markets to their electorates…I had seen that happening in Africa where ex-colonial states, very poor and very dependent on external capital , were constantly having to adapt what they said in public, and what they did in practice, to external forces, and it seemed to me that that would be likely to happen to all countries once capital could go where it wanted”.

Taking the opposite line of reasoning, Denis Kessler (3) thinks that criticisms about market do not stand up to scrutiny.   According to him,

“Markets send strong signals to warn states that the economic policies they are following lead nowhere… except defaulting on payments, or even bankruptcy.  Markets seem to be more effective than the populations concerned in forewarning the dangers associated with reckless public debt accumulation.  Blaming the messenger to avoid hearing the message is an irresponsible stance, even if it is millennia-old”.

The two above-mentioned competing positions highlight the disagreement over the responsibility of market.  However, without blaming the market the truth is market can sometimes operate in way that those with low income cannot afford to meet the prices coming from that market.

Our campaign action is therefore about what can be done when people cannot simply afford the market prices, when these people feel some forms of oppression and punishment on them because they can cope with or control the market prices, because market is dictating them the prices while their real disposable income cannot match or recommend these market prices.  What can they do to reduce the market power on them?

 

• • Reduction of the Impacts of Oppressive and Punitive Market Dictatorship

 

There are actions that consumers (amongst them the members of the CENFACS Community) can take in order to respond to the prices the market is dictating them if they cannot afford them because of their income or earning capacity limitations.  Amongst these actions, it is worth mentioning these below:

 

σ Boycotts: Consumers can refuse to purchase from brands known for overcharging or overpricing;

σ Free alternatives: Consumers can use free, open-source alternatives to meet needs without spending too much;

σ Advocacy: Consumers can join forces with others to raise awareness about overpricing issues;

σ Be price-sensitive: Understand your own price sensitivity and the elasticity of demand for different products, as this can help you identify which products you are willing to pay more for and which ones you are not;

σ Prices comparison: Use the internet or mobile apps to compare prices across different retailers for the same product;

σ Price controls: Consumers can advocate for price controls to maintain affordability and control inflation, which are at the centre of the debate over the cost-of-living crisis as it is today.

 

By taking these actions and other ones, consumers can influence market prices and ensure that they are not dictated by the market.  They can oppose dictated prices by being price-sensitive and using market knowledge to find better deals through comparison shopping apps, and leveraging sales.  Also, they can indirectly influence prices by supporting more competitive retailers, demanding better pricing, and choosing to not purchase products that are priced out of line with their perceived value.

Those who will be interested in this second campaign action and would like to join it, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who have any enquiries and or queries about Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions, they can address them to CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• Online Micro-volunteering Activities with CENFACS

• Triple Value Initiatives for Santa: Raising Funds while Playing, Running and Voting for Poverty Reduction over the Long Festive Period

• Triple Value Initiatives (or All-year Round Projects) as Orange or Brown or Blue or Green or Grey Prescribings

 

 

• Online Micro-volunteering Activities with CENFACS

 

As well as supporting CENFACS and its noble and beautiful causes with donations made without directly giving cash, people can add or think of alternative ways of involving with CENFACS.  For example, they can micro-volunteer with us either online or offline or both.

To enable our readers and those who may be interested in micro-volunteering with us to understand what we are talking, let us explain the following jargons: micro-volunteering, smart tasks, smart communications tools and smart poverty relief.

 

• • What Is Micro-volunteering with CENFACS?

 

It is about undertaking or completing small tasks, that can be online or offline or both, to make up one of our main projects.  While we recognise the importance of both online and offline tasks in our volunteering scheme (All in Development Volunteers), our focus on micro-volunteering in the context of this post will be on the online part of it.

 

 

• • Online Micro-volunteering Doing Small Smart Tasks

 

Small tasks are micro-actions.  From what Anna Patton said (4), these tasks need to be easy, no-commitment, cost-free, to take less than 30 minutes to complete, little or no formal agreement needed before a volunteer can get started, and no expectation that the volunteer will return, no long-term commitment for the volunteer.

These tasks could be smart, that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely; as well as capable of generating and increasing support towards CENFACS’ good and deserving causes, especially at the time of the enduring cost-of-living crisis.  These tasks can contribute to a smart poverty relief.

The above table (table no.1) briefly provides a summary of these tasks.  For those who would like to dive into online micro-volunteering doing small smart tasks, they can contact CENFACS’ All in Development Volunteers Scheme.

 

• • Online Micro-volunteering Done via Smart Communication Tools

 

It is the use of internet connected devices or tools (such as smart phones, tablets, video calling devices, notebooks, laptops, cameras, drones, Artificial Intelligence enabled tools, etc.) to re-engage with CENFACS audience and supporters as well as to recruit new supporters.

Smart communication tools include as well other devices designed to run or complete actions carried out by smart phones, tablets, notebooks, etc.  These extra tools could be wireless printers, broad bands, messenger apps and so on.

Additionally, online micro-volunteering by using distance working and online technologies in our campaigns can help us to reach out to our supporters and Africa-based Organisations.

We understand that not every volunteer can afford to have them.  This is why we often ask support with smart communication tools so that our volunteers (All in Development Volunteers) could be able to micro-volunteer smarter and deliver smart poverty relief with impact.

 

• • Online Micro-volunteering to Achieve Smart Poverty Relief

 

This additional way of working and engaging with our audience and supporters via online micro-volunteering action has brought some opportunities and benefits.  Amongst these opportunities or openings is that of creating smart relief, of reducing poverty symptoms for temporary relief which could lead to permanent relief.

In this respect, smart poverty relief is about prioritising resources and making sure that CENFACS’ poverty reduction system is helping to meet the needs of those in need as we undertake online micro-volunteering activities.

In other words, when volunteers carry out micro-actions, they are not doing them for the sake of entertaining themselves or just passing their time with and for CENFACS.

Through their small online tasks, they are bringing their contribution, however little it can be, to the larger project or programme or picture of CENFACS.  By adding up their small pieces of work/relief, one can get the sum of poverty relief, a big poverty relief.  Online micro-volunteering could be smart when it contributes to the big picture of poverty reduction.

To enable us to continue our voluntary work, we are asking to those who can, both individuals and organisations, to support us with smart communication tools to enhance our online micro-volunteering action.

To support CENFACS with Smart Communication Tools to micro-volunteer doing Smart Tasks to deliver Smart Poverty Relief, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Triple Value Initiatives for Santa: Raising Funds while Playing, Running and Voting for Poverty Reduction over the Long Festive Period

 

You can help CENFACS raise life-saving funds it needs for its noble and beautiful causes by making participants or interested parties to Triple Value Initiatives (or All-year Round Projects) to dress like Santa.

Participants and vested parties can then donate or sponsor your Triple Value Initiatives of PlayingRunning and Voting for poverty reduction.  The following notes briefly explain how you can do it.

 

• • Raising Funds while Playing for Poverty Reduction over the Long Festive Period

 

It can be done either by streaming your game online, which allows viewers to donate, or by organising in-person events with entry fees and raffles.

For online gaming fundraising, you can set up a fundraising page, stream your gameplay, engage audience, and collaborate with gaming sponsors.  In short, you can live-stream, set a challenge, and host a tournament.

For in-person and event-based fundraising, you can organise a tournament, raffle off prizes, sell concessions and merchandise, set up collection points, and rent out your equipment.

 

• • Raising Funds while Running  for Poverty Reduction over the Long Festive Period

 

To raise funds while running, you can consider the following strategies:

 

σ Choose CENFACS as your charity and cause that resonates with you;

σ Set a fundraising goal (e.g., determine how much you want to raise and break it down into achievable milestones);

σ Create a fundraising page;

σ Engage the/your community by sharing your running journey and the cause behind it;

σ Offer incentives/rewards for donations;

σ Be accountable to yourself by tracking your progress and sharing updates.

 

These strategies can help raise funds while making you to enjoy the health benefits of running.

 

• • Raising Funds while Voting for Poverty Reduction over the Long Festive Period

 

There are several methods that one can consider to raise funds while voting.  These methods include:

 

σ Crowdfunding (for instance, by using crowdfunding platforms);

σ Fundraising competitions, that can unite people or groups around the idea of finding the Best African Development and Poverty Relief Managers of 2025, and that can enable participants to compete to see who can generate the most donations;

σ Organising events to engage the the community and present the opportunity to raise funds for your voting campaign;

σ Combining the act of voting with the act of donating by making it an interactive and engaging fundraising approach.

 

Briefly, you can leverage the power of social media and crowdfunding platforms to create a more engaging and effective fundraising campaign for your Vote Project.

The income to be raised on these occasions of Triple Value Initiatives for Santa can be donated to CENFACS.  It will help to support those in most need so that they can navigate their way out of poverty and hardships.

However, to raise funds via Triple Value Initiatives for Santa, one needs to first discuss the matter, their plan/idea with CENFACS.  Together with them, we can better plan their/our fundraising drive and help deliver it in a smooth and hassle-free way while following the rules of the game.

To raise funds for Triple Value Initiatives for Santa to help CENFACS and its noble and beautiful causes of poverty reduction and sustainable development, please contact CENFACS.

Just remember, do not forget to record and report your scores, results and fixtures about your Triple Value Initiatives (or All year-round Projects).  You can share them with us to feature the 2025 State of Play, Run and Vote.

At the end of the process of All year-round Projects and by the end of the year, one should be ready to announce the 2025 Action-Results for either of the project: Run or Play or Vote.

The final Action-Results will consist of finding out and revealing the following for this year:

 

√ The Best African Countries of 2025 which would have best reduced poverty

√ The Best African Global Games Runners of 2025

√ The Best African Development and Poverty Relief Managers of 2025.

 

If you have not yet thought about this finding or revelation, please start thinking right now and have your say about it by the 23rd of December 2025!

 

Image

 

• Triple Value Initiatives (or All-year Round Projects) as Orange or Brown or Blue or Green or Grey Prescribings

 

Our work on orange, brown, grey, green and blue spaces continues as we are trying to get the views of those of our members using Triple Value Initiatives as orange or brown or blue or green or grey prescriptions.  CENFACS is looking into the possibility of how their undertakings of these initiatives can be fitted into orange, brown, blue or green or grey prescriptions.

Social prescribing nature-based activities are known as those ones that support the health and well-being of the community.  These activities can be orange colour-coded (orange prescribing), land-based (green prescribing), water-based (blue prescribing), grey-based (grey prescribing), and brown-redeveloped (brown prescribing).

The National Academy for Social Prescribing (5) describes social prescribing as

“Being about helping people getting more control over their healthcare to manage their needs in a way that suits them”.

For those who have been using the Triple Value Initiatives, it would be a good idea to share with us their experience in terms of health and well-being benefits so that we know how orange or green or blue or grey or brown prescribing these initiatives can be.

The more people respond, the more we would know about the health and well-being outcomes from these initiatives, the more we could be recommending people or orange/blue/green/grey/brown prescribing them to use these initiatives.

Their responses will as well help prepare CENFACS’ 2025 State of Play, Run and Vote.

To support CENFACS’ 2025 State of Play, Run and Vote as well as its work on orange/blue/green/grey/brown prescribings, please let us know your personal experience on Triple Value Initiatives in terms of health and well-being results or outcomes or benefits.

 

Image

 

Message in French (Message en français)

 

• Activité/Tâche 10 de l’Année et du Projet de Restauration (« R ») : Partager l’Histoire de la Restauration et de la Réduction de la Pauvreté qui y est Liée

Notre année et projet de restauration (« R ») ont progressé jusqu’à l’activité/tâche 10, qui est « Partager l’histoire de la restauration et la réduction de la pauvreté qui y est liée ». Pour réaliser cette tâche, il est nécessaire de savoir ce que nous entendons par le partage de l’histoire de la restauration, les efforts déployés pour réduire la pauvreté associés à l’histoire de la restauration, et les moyens par lesquels ils peuvent soutenir cette activité/tâche.

• • Qu’est-ce que le partage de l’histoire de la restauration ?

Il s’agit de comprendre son importance et son impact sur divers aspects de la vie et de la société. L’histoire de la restauration est une période qui a été étudiée et discutée pour ses caractéristiques uniques et les changements qu’elle a engendrés.

Cette étude et discussion sur la restauration peuvent toucher de nombreux aspects de la vie, tels que les changements politiques, la renaissance culturelle, le développement littéraire, ainsi que les changements sociaux et économiques comme au Royaume-Uni. Puisque nous sommes dans l’Année du Patrimoine Culturel Africain, on peut penser à partager l’histoire de la restauration dans le contexte africain et la relier à la réduction de la pauvreté. Illustrons-le.

• • Exemple de partage de l’histoire de la restauration et de ses liens avec la réduction de la pauvreté : Cas de l’Afrique

Dans le contexte de l’histoire de la restauration en Afrique, l’exercice de partage peut inclure de nombreux types de partage tels que les suivants :

• • • Partager l’histoire de la restauration du patrimoine culturel

Cela pourrait inclure l’histoire des efforts visant à restituer les biens culturels, tels que les artefacts et les objets sacrés.

Le lien ici avec la réduction de la pauvreté pourrait être de guérir et de renforcer les communautés pauvres qui ont été affectées par la spoliation historique.

• • • Partager l’histoire des initiatives de restitution

Il pourrait s’agir de l’histoire des trésors africains pillés qui ont été restitués.

Le lien avec la réduction de la pauvreté pourrait être de retrouver l’identité culturelle et le patrimoine, ainsi que de remédier aux injustices historiques.

Les deux exemples ne sont que parmi les nombreuses façons d’illustrer le partage de l’histoire de la restauration.

• • Soutenir cette activité/tâche

Ceux ou celles qui souhaitent poursuivre cette activité/tâche par eux/elles-mêmes peuvent le faire. Ils/elles peuvent suivre ces étapes :

planifier la manière dont ils/elles veulent partager l’histoire de la restauration, utiliser une approche structurée pour guider le processus de restauration dans ce partage, et utiliser des techniques de restauration pour guider les personnes à la recherche de restauration.

Ceux ou celles qui souhaiteraient faire partie d’un groupe de travail aidant à la réalisation de cette activité/tâche peuvent en informer le CENFACS.

Ce qui précède correspond à l’Activité/Tâche 10 du Projet/Année de Restauration (R). Ceux ou celles qui souhaitent la réaliser peuvent y aller.

Pour ceux ou celles qui ont besoin d’un peu d’aide avant de se lancer dans cette activité/tâche, ils/elles peuvent s’adresser à CENFACS. Pour parler à CENFACS, il leur est demandé de planifier à l’avance ou de se préparer concernant les questions qu’ils/elles souhaiteraient soulever.

Pour toute autre question et demande de renseignements concernant le projet ‘R‘ et la dédicace de cette année, veuillez également contacter le CENFACS.

 

Main Development

 

Autumn 2025 Humanitarian Relief and Nature Conservation Appeals

Needy People, Flora, Fauna, Funga, Communities and Organisations in Africa are Asking for Your Support!

 

To approach these appeals to you, let us briefly define them and summarise their contents.

 

• • What Are Autumn 2025 Humanitarian Relief and Nature Conservation Appeals?

 

Autumn 2025 Humanitarian Relief and Nature Conservation Appeals are joint appeals made of two parts: humanitarian relief and nature conservation.

The humanitarian relief aspect of these appeals refers to the efforts to be made to support and resources to be provided to individuals and communities affected by disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies in Africa.  It aims to protect life and health, ensure respect for human beings, and alleviate human suffering in Africa.

The nature conservation appeal, on the other hand, is fundraising efforts to support conservation projects, that is projects that protect and restore habitats, wildlife, and natural landscapes.  The appeal will help ensure the survival of endangered species (like African Forest Elephants, Marasmodes and Afrothismia fungiformis) and their habitats.

The two aspects of these appeals will work together as there are links between humanitarian needs and long-term nature conservation goals in Africa.

 

• • Appeals Summaries

 

The following items summarise the appeals from Needy People, Flora, Fauna, Funga, Communities and Organisations in Africa:

 

∝ The data that justify the need to help

∝ The projects

∝ The request

∝ The beneficiaries

∝ The asks

∝ What your donation can achieve

∝ How to send your support.

 

Let us unpack each of these items.

 

• • • The data that justify the need to help

 

The data (or information in words and numbers) that tell us there are humanitarian need and nature conservation necessities to support are given in the following examples.

 

• • • • Examples of data

 

Example 1

According to ‘icdl.org’ (6),

“Only 50% of African countries include computer skills in their school curriculum, compared to a global average of 85%…Alarmingly, 90% of children in Africa reportedly leave school without basic digital skills… Youth internet usage in Sub-Saharan Africa (which is 34%) is far below the global youth average of 71%“.

 

Example 2

Writing on inequality, ‘csea.africa.org’ (7) argues that

“According to the International Labour Organisation, over 72 million young people in Africa are not in education, employment, or training; and young women make up the largest portion of this group.  This situation has been worsened by widespread underemployment, informal employment, and low job security, making it even harder for young people to find decent work”.

Similarly, the United Nations Children’s Fund (8) provides the following inequality indicators for Africa Union:

∝) Palma Index of Income Inequality (that is, the ratio of the richest 10% of the population’s share of gross national income divided by the poorest 40%’s share) was 2.0 between 2015 and 2023;

∝) Gini Coefficient was 40 between 2015 and 2023;

∝) The proportion of children covered by social protection was 18 between 2015 and 2023.

Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (9) in its Human Development Report 2023-2024 provides the following information:

a) Population living below monetary poverty line (at PPP $2.15 a day) between 2011-2021 was 37.4% in Sub-Saharan Africa (p. 299)

b) Inequality in income was 39.4% in 2022 in Sub-Saharan Africa (p. 286)

c) Gender inequality index in terms of labour force participation rate (% ages 15 and older) was 63.9 for female and 76.4 for male in 2022 in Sub-Saharan Africa (p. 296).

 

Example 3

Studying the situation of young people in Africa, ‘blogs.lse.ac.uk’ (10) explains that

“Over 80 million young Africans live in extreme poverty, this is more than three-quarters of the global youth population who live in such conditions… Many also experience a critical shortage of urban housing, forcing large numbers to live in informal settlements without access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation”.

 

Example 4

Reporting on educational situation in Africa, ‘reliefweb.int’ (11) writes on the highlight made by the Norwegian Refugee Council on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack that

“In West and Central Africa, more than 14,000 schools have been forced to close due to violence and insecurity as of June 2024, impacting learning of hundreds of thousands of children across the region”.

The ‘reliefweb.int’ adds that

“Across the Sahelian countries of Burkina Faso and Mali as well as Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, school closures affected millions of children in 2023 and continue to do so this year”.

 

Example 5

Writing on African fauna, ‘worldwildlife.org’ (12) states that

“The population of African forest elephants declined by 62% between 2002 and 2011, and during that period the species lost 30% of its geographical range”.

Referring to flora situation in Africa, ‘nature.com’ (13) explains that

“Marasmodes has 13 species that all occur in the Cape lowlands, with ten in the genus categorized Critically Endangered.  These shrubs are of high conservation concern as all have lost an estimated 95% of their natural habitat to urban and agriculture expansion”.

Likewise, in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Afrothismia fungiformis (which is a myco-heterotropic plant species endemic to Cameroon, specially known from Mount Kupe in the South West Region and Ebo Forest in the Littoral Region) is assessed as Endangered under criterion B.

 

What do the above-mentioned examples, pieces of information and facts tell us?

They indicate and help draw the conclusion below.

 

• • • • Conclusion

 

Whether it is about digital creation skills or youth social inequality or asymmetry caused by natural disasters or children’s educational rescue, the above data just highlight the underlying problem of extreme poverty in Africa.

One part of the above-mentioned figures and facts also points out the continuing extinction threats to wildlife and the lack of skills in some situations to transition out of poverty and hardships.

Furthermore, as the global cost-of-living crisis continues the figures about poverty and threats to the wildlife could be different; meaning that poor people, children, young people, flora, fauna and funga could be in a worse scenario case or situation in Africa.  Humanitarian relief, nature relief and shared relief could be part of the response.

Humanitarian relief will help humans (that is, African children, youth and adults alike) on their journey to recover. 

Nature relief will benefit the living creatures that are part of these appeals (that is, African forest elephants, Marasmodes and Afrothismia fungiformis). 

Shared relief (or human-nature connection) will happen by supporting the protection and restoration of natural lives for these endangered species while contributing to the well-being of both humans and the natural environment.

Data-based solutions to poverty induced by the cost-of-living crisis can only help this situation, especially in the long term.

These above data from multilateral agencies as well as those from individual researchers finally highlight CENFACS‘ findings and the reality on the ground in Africa in the area of operation of CENFACS.  They also point out that there is need out there that deservingly requires support that the locals are requesting to address existing humanitarian needs, especially at this time of the difficult global economic situation exacerbated by the effects of geo-economic and insecurity crises.  They are as well demanding support to deal with extinction threats of the above-mentioned species.

 

• • • The projects

 

Five projects to help reduce poverty and meet the needs of the local people, animals, plants, fungi and organisations this Autumn and beyond

 

1) Digital Creation Skills Project (Learning and Skills Development Project)

 

This is a project that helps to reduce poverty linked to poor or incomplete digital creation skills, knowledge, information and capacities in Africa.  The project is designed to help improve the ability to use digital tools and technology to design, develop, and produce new digital content.  This includes creating various forms of media such as writing, images, audio, video, and code, as well as understanding the processes and editing needed for these creations.  It also involves using software to build websites and apps, to take photos, and to create engaging social media posts to help reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development.

Digital creation skills encompass a range of abilities that enable individuals to produce and distribute multimedia content across various online platforms.  These skills are essential for creating and posting video, photo, audio, and written content for social media and beyond.  Among these skills, it is worth mentioning video production techniques, photography skills, content planning and management tools, and video creation and editing software.

 

2) Symmetry Poverty Reduction Projects Relating to Natural Disasters (Equality Projects)

 

Symmetry Poverty Reduction Projects can be of various kinds within CENFACS.  The first wave or generation of symmetry projects was to address the unfair distributional effects of the coronavirus.  This first wave or generation of Symmetry Poverty Reduction Projects was implemented during the period of the coronavirus (from Autumn 2019 to Autumn 2021).

The second wave or generation of Symmetry Poverty Reduction Projects was about projects of working with local poor people in parts of Africa where there has been uneven impact of the cost-of-living crisis and poverty reduction in order to establish equal right and address the historical roots and causes of this type of asymmetry or inequality in a sustainable way.

The 2024 wave or generation of Symmetry Poverty Reduction Projects aimed at reducing the difference in the distributional effects of conflict and violence that have been asymmetrical or uneven.  The disproportional impacts of conflict for women and girls in the cases of Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as somewhere else in Africa are part of Symmetry Projects.  In those cases, women and girls continue to be disproportionately impacted by the lack of safe, easily accessible, and affordable water, sanitation, and hygiene as noted by the ‘unwomen.org’ (14).

This Autumn’s Symmetry Projects, which are the continuation of the previous Autumn’s Symmetry Projects, are  sustainable development initiatives aiming at reducing the difference in the distributional effects of natural disasters.  What are natural disasters.

According to ‘sci-tech-today.com’ (15),

“Natural disasters encompass events that adversely affect communities or societies resulting in property damage, loss of life, and significant economic repercussions”.

Natural disasters disproportionately affect different people in Africa due to a combination of factors such as pre-event vulnerability, post-event response, and the socio-economic conditions of the affected communities.  Asymmetrical effects of natural disasters in Africa are seen in how they disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, such as women and children who face greater risks to their health, education, and safety.

For example, droughts can force women to travel longer distances for water and increase child marriage, while flooding can increase sexual violence and displacement in camps.  Wealthier and urban areas also have a more resilient infrastructure and greater access to resources compared to rural communities that depend on rain-led agriculture and are therefore more vulnerable to droughts and floods.  Even in urban areas, natural disasters can disproportionally affect the urban inhabitants like in the case of Kinshasa (in the Democratic Republic of Congo) where the worst floods disproportionally affected densely populated urban areas this year.

 

3) Youth Social Inequalities Reduction (Empowerment Project)

 

It is a project set up to address the disparity or uneven distribution of wealth, income, opportunities, or resources faced by young people in Africa.  The project will try to more reduce poverty and discrimination linked to exclusion towards the contribution that young people, particularly young girls, are making or can make.

Youth social inequality in Africa is evident as youth unemployment (around 60% of Africa’s total unemployment) is twice the adult rate in many African countries.  Significant disparities also exist in education, where half of sub-Saharan African youth (that is, individuals aged 15-24) are out of school, and in wealth where the bottom half of the population owns less than 5% of the total wealth.  These issues are compounded by factors like gender, rural versus urban location, and socioeconomic background, which disproportionately affect young people’s access to opportunities.

 

4) Save African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genus and Afrothismia Fungiformis (Environmental Projects)

 

These are wildlife preservation, conservation and protection initiatives which help to advance justice and equity for flora, fauna and funga, and which include three areas of action:

a) Life-saving actions against new forms of exploitation and trafficking of animal, bird and plant species

b) Life-saving action against the cost-of-living crisis on flora and fauna

c) Life-saving actions to reduce the impacts of climate change on fungi.

 

The first action is an action to protect African Forest Elephant (also known by its scientific name as Loxodonta cyclotis)  in Africa from new forms of wildlife exploitation and trafficking, including kidnapping of animals from their natural sanctuary.

For example, in the DR Congo African forest elephants are in the dense tropical rainforests of the Congo Basin, including in large areas of intact forest like Salonga National Park and Virunga National Park.  These areas are crucial strongholds for the species.  Other areas include Tshuapa Lomami Landscape where there is also forest elephant conservation with an estimated population of around 500.

There are armed groups that set up their bases in the vicinity of parks like the park Virunga, which is sanctuary of very rare mountain gorillas.  These groups threatened protected ecosystems by exploiting natural resources (such as woods and animals) via poaching, illegal fishing, smuggling, kidnappings of animals, etc.  Specimen and trophies from elephant ivory, charcoal and illicit fishing are traded by these groups to finance their supply of arms and to engage in armed conflicts.

According to the Director of Parks, Estates and Reserves of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (16),

“The park Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo has lost 50% of its animal population due to the rebellion in North-Kivu province”.

 

The second action is about making sure that Marasmodes Genus (particularly but not exclusively the species Marasmodes undulata which has seen a drastic decline due to habitat loss and illegal harvesting) can regain, restore, rebuild and thrive their lives while humans are trying to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.  In other words, the action is about to ensure that the cost-of-living crisis does not lead to flora and fauna crises since we depend on them in order to come out of the cost-of-living crisis.

 

The third action is about lowering the risk of extinction facing Afrothismia Fungiformis since its habitat is under continual threat from small-holder farming, agro-industry plantations, and logging.

 

5) Rescuing Children’s Education  (Educational Hardship Reduction Project)

 

There are two aspects in this project which are maintaining school momentum in places where there is no crisis and rescuing education in crises-stricken places.

 

a) Maintaining school momentum

 

One thing is for a child to go back to school; another thing is for the same child to stay in the school/educational system.  Rescuing Children’s Education Project is an educational support to poor children facing poverty barriers to go back to schools, to stay in the school system and cope with the pressure of the educational requirements.

To maintain school momentum, the project will help these children to keep school engagement process, to meet their educational goal setting, to be motivated toward learning, to improve their schooling habits, to get organisational tools they need for their schooling and maintain excitement during the school year.

 

b) Educational rescue or Protection of children’s education from attack

 

This second aspect is about rescuing the education of children whose curriculum has been disrupted because of the consequences of conflicts and natural disasters.

To rescue education for children victims of conflicts and natural disasters, support can be given to help them learn and engage with school by distance if their school is closed because of the consequences of wars and / or natural disasters.  For those children where schools have been reopen after conflicts and natural disasters, they need support too.

 

In total, 5 projects to donate £7 to create 3 reliefs as you wish per project

 

Note: Further details about the above projects are available on request from CENFACS.

 

• • • The request

 

The beneficiaries of the above-mentioned projects are

 

σ Digitally unskilled or under-skilled poor people

σ Sufferers from inequality

σ Poor children and young people

σ African forest elephant, Marasmodes, and Afrothismia fungiformis under extinction threats

σ Africa-based Organisations that CENFACS works with.

 

They all need help to reduce the following types of poverty and hardships:

 

σ Poor or lack of digital creation skills because financial hardship limits access to devices, reliable internet, and training, while the resulting lack of digital skills hinders opportunities for education, employment, and economic advancement

σ Lack of animal protection and care due to threats to extinction or killings, trafficking and poaching of endangered animals (like the African Forest Elephant), plant species (such as Marasmodes genus), and fungi species (e.g., Afrothismia fungiformis)

σ Poverty linked to wildlife crime or lack of alternative livelihoods that drive people to poaching and trafficking of animals for survival and financial gain

σ Poverty related to the asymmetrical effects of natural disasters because poor people often live in vulnerable areas, have less resilient housing, and lack the resources for recovery and preparedness

σ Poverty linked to the lack of social equality for young people as a result of uneven distribution of resources, power, and opportunities for young people in Africa

σ Income poverty or Shortage of income and or enough earnings by poor families to send their children back to school and/or for these children to keep school momentum

σ No supply of support in places where school infrastructures and educational premises have been destroyed by wars and natural events.

 

• • • The beneficiaries

 

This Autumn 2025 humanitarian relief appeal will help…

 

√ The real and direct beneficiaries and end users who are poor people (amongst them the youth, young girls and children)

√ The endangered African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genus and Afrothismia Fungiformis

√ The indirect beneficiaries made of African organisations based in Africa and working on the issues/causes of these poor people and species.

 

• • • The asks

 

The above needy people, flora, fauna, funga, communities and organisations need your support.

CENFACS is appealing to you to donate £7 to create 3 reliefs:

 

a) 1 Relief for humans: Human relief will help humans in Africa on their journey to recover from poverty

b) 1 Relief for nature: Nature relief will provide healthier natural environment (in particular for Elephants, Marasmodes and Afrothismia fungiformis) which will benefit all living environments

c) 1 Shared relief for both humans and nature (Human-Nature Connection): By supporting our work on the protection and restoration of natural spaces, you will contribute to the well-being of both humans and the environment as well as build harmony between the two in Africa.  In other words, donating for shared relief or benefit will help improve human-nature relationships while avoiding human-wildlife conflicts.

 

You can donate as you wish to achieve penultimate relief.

 

• • • What your donation can achieve

 

If you donate £7 to create 3 reliefs, we can anticipate the following use and relief impacts that these amounts can help

 

⇒ To implement Digital Creation Skills by…

 

√ identifying gaps/divide in digital creation capability and enhancing beneficiaries’ knowledge and ability to use digital tools and technology to design, develop, and produce new digital content

√ better targeting humanitarian responses to the needs of beneficiaries, improving access to information and services, and ensuring aid is delivered responsibly and securely .

For example, £7 can help create and utilise digital tools to enhance the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of humanitarian operations and responses.  The digitalisation of humanitarian action can make aid faster and more efficient, and the use of digital technologies can help alleviate the suffering of populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

 

⇒ To deliver ‘Save African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genus and Afrothismia Fungiformis sub-projects’ by…

 

√ running wildlife protection awareness campaign to address illicit trafficking in wildlife and to keep advocacy on wild animals’, birds’, fishes’, plants’ and fungi’s rights and welfare in general, and African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genus and Afrothismia Fungiformis in particular

√ buying or developing software or apps on protection and care of animal, bird, fish, plant and fungus species in general, and African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genus and Afrothismia Fungiformis in particular in Africa.

For example, £7 can help stop the extinction threats to African forest elephants to be served as providers of specimen and trophies because their ivory, or farmers to use retaliatory killings led by crop raiding, or the expansion of human settlements that reduce available habitat for the African forest elephant.

 

⇒ To execute Symmetry Poverty Reduction Projects Relating to Natural Disasters by…

 

√ running online and virtual equality workshops on the reduction of asymmetrical adverse effects of the natural disasters between people and ethnic groups

√ training people to tackle inequalities of poverty reduction or treatment induced by the adverse impacts of natural disasters within their communities.

For example, £7 can help the vulnerable and disproportionally natural disaster-impacted to reduce recovery time, to access adequate infrastructure and services, to coordinate disaster response efforts, and to reduce other impacts (like food insecurity, hunger, health problems, etc.) .

 

⇒ To address Social Inequalities for Young People in Africa by…

 

√ ensuring that young people in Africa have access to quality education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services

√ supporting African voluntary organisations to advocate for further support for youths in terms of investing youth’s human capital and promoting gender equality, as well as help deploy empowerment services and products towards them.

For example, £7 can help pay for childcare and other care services so that young girls can study and expand their participation in the workforce and educational opportunities in Africa in a gender-aware and inclusive way.

 

⇒ To realise back-to-school support, maintain school momentum and rescue needy children’s education by…

 

√ supporting the recovery of learning losses, teacher training and extra health service for the children traumatised by the effects of conflicts and natural disasters on their education and well-being

√ purchasing school e-books and e-materials through African voluntary organisations to help educationally needy children to add distance learning opportunities to their education in order to mitigate the adverse effects of the cost-of-living crisis on children’s learning and abilities.

For example, £7 can enable poor families to buy organisational tools and to access motivational programmes for children to stay engaged with the schooling process and educational system.

 

To realise a total of 5 lasting reliefs, it may require a donation of £10 to £20 or even more.

 

To smooth the process of supporting the above-mentioned beneficiaries, CENFACS is ready to post to you and or to any other potential supporters the project proposals or an information pack about them for consideration to support.  Likewise, CENFACS is ready to talk to you or to potential funders about them if they want us to do so.

To donategift aid and or support differently, please contact CENFACS.

 

• • • How to send you support

 

You can donate

 

* over phone

* via email

* through text

* by filling the contact form on this website.

 

On receipt of your intent to donate or donation, CENFACS will contact you.  However, should you wish your support to remain anonymous; we will respect your wish.

We look forward to your support with helpful difference for the Poor People, Organisations and Wildlife Species in Africa.

Thank you in anticipation for your willingness to give and help change the lives of these poor people, organisations and wild species.

_________

 

 References

 

(1) https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/fact/togo-slippery-frog (accessed in October 2025)

(2) https://mronline.org/2010/06/09/the-dictatorship-of-the-market-interview-withcolin-leys/ (accessed in October 2025)

(3) https://droit.cairn.into/revue-pouvoirs-2012-3-page-71?lang=en (accessed in October 2025)

(4) Patton, A., 2021, Micro-volunteering, Making a Difference in Minutes, (Originally published Dec. 2017) at https://www.missionbox.com/article/183/micro-volunteering-making-a-difference-in-minutes (accessed October 2023)

(5) https://socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/about-us/what-is-socialpresscribing/ (accessed in October 2023)

(6) https://icdl.org/africas-digital-leap-why-skills-not-just-access-will-define-the-future/ (accessed in October 2025)

(7) https://Csea.africa.org/images/posts/38597826.pdf#:~text=… (accessed in October 2025)

(8) United Nations Children’s Fund, The State of Africa Children: The future of childhood in a changing world – Statistical Compendium, African Overview, UNICEF, New York, 2025, <https://data.unicef.org/resources/soac-2025/>  (accessed in October 2025)

(9) https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/document/global-report-document/hdr2023-2024reporten.pdf (accessed in October 2024)

(10) https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/africaatlse/2024/10/03/youth-and-women-are-shaping-africa-future/ (accessed in October 2024)

(11) https://www.reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/west-and-central-africa-alarming-rise-school-closures (accessed in October 2024)

(12) https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/african-forest-elephant (accessed in October 2025)

(13) https://www.nature.com/articles/d44148-025-00231-0 (accessed in October 2025)

(14) https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2024/09/sudan-humanitarian-crisis-has-catastrophic-impact-for-women-and-girls-with-two-fold-increase-of-gender-based-violence (accessed in October 2024)

(15) https://www.sci-tech-today.com/stats/natural-disaster-statistics-updated/ (accessed in October 2025)

(16)  https://actualite.cd/2024/10/15/rdc-le-parc-des-virunga-perdu-plus-de-50-de-la-population-animale-suite-aux-activities-du (accessed in October 2024)

_________

 

 Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

 

“MAMBILANGA” Project

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

08 October 2025

Post No. 425

 

Image

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• 2025 “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities via “MAMBILANGA” Project

• Triple Goal of the Month: Reduction of Poverty Linked to the Historical Dispossession, by Reclaiming Cultural Identity and Heritage, and Addressing Historical Injustices

• Making Donations Not Directly with Cash

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• 2025 “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities via “MAMBILANGA” Project

 

Our environmental campaign known as “A la une” has already started and is going to last for six weeks.  The main theme of this campaign is still the same, which is Upkeep of the Nature; the sub-theme for this year’s campaign being  Saving the Endangered Amphibian Species.  This sub-theme will be delivered or conducted via “MAMBILANGA” Project.

MAMBILANGA – which is stands for Mind Amphibians for Maintaining the Balance of Insects in the Lives of Aquatics and Nutrients, and for Guarding Agriculture – is a new advocacy project planned by CENFACS to help protect critically endangered amphibian species and keep them up in their natural habitat in Africa.

As said, this year’s campaign is about the upkeep of endangered amphibian species.  It is an action to reduce and stop extinction risk and threat that amphibian species like

Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis), Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi), Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa), Blommersia Dupeezi, Krokosua Squeaking Frog (Arthroleptis krokosua), Atewa Slippery Frog, Manengouba Long-fingered Frog, Nsoung Long-fingered  Frog, Rebelly Egg Frog, Alexterron jyux, Leopard Toad, Goliath Frog, Big-eyed Forest Tree Frog, Perret’s Night Frog, etc.,

are subject to.

These amphibian species are just a few examples of many more that are threatened and at risk of extinction.

Five of the above-mentioned examples of critically endangered amphibian species [that is, Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis), Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi), Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa), Blommersia Dupeezi] will make up selected composed notes or themed areas of our work; work that we will carry out together to shape the central topic or theme of “A la une” Campaign this Autumn.

We have provided, under the Main Development section of this post, the time frame and titles of these composed notes or themed areas of work as well as their related campaign activities.

The first themed area of work is Saving Pickersgill’s Reed Frog; themed area which kicked off on the 6th of October 2025.

For further information about this first note, please read under the Main Development section of this post.

 

Image

 

• Triple Goal of the Month: Reduction of Poverty Linked to the Historical Dispossession, by Reclaiming Cultural Identity and Heritage, and Addressing Historical Injustices

 

This October 2025, our goal is triple:

 

σ Reduction of Poverty Linked to Historical Dispossession

σ Reduction of Poverty by Reclaiming Cultural Identity and Heritage

σ Reduction of Poverty by Addressing Historical Injustices.

 

Let us summarised each of the three elements making the triple goal of the month.

 

• • Summary of the Three Elements of Our Triple Goal of the Month

 

• • • Reduction of Poverty Linked to Historical Dispossession

 

Dispossession can involve illicitly or illegally seizing control of land and resources.  This type of dispossession can create a cycle of poverty by dispossessing people of their livelihoods and assets.  Historical dispossession (like primitive accumulation or colonialism) can create lasting structural inequalities that can hinder inclusive development and perpetuate poverty.

Since we are in the History Month, one can try to help reduce poverty caused by historical dispossession.

 

• • • Reduction of Poverty by Reclaiming Cultural Identity and Heritage

 

It is possible to reduce poverty by reclaiming cultural identity and heritage.  Ways of doing it can include empowering marginalised communities, fostering economic development through cultural tourism, preserving unique local knowledge and skills for sustainable practices and rebuilding social cohesion and self-esteem.  The process can involve community-led initiatives that link cultural expression to economic opportunities and create inclusive development models that benefit those who have been historically excluded.

 

• • • Reduction of Poverty by Addressing Historical Injustices

 

Addressing historical injustices can be a form of reducing poverty for the victims of these injustices or their future generations.  Indeed, mechanisms like transitional justice can help resolve past wrongs and reduce present-day material disadvantage and discrimination.  This can require the following strategies: investing in public services, ensuring access to resources and opportunities, implementing fiscal policies that reduce inequalities, and eliminating discriminatory laws and practices that perpetuate systemic barriers to progress.

In short, it is conceivable to reduce poverty linked to historical dispossession, by reclaiming cultural identity and heritage, and by addressing historical injustices.  This is our triple goal of the month of October – History Month 2025.  This goal is SMART (that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

 

• • Implications for Selecting the Goal for the Month

 

After selecting the goal for the month, we focus our efforts and mind set on the selected goal by making sure that in our real life we apply it.  We also expect our supporters to go for the goal of the month by working on the same goal and by supporting those who may be suffering from the type of poverty linked to the goal for the month we are talking about during the given month (e.g., October 2025).

For further details on the goal of the month, its selection procedure including its support and how one can go for it, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Making Donations Not Directly with Cash

How to support CENFACS without directly giving cash

 

Last month, we highlighted ways of supporting CENFACS and of boosting your support.  This week, we are adding ways of backing us without you having to directly give cash to CENFACS as well as to its noble and beautiful causes.  This is all part of improving the way in which you can make an impact on what CENFACS is doing to help reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development.

Indeed, there are many ways that one can use to help CENFACS without directly given cash.  One can unlock barriers to make donations not directly with cash for CENFACS and CENFACS’ noble and beautiful causes.  Those who would like to assist CENFACS by using other means than directly giving cash, they can think of the following.

 

16-themed ways of donating to consider this Autumn and in the lead up to the end of the year:

 

1) Giving unwanted goods and items to CENFACS e-charity store at http://cenfacs.org.uk/shop/(or by donating a portion of the sale price of your chosen selling platforms if you give items to other stores)

2) Sign up for a Gift Aid Declaration from which CENFACS can earn an extra 25p for every £1 you give as a UK taxpayer (i.e., this option allows CENFACS to reclaim an extra 25 per cent on every eligible donation made by you as a UK taxpayer)

3) Nominate CENFACS for a donation at charity fundraising and donation events (via online nomination forms)

4) Select CENFACS as your preferred charity for donation from advertising revenue (by aligning CENFACS‘ cause with your brand’s values and target audience)

5) Raise free funds for CENFACS with your online shopping or choose CENFACS as a donation recipient of some of the profits raised from online shopping (by employing online shopping fundraising platforms)

6) Donate your unwanted and unused points and cashback to CENFACS as your chosen charity from your loyalty shopping rewards or good causes’ gift cards (with dedicated charity cashback websites)

7) Name CENFACS as your favourite deserving cause if it happens that you have the opportunity to click the online option “donate cashback to charities(by selecting CENFACS, entering the donation amount, and following the steps to apply the donation, and confirm the pay out)

8) Donate any unwanted excess points of your loyalty card from apps that may give support to good causes (by leveraging the charity donation feature within the retailer’s app)

9) Give away to CENFACS any vouchers received or earned that you do not need or want (by finding out if vouchers are from a voucher provider and by following the instructions on their website or the voucher itself)

10) Hand out to CENFACS any proceeds from unwanted or unneeded prize draw or award you prefer to get rid of (by ensuring the event follows gambling regulations, especially if it is a lottery or raffle)

11) If you are a gaming fundraiser, help CENFACS raise money it needs through your gaming fundraising capability (by creating a fundraising page, planning a sponsored gaming challenge, livestreaming the event on platforms, and using interactive features to encourage donations)

12) Help in online fundraising events like online or digital tickets selling (by selecting a dedicated charity fundraising platform allowing you to create event pages and sell digital tickets or using a general event platform)

13) If you are gaming as a good causes and fundraising livestream donor, you can also support CENFACS (by livestreaming your gameplay and encouraging viewers to donate to a linked fundraising page)

14) If you are running gaming and livestreaming campaigns, you can remember CENFACS in your campaigns (by setting a clear fundraising goal, planning engaging content with interactive platform and fundraising tools)

15) Give cryptocurrency donations (by finding a crypto-friendly charity or a platform, selecting the specific currency you want to donate and initiate the transaction)

16) Donate the proceeds of sales of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to streamline CENFACS‘ processes of reducing poverty and enhancing sustainable development (by selling the NFT and donating the proceeds via one-time charitable contribution or committing to donate a percentage of royalties, either from your mint or secondary sale of the NFT).

 

The above sixteen-themed forms of not directly donating cash allow donors to engage with their chosen causes among the variety of projects offered by CENFACS in ways that resonate with their personal values and interests.  They are just the few examples of ways of helping that one can think over or come across with to support CENFACS without having to directly give cash.  However, this does not mean one cannot donate cash.  Of course, they can and if they choose to donate cash, CENFACS will happily accept their cash donations.

To support CENFACS without directly giving cash and or by directly donating cash, just contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 08/10/2025: Consume Green and Local

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Third Update from Wednesday 08/10/2025: Households’ Financial Response to Economic and Market Changes

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 06/10/2025:  Strategy for Regular Review of Intergenerational Financial Plan

 

Image

 

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 08/10/2025: Consume Green and Local

 

Consume Green and Local is the second long-term campaign action of our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living.  Perhaps, the best way of approaching this action is to highlight the relationships between consuming green and a lower cost of living, between consuming locally and a lower cost of living.

 

• • Relationship between Consuming Green and a Lower Cost of Living

 

Studies and facts show that there is a significant relationship between consuming green/sustainable and a lower cost of living.  Yet, opinions diverge over this relationship as some think that green habits help save money while others find green products more expensive.  Despite this division of opinions, taking the following sustainable actions can help cut household expenses, especially for households living on a tight budget:

 

σ Reducing energy use and consumption

σ Consuming less

σ Repairing and reusing items

σ Growing food

σ Buying second-hand

Etc.

 

So, reducing consumption costs can in the long run help end poverty induced by the high costs of living.

There are factors influencing this relationship such as financial motivation, perceived costs of green products, economic pressures and inflation, becoming ‘greener’ as a default rather than believing in the environment.

 

• • Relationship between Consuming Locally and a Lower Cost of Living

 

Consuming locally can help lower the overall cost of living by keeping money within the community and supporting local economy, production and businesses.  Local economies benefit from money circulating locally, which can lead to an improved distribution of wealth and more accessible jobs and resources for residents.  By reducing reliance on expensive, long-distance shipping for goods, consumers can potentially access more affordable products and services, especially when combined with local production and fair wages.  Besides lowering the cost of living, consuming locally can create wealth within the community and locally.

To sum up, Consuming Green and Local can be incorporated in the long-term strategy to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living.

Those who will be interested in this second campaign action and would like to join it, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who have any enquiries and or queries about Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions, they can address them to CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Third Update from Wednesday 08/10/2025: Households’ Financial Responses to Economic and Market Changes

 

Most sensible households act when there are changes in the economy and market.  To illustrate this, let us first deal with economic and market changes, then look at households’ financial response.

 

• • Economic and Market Changes

 

These changes can significantly impact markets, affecting trade agreements, currency fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions.  Understanding these dynamics can help households to adapt and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.  Their responses can be influenced by various factors, including income shocks, cost of living pressures, and consumer confidence.

 

• • Households’ Financial Responses

 

They are about how households act when there is a financial shock.  It emerges from ‘hks.harvard.edu’ (1) that research indicates that households adjust their spending, saving and borrowing behaviour in responses to these changes, with significant variations in their intertemporal marginal propensities to consume and deleverage.  These adjustments are not solely based on socioeconomic or financial characteristics but also involve psychological factors, past experiences, and expectations.  The study of household financial decision-making reveals a range of motivations behind these decisions leading to the identification of four household types: strongly constrained, precautionary, quasi-smoothers, and spenders.  These types of households exhibit similar financial actions but stem from diverse reasons, challenging the predictability of financial behaviour based on socioeconomic and financial characteristics alone.

Similarly,  ‘blog.ons.gov.uk’ (2) notices that

“Households’ financial responses to shocks can vary significantly based on their income level, employment status, and access to savings and credit”.

For instance, households’ financial responses could be having a savings buffer (with 76% able to cover a 25% fall in household employment income) and or a financial resilience (which involves having sufficient savings to cover unexpected income falls and managing debts and arrears).

Households making CENFACS Community also build savings buffer and financial resilience to respond to economic and market changes.  They may need to know more about strategies or ways of better responding to these changes.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Households’ Financial Responses via a Weekend Homework for Households

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Households’ Financial Responses to Economic and Market Changeswe are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Discuss Your Household Financial Resilience.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who may be interested in the Households’ Financial Responses to Economic and Market Changes can contact CENFACS for further details.

 

• • Last Words about Financial Plan Updates 2025 Series

 

In the last 5 weeks, we worked with households on Financial Plan Updates 2025 Series.  This new series of updates aimed at building a more secure financial future for these households through financial skills and knowledge so that they can navigate their financial futures more comfortably and affectively.

The updates were about ensuring that households making the CENFACS Community have the tools and resources necessary to better manage their finances.  They reflect a broader effort to enhance household financial stability, support and well-being.  These updates are part and fall under the scope of CENFACS Bridging Financial Information Gap Project.

We hope that those who worked with us throughout this 5-week series of financial actions have been able to update their financial plan or at least to get the clues on how to do it.  We are still available to work with those who need support with their Financial Plan Updates or for us to look at their Financial Plan.  If you are one of them, please do not hesitate to communicate with CENFACS with your request.

 

Image

 

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 06/10/2025:  Strategy for Regular Review of Intergenerational Financial Plan

 

Once a family creates its intergenerational financial plan, they need to keep an eye on it.  In project planning parlance, it means they need to regularly review it.  Regular reviews of intergenerational financial plan are essential to ensure that the plan remains effective and aligned with the evolving needs of the family.

To review its plan, the family is required to develop a strategy for regular review of its plan or a long-term view of the future success of its plan.   This strategy needs to have some components.  What are the components of this strategy?

 

• • Components of Strategy for Regular Reviews of Intergenerational Financial Plan

 

They include

 

σ Regularly evaluating the family’s financial position

σ Clearly defining the family’s goals and expectations

σ Maintaining open communication with family members about the financial plan

σ Educating the family members about the plan’s details and the family’s values and goals

σ Reviewing tax rules and estate planning laws

σ Involving younger family members in discussion about the financial plan

σ Consulting with financial advisors who specialise in intergenerational planning matters.

 

The above-mentioned elements will help families to have intergenerational financial plans that are relevant and effective as they navigate the complexities of wealth transfer and family dynamics.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Strategy for Regular Review of Intergenerational Financial Plan via a Weekend Homework for Families

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Strategy for Regular Review of Intergenerational Financial Planwe are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Find a Trigger for Reviewing Your Intergenerational Financial Plan.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who would like to know more about Strategy for Regular Review of Intergenerational Financial Plan and to work with CENFACS, they can contact us.

 

• • Final Thought

 

During the last 6 weeks, we tirelessly worked with those who wanted to dive into intergenerational financial planning.  We worked together to ensure that families making our community can have a strategy to ensure the smooth transfer of their wealth down their future generations, in a controlled and tax efficient manner.

As ‘dysifa.com’ (3) puts it,

“An intergenerational approach can ensure the right family members have the right assets at the right time, while minimising any potential for family disputes or conflicts”.

Intergenerational Financial Planning can work better when everybody gets involved in the financial planning process.  The plan is not only designed to leave something behind for the family.  It is also about eliminating or at least significantly reducing poverty for future generations.

We hope that the overall topic of Intergenerational Financial Planning including the notes we provided throughout this 6-week campaign have been useful and will help those who would like to make a financial plan about the smooth transfer of wealth down their future generations.

Perhaps, we have not been able to cover some of the areas that some of you might have wanted us to cover in the notes.  We apologise if your concerns have not been addressed.  We are still available to work with those who want us to reflect their needs in the support we are providing on this matter.

Those who may be still interested in Intergenerational Financial Planning or in discussing any matter relating to the overall topic of Intergenerational Financial Planning, they should feel free to contact CENFACS.  Equally, those who would like to tackle intergenerational poverty can communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Message in English-French (Message en Anglais-Français)

 

• CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum E-discusses Fiscal Policies and Inequalities Reduction in Africa

To introduce this e-discussion, let us provide the definitions of fiscal policy and inequality.  What is fiscal policy?

According to ‘financestrategists.com’ (4),

“Fiscal policy refers to government use of taxation and spending to influence the conditions of the economy.  Typically, fiscal policy comes into play during a recession or a period of inflation, where conditions are escalating quickly enough to warrant government intervention”.

Fiscal policy can be progressive, proportional and regressive in terms of taxation.  In the case of this e-discussion, we are mostly dealing with a progressive fiscal policy.

Speaking about progressive fiscal policy, ‘fastercapital.com’ (5) argues that

“Progressive fiscal policy uses progressive tax systems by imposing higher tax rates on those with greater incomes.  This policy, which is mostly one of the Keynesian economics, aims at achieving economic stability and equitable wealth distribution”.

Progressive taxation is fiscal tool that can be used to create fairness and regulate aggregate demand within an economy, from the Keynesian perspective.

Knowing what is fiscal policy, let us briefly explain the other key word of our e-discussion, which is inequality.  What is inequality?

The website ‘inezz.com’ (6) states that

“Inequality refers to the disparity or uneven distribution of wealth, income, opportunities, or resources among individuals or groups within a society or between different societies”.

Africa is a rich continent but with a huge level of inequalities that a fiscal policy can help reduce.

Indeed, progressive fiscal policies can significantly reduce inequalities in Africa.  Progressive taxation for African countries that can afford them can allow higher-income individuals to contribute a larger share of their earnings to fund social programmes and redistribute wealth.  Targeted spending can promote social mobility and reduce income disparities, which is one of the expression of inequality. 

In Africa, many households pay more in taxes than they receive in transfers and subsidies, which perpetuates poverty and exacerbates inequality.  As ‘theconersation.com’ (7) puts it,

“Most tax systems in Africa have relied on indirect taxes (such as Value Added Tax or consumption taxes) rather than progressive direct taxes on income and wealth.  As as a result, poorer households often bear a heavier relative tax burden while the wealthiest benefit from exemptions or evasion”. 

Progressive taxation can help level the playing field by ensuring that the rich contribute more to public purse. So, addressing fiscal imbalances can help reduce inequalities in Africa.

The above is the terms of our e-discussion.  Those who may be interested in this discussion can join our poverty reduction pundits and/or contribute by contacting CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum, which is a forum for discussion on poverty reduction and sustainable development issues in Africa and which acts on behalf of its members by making proposals or ideas for actions for a better Africa.

To contact CENFACS about this discussion, please use our usual contact address on this website.

 

• Le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS discute en ligne des Politiques fiscales et réduction des inégalités en Afrique

Pour introduire cette e-discussion, fournissons d’abord les définitions de la politique budgétaire et de l’inégalité.  Qu’est-ce que la politique fiscale ?

Selon « financestrategists.com » (4), « La politique budgétaire fait référence à l’utilisation par le gouvernement de la fiscalité et des dépenses pour influencer les conditions de l’économie. En général, la politique budgétaire entre en jeu lors d’une récession ou d’une période d’inflation, lorsque les conditions évoluent assez rapidement pour justifier une intervention gouvernementale ».

La politique fiscale peut être progressive, proportionnelle et régressive en termes de taxation. Dans le cadre de cette discussion en ligne, nous traitons principalement de la politique fiscale progressive.

En parlant de politique fiscale progressive, ‘fastercapital.com’ (5) soutient que

« La politique fiscale progressive utilise des systèmes fiscaux progressifs en imposant des taux d’imposition plus élevés à ceux ayant des revenus plus élevés. Cette politique, qui est principalement issue de l’économie keynésienne, vise à atteindre la stabilité économique et une répartition équitable de la richesse ».

La taxation progressive est un outil fiscal qui peut être utilisé pour créer l’équité et réguler la demande globale au sein d’une économie, selon la perspective keynésienne. Sachant ce qu’est la politique fiscale, expliquons brièvement l’autre mot clé de notre discussion en ligne, qui est l’inégalité.  Qu’est-ce que l’inégalité ?

Selon ‘inezz.com’ (6),

“L’inégalité fait référence à la disparité ou à la répartition inégale de la richesse, des revenus, des opportunités ou des ressources entre les individus ou les groupes au sein d’une société ou entre différentes sociétés”.

L’Afrique est un continent riche mais avec un niveau énorme d’inégalités qu’une politique fiscale peut aider à réduire.

En effet, des politiques fiscales progressives peuvent réduire considérablement les inégalités en Afrique. La fiscalité progressive pour les pays africains qui peuvent se le permettre permettrait aux individus à revenu élevé de contribuer davantage de leurs revenus au financement des programmes sociaux et à la redistribution des richesses. Les dépenses ciblées peuvent favoriser la mobilité sociale et réduire les écarts de revenus, qui sont l’une des manifestations de l’inégalité.

En Afrique, de nombreux ménages paient plus d’impôts qu’ils ne reçoivent de transferts et de subventions, ce qui perpétue la pauvreté et accentue les inégalités.  Comme le dit ‘theconversation.com’ (7),

« La plupart des systèmes fiscaux en Afrique ont reposé sur des taxes indirectes (comme la TVA ou les taxes à la consommation) plutôt que sur des impôts directs progressifs sur le revenu et la richesse. Par conséquent, les ménages les plus pauvres supportent souvent une charge fiscale relative plus lourde tandis que les plus riches bénéficient d’exonérations ou d’évasion fiscale ».

Une fiscalité progressive peut aider à rétablir l’équité en veillant à ce que les riches contribuent davantage au budget public. Ainsi, le traitement des déséquilibres fiscaux peut contribuer à réduire les inégalités en Afrique.

Ce qui précède constitue les termes de notre discussion électronique.  Ceux ou celles qui pourraient être intéressé(e)s par cette discussion peuvent se joindre à nos experts en réduction de la pauvreté et/ou contribuer en contactant le ‘me.Afrique’ du CENFACS (ou le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS), qui est un forum de discussion sur les questions de réduction de la pauvreté et de développement durable en Afrique et qui agit au nom de ses membres en faisant des propositions ou des idées d’actions pour une Afrique meilleure.

Pour contacter le CENFACS au sujet de cette discussion, veuillez utiliser nos coordonnées habituelles sur ce site Web.

 

Image

 

Main Development

 

2025 “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) Campaign and Themed Activities via “MAMBILANGA” Project

The following covers the points making this Main Development:

 

 What is “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence)?

∝ “A la une” Campaign Sub-themes

∝ MAMBILANGA (that is, Mind Amphibians for Maintaining the Balance of Insects in the Lives of Aquatics and Nutrients, and for Guarding Agriculture) as a Focus of Our ‘A la Une’ Campaign 2025

∝ “A la une” Campaign Calendar

∝ Executing our “A la une” Campaign from Week Beginning 06/10/2025 by Focusing on Saving Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill)

∝ Add-on Activity of the Week’s Campaign: Visit Your Local Park to Find Amphibians (that is, Frogs, Salamanders and Caecilians).

 

Before starting the first themed area of this year’s “A la une” Campaign, let us remind those who may not know or remember what is “A la une” Campaign.

 

• • What is “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence)?

 

A la une” is CENFACS‘ well-known household campaign for justice towards for nature in the autumnal season.

It is about working together in organised and active way toward the goal of keeping up the nature in (good) existence.

It is about telling those who are in a position to help to fix the overexploitation and end extinction of natural species.

It is about gaining support for species for the benefits and gifts they provide to the nature and in the different areas of human life.

It is CENFACS’ branding or theme that holds to account those who are destroying the nature and its resources as well as it looks forward to positively transforming our relationships with nature while changing the way our society works.

Briefly, A la une” Campaign, which has to be differentiated from one-time protest, has three attributes, which are:

 

a) It focuses on a concrete goal of keeping up the nature in (good) existence

b) It has specific outcomes for working with CENFACS‘ users to protect nature or the wilderness/wildlands

c) It helps to add up to similar efforts and work on protecting the nature.

 

A la une” Campaign needs sub-themes to be completed.

 

Image

 

• • A la une” Campaign Sub-themes

 

Since we started this campaign, there have been many sub-themes or themed activities or projects.  We can mention the five latest ones:

 

 Restoration of Ecological Infrastructures in 2020

∝ Safeguard of Crop Wild Relatives in 2021

∝ Mbulu (Mobilising for Birds’ Useful Life for Us) Project in 2022

∝ Niamankeke (Nurture Insects via Adaptive Management for Action on Nature that Keeps the Endangered as Key to our Environment) Project in 2023

∝ ‘Mbisi’ (Maintaining Bagrus In Situ Inhabitation) Project was a Focus of Our ‘A la Une’ Campaign 2024. 

 

We are still working on these five ‘A la Une’ Campaign sub-themes or projects.

For example, we are looking at the Banana plant diseases (e.g., banana bunchy top disease and Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4) which are posing a serious threat to economic growth and sustainable development as well as poverty reduction in Africa.

Those who would like more information about ‘A la Une’ Campaign sub-themes or projects, they can contact CENFACS.

Those who would like support them (that is, these five ‘A la Une’ Campaign sub-themes or projects), they can also contact CENFACS with their support.

This year, the sub-theme we have selected to deliver A la une” Campaign is “MAMBILANGA“.

 

• • MAMBILANGA (that is, Mind Amphibians for Maintaining the Balance of Insects in the Lives of Aquatics and Nutrients, and for Guarding Agriculture) as a Focus of Our ‘A la Une’ Campaign 2025

 

‘MAMBILANGA’ is an advocacy for the endangered amphibian species.  Amphibian is, according to ‘frogile.org (8), a cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Amphibia, comprising frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and caecilians. 

‘MAMBILANGA’ is a new advocacy project planned by CENFACS to help protect critically endangered amphibian species and keep  them up in their natural habitat in Africa.

In the 2023 State of the World’s Amphibians report (9), it is stated that

“41% of all amphibians are threatened with extinction – a sobering figure that should raise alarm bells and lead us to act. Mobilizing resources to find missing or lost species, protect
their native habitat, and breed them under human care for future reintroduction, are just a few of the many interventions in the conservation toolbox to stop and revert species declines”.

African amphibians – like Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), Western Nimba Toad (Nimbaphrynoides occidentalis), Togo Slippery Frog (Conraua derooi), Rough Moss Frog (Arthroleptella rugosa), and Blommersia Dupeezi  – are critically endangered species.  We have selected them to work on them as a way of raising awareness of the extinction threat that amphibians like them face as well as to implement ‘A la Une’ Campaign.

To execute ‘MAMBILANGA’ project and this year’s ‘A la Une’ Campaign., we have drawn up a calendar of work.

 

• • “A la une” Campaign Calendar

 

• • • Six Weeks of Campaign for the Upkeep of the Nature

 

As announced earlier, we have started our 6-week campaign work for the Upkeep of the Nature.  The campaign will help in promoting healthy relationships between humans and nature by taking actions to reduce the decline and extinction threat that some types of Amphibian Species are facing.  It will also help in the fight against the contributing factors to this decline or extinction threat.

As outlined earlier, the sub-theme of “A la une” for this year is Saving the Endangered Amphibian Species delivered via “MAMBILANGA” Project while the “A la une” theme remains the same which is Upkeep of the Nature.

Within these theme and sub-theme, we have composed six notes including monitoring, evaluation and review of the “A la une” Campaign.  These notes are in fact campaign actions that can be taken to Save Endangered Amphibian Species.

 

• • • “A la une” Campaign Composed Notes or Themed Areas for Action

 

There are five amphibian themed names and five activities to back this campaign.  During the following periods within this Autumn and “A la une” season, CENFACS’ advocacy on environment will focus on the following amphibian themed names and activities  from the beginning of every Mondays (starting from 06 October 2025 to 9 November 2025).

 

ImageImage

Note to “A la une” Campaign calendar: (*) WBM means Week Beginning Monday

 

In total, there are five amphibian themed names which make areas of work and action starting from the 06th of October 2025 and thereafter every Mondays until the 9th of November 2025.  The campaign activities related to each of the amphibian-themed names not only provide educational benefits but also foster a deeper understanding of amphibians and their importance to the ecosystems.

From the 10th to the 16th of November 2025, we shall carry out Impact Monitoring, Evaluation and Review of the “A la une” Campaign and Themed Activities conducted.

The above-mentioned amphibian themed titles and activities will help us to re-communicate our environmental message for the upkeep of the nature in (good) existence as well as triggering better changes the way in which our community/society works.

As you can notice, besides each of these amphibian themed names, there are activities to be carried out.  The activities are about how amphibians (particularly frogs among them) diversely contribute to human life and society.  They are about exploring the intricate web of human-amphibian relationships.

The notes are supposed to guide our action since “A la une” Campaign is about actions, not words.  During the run and at the end of these notes and actions, we shall pull impact monitoring and evaluation reports.  We shall as well review the campaign results to see how it performed overall and if we achieved our goal, that is “MAMBILANGA“ (Mind Amphibians for Maintaining the Balance of Insects in the Lives of Aquatics and Nutrients, and for Guarding Agriculture).

To engage with “A la une” Campaign and themed areas as well as to act for a healthy and wealthy nature, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• • Executing our “A la une” Campaign from Week Beginning 06/10/2025 by Focusing on Saving Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill)

 

To help save Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), let us provide the definition of this species, its conservation status, and what can be done to save it.

 

• • • What is Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill)?

 

It emerges from the literature review of frogs, Pickersgill’s Reed Frog – also known by the scientific name of Hyperolius pickersgill – is a small to medium-sized frog endemic to South Africa, primarily fund in the coastal lowlands of KwaZulu-Natal.  It is a species from the family Hyperoliidae.

 

• • • Is Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) Critically Endangered?

 

Most of the studies surveyed indicate that Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) is a critically endangered frog species.   According to ‘sandi.org’ (10),

“The Species is currently listed as Critically Endangered B2ab (ii, iii) on the IUCN (2010) Red List of Threatened Species, due to its very small area of occupancy, severe fragmentation of its habitat and continuing decline in the quality of its habitat and area of occupancy”.

Because it is critically endangered, Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) needs to be saved from threats and risks to extinction.

 

• • • What can be done to save Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill)

 

There are several projects helping to save Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) across Africa.  These projects include actions that can be taken to save Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill).  Amongst these actions, we can mention the following ones:

 

σ Protect key wetlands that are crucial for the survival of the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) and other species in the area;

σ Raise public awareness about the conservation status of the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) and the importance of protecting its habitat;

σ Develop and implement a conservation management plan to guide long-term protection of the species and its habitat;

σ Utilise captive breeding programmes to ensure the survival of the species and to prepare for potential reintroduction into the wild;

σ Collaborate with landowners to secure habitats for the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) and to mitigate the impacts of urban development and other threats.

 

The above-mentioned actions can help save Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) and its future life.

Besides the above-mentioned actions, there are other initiatives one can take to help save the Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) population.  One of these other actions is to support the good causes working on Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill) matter.

The above actions will help to reduce extinction risks and threats to Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), which is critically endangered amphibian species in Africa.

 

Image

 

• • Add-on Activity of the Week’s Campaign: Visit Your Local Park to Find Amphibians (that is, Frogs, Salamanders and Caecilians)

 

As a quiet and observant visitor to the park, one can find amphibians in the park.

 

• • • Finding amphibians in the park

 

To find amphibians – like frogs, toads, and newts – in a local park, one needs to look for damp vegetated areas near freshwater sources such as ponds, lakes, or even compost heaps.  It is preferable to visit the park during the Spring or early Summer when they are most active searching in moist leaf litter, under logs, or near the water’s edge.  Because we are in Autumn, one can always give themselves a try to see if there is any chance to find amphibians in their local park.

 

• • When and where to find these amphibians in the park

 

Frogs and toads can be seen through most of the year in damp areas.  Newts can be found in their moist, spongy or warty skin, which is different from the dry, scaly skin of  a lizard.  In the spring, one might find frogspawn (eggs) in ponds or lakes.

To find these elusive creatures, one is required to be quiet and observant visitor to increase their chances of spotting them in their natural habitat.  Their sounds can also help to find them.

Those who will be carried out this visiting activity can inform or report to CENFACS about their findings.

The above is our first note of the “A la une” Campaign for this year.

To find out more about this first note and/or the entire “A la une” Campaign, please contact CENFACS.

_________

 

• References

 

(1) https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/programs/growthpolicy/how-and-why-household-reactions-income-shocks (accessed in October 2025)

(2) https://blog.ons.gov.uk/2025/09/30/updating-and-improving-our-view-of-the-uk-economy/ (accessed in October 2025)

(3) https://dysifa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/An-Introduction-to-Intergenerational-Planning.pdf (accessed in August 2025)

(4) https://www.financestrategists.com/wealth-management/macroeconomics/fiscal-policy/ (accessed in October 2025)

(5) https://fastercapital.com/content/Fiscal-Policy–Fiscal-Policy–Crafting-Progressive-Taxation-for-Economic-Stability.html (accessed in October 2025)

(6) https://inezz.com/definitions/inequality/ (accessed in October 2025)

(7) https://theconversion.com/inequality-in-africa-what-drives-it-how-to-end-it-and-what-some-countries-are-getting-right-265265 (accessed in October 2025)

(8) https://www.frogile.org/info-advice/frequently-asked-questions/glossary (accessed in October 2025)

(9) https://www.amphibians.org/resources/state-of-the-worlds-amphibians/ (accessed in October 2025)

(10)https://www.sandi.org/animal-of-the-week/pickersgills-reed-frog/ (accessed in October 2025)

 

_________

 

• Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

 

History of Africa’s Green Industry

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

01 October 2025

Post No. 424

 

Image

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• History Month with Making Memorable Positive Difference Project – In Focus: History of Africa’s Green Industry

• Activity/Task 10 of the Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project: Share the History of Restoration and Poverty Reduction Linked to It

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 01/10/2025: Improve Productivity and Earning Potential

 

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• History Month with Making Memorable Positive Difference Project – In Focus: History of Africa’s Green Industry

 

This year’s Making Memorable Positive Difference (MM+D), which is the 17th edition, will be about the History of Africa’s Green Industry.

Perhaps, to better introduce this 17th edition of MM+D, let us explain green industry.  To clarify it, let us refer to what World Green Economy Council (1) argues about it, which is:

“Green industry means economies striving for a more sustainable pathway of growth, by undertaking green public investments and implementing public policy initiatives that encourage environmentally responsible private investments”.

Taking the same line of reasoning, ‘fpt-io.com’ (2) states that

“Green industry aims to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.  It involves resource efficiency, pollution prevention, sustainable product design, circular economy, and renewable energy integration”.

Knowing what green industry is, it is worth mentioning that the history of Africa’s green industry is marked by a transition from fossil-fuelled, extractive growth to a sustainable, green economy.  This historical shift is driven by Africa’s resources, ingenuity and the desire of Africa to be among the major players in the global green economy.  This is despite the nascent character of Africa’s formal ‘green industry’ heritage.

As part of MM+D 2025, we will remember the history of green industry in Africa and the key individuals who shaped Africa’s green industry.  In particular, we shall reminisce key figures  who represent a historical legacy of African innovators and activists in the ‘green industrialist’ space.  We will also look back the relationship between Africa’s history of green industry and poverty reduction, although this relationship is complex and multifaceted.

This year, MM+D 2025 is in the Year of African Cultural Heritage (3).  Because of that, during MM+D 2025 we shall re-examine the historical links between Africa’s culture and green industry, between Africa’s heritage and green industry.  Africa’s culture is historically linked to the green industry through the emphasis on sustainable practices rooted in traditional knowledge on sustainable agriculture and resource management.  Africa’s heritage is connected to the green industry through its abundant renewable energy sources and critical minerals.

MM+D 2025  will therefore provide opportunity to relearn about Africa’s green industry.  In short, we shall undertake the following two tasks:

 

a) study the history of Africa’s green industry

b) assess the historical contribution of Africa’s green industry in reducing green poverty as well as the links of this industry with Africa’s culture and heritage.

 

For further information on this acknowledgement about the History of Africa’s Green Industry, please read under the Main Development section of this post.

 

Image

 

• Activity/Task 10 of the Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project: Share the History of Restoration and Poverty Reduction Linked to It

 

Our Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project have progressed to Activity/Task 10, which is ‘Share the History of Restoration and Poverty Reduction Linked to It’.   To undertake this task, one needs to know what we mean by sharing restoration history, efforts deployed to reduce poverty attached to restoration history, and ways in which they can support this activity/task.

 

• • What Is Sharing the History of Restoration?

 

It involves understanding its significance and impact on various aspects of life and society.  The history of restoration is a period that has been studied and discussed for its unique characteristics and the changes it brought about.

This restoration study and discussion can touch many aspects of life, such as political changes, cultural revival, literary development, social and economic changes like in the UK.  Since we are in the Year of African Cultural Heritage, one can think of sharing the history of restoration in the African context and relate it to poverty reduction.  Let us illustrate it.

 

• • Example of Sharing Restoration History and Its Links with Poverty Reduction: Case of Africa

 

In the context of Africa’s History of Restoration, the sharing exercise can include many types of sharing like the following ones:

 

• • • Sharing the history of cultural heritage restoration 

 

This could include the history of efforts to return cultural property, such as artefacts and sacred objects.

The link here with poverty reduction could be to heal and empower poor communities who were affected by historical dispossession.

 

• • • Sharing the history of restitution initiatives

 

This could be about the history of returned looted African treasures.

The link with poverty reduction could be to reclaim cultural identity and heritage as well as addressing historical injustices.

The two examples are just among the many ways of illustrating the sharing of restoration history.

 

• • Supporting This Activity/Task

 

Those who would like to proceed with this activity/task by themselves can go ahead.  They can follow these steps:

plan the way they want to share restoration history, use a structured approach to guide the restoration process in this sharing, and use restoration techniques to guide people looking for restoration.

Those who would to be part of a working group helping in the realisation of this activity/task can let CENFACS know.

The above is what Activity/Task 10 of the Restoration (R) Year/Project is about.  Those who would like to undertake it, they can go ahead.

For those who need some help before embarking on this activity/task, they can speak to CENFACS.  To speak to CENFACS, they are required to plan in advance or prepare themselves regarding the issues they would like to raise.

For any other queries and enquiries about the ‘R‘ project and this year’s dedication, please contact CENFACS as well.

 

Image

 

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions – In Focus from 01/10/2025: Improve Productivity and Earning Potential

 

Improve Productivity and Earning Potential is the first long-term campaign action of our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living.  To understand this action, it is better to clarify the meanings of productivity and earning capacity.  This understanding will be in the context of employees/workers rather than from the perspective of businesses/employers.

 

• • Meaning of Productivity in the Context of Employees/Workers

 

According to ‘ibm.com’ (4),

“Employee productivity measures how efficiently and effectively a worker or a group of workers contribute to accomplishing organisational goals.  It is a key performance indicator (KPI) that measures the output of work in relation to the inputs of time, effort and resource”.

As part of long-term campaign actions, this indicator can be improved in order to reduce or end poverty induced by high costs of living.  However, one should not single out this indicator as the only strategy to reduce poverty.  In other words, improving productivity needs to be within the overall strategy for ending poverty induced by high costs of living.

For instance, in the UK studies indicate that productivity growth has been a concern, with recent trends showing a decline in productivity over the past quarter-century, and the average annual change in the output per hour worked being significantly lower than historical levels.

Referring to productivity as output per hour worked, the Office National for Statistics (5) in the UK states that

“Output per hour worked was lower (negative 0.8%) in Quarter 2 of 2025 than in the same quarter a year ago.  This is because hours worked increased more that Gross Value Added (2% and 1.1% respectively”.

Briefly speaking, if one wants to end poverty induced by high costs of living, then they need to improve employee productivity.

 

• • Meaning of Earning Capacity in the Context of Employees/Workers

 

The definition retained here comes from ‘invezz.com’ (6), which explains that

“Earning capacity refers to an individual’s potential or ability to generate income over a specific period, typically influenced by factors such as education, skills, experiences, market demand, and economic conditions”.

According to the Office for National Statistics (7),

“[In Great Britain,] Average Weekly Earnings were estimated at £727for total earnings and £680 for regular earnings in July 2025”.

One needs to consider both real and nominal earnings as well as earning capacity in order to have a true picture of earnings in the UK.

Earning potential and ability to generate income for poor people and those experiencing multiple socio-economic barriers can be very limited.  Improving their earning capacity could mean undertaking various strategies including the removal of existing inequalities and disparities.  Therefore, this long-term action will aim at tackling the spectrum of barriers and obstacles lying on the way of poor or low-income earners to generate enough income to make ends meet.

Because of the limitations that poor and low-income people have in terms of productivity and earning capacity, there is a need to develop or revisit strategies to help people improve their productivity and capacity to earn or generate income.

 

• • Strategies for Improving Productivity and Capacity to Earn or Generate Income

 

These strategies include the following elements:

 

σ Identification and leverage of personal strengths

σ Setting of clear goals and tracking of progress

σ Provision of training and the development of opportunities

σ Promotion of supportive work environment

σ Encouragement of time management and task prioritisation

Etc.

 

These elements can be incorporated in the long-term strategy to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living.

Those who will be interested in this first campaign action and would like to join it, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who have any enquiries and or queries about Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living through Long-term Actions, they can address them to CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature) Campaign with Concentration on Critically Endangered Amphibian Species

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Third Update from Wednesday 01/10/2025: Adjusting Household Financial Strategies

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 29/09/2025:  Wealth Distribution

 

Image

 

• “A la une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature) Campaign with Concentration on Critically Endangered Amphibian Species

 

This year, “A la une” – which takes Save Fauna, Flora and Funga advocacy to the next level of CENFACS‘ environmental communications and awareness raising – will be concentrated on Critically Endangered Amphibian Species.  We shall focus on saving endangered amphibians through our new initiative called ‘MAMBILANGA’.  What do we mean by endangered?

 

• • Meaning of Endangered

 

Endangered can be defined from the Oxford Dictionary of Environment and Conservation written by Chris Park (8) as

“A species that is in danger of *extinction if existing pressures on it (such as over-harvesting or habitat change) continue, and which is therefore likely to disappear if it is not offered adequate protection” (p. 147)

As said above, we shall focus on saving endangered amphibians through our new initiative called ‘MAMBILANGA’. 

 

Image

 

• • ‘MAMBILANGA’ (Mind Amphibians for Maintaining the Balance of Insects in the Lives of Aquatics and Nutrients, and for Guarding Agricultureas a Focus of Our ‘A la Une’ Campaign 

 

MAMBILANGA is a new advocacy project planned by CENFACS to help protect critically endangered amphibian species and keep  them up in their natural habitat in Africa.  Amphibians like Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), Whitebelly Egg Frog (Leptodactylodon albiventris), and Western Nimba Toad are critically endangered.  Likewise, Western Leopard Toad, Goliath Frog, Big-eyed Forest Tree Frog, and Perret’s Night Frog are endangered species.

The ‘MAMBILANGA  project, which has already kicked off, will help us to advocate for a safe life for amphibian species.

In the coming weeks, we are embarking on a campaign to help save critically threatened amphibians by extinction in Africa.   It is a campaign to help save the above-mentioned amphibian species and similar species threated by extinction.

This Autumn campaign to help save amphibians will be featured by a number of notes to be written to make up the theme of the campaign.  There will five notes which will be related to five of the above-mentioned amphibians.

They are endangered species.  The ‘MAMBILANGA’ project will help to advocate for a safe life for these amphibians.

To support “A la une” campaign and “MAMBILANGA” project, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Third Update from Wednesday 01/10/2025: Adjusting Household Financial Strategies

 

Household financial strategies can be adjusted in the light of new events and circumstances.  Before looking at these adjustments, let us briefly highlight the meaning of financial strategies.

 

• • What Are Financial Strategies?

 

The website ‘wallstreemojo.com’ (9) explains that

“Financial strategies refer to the comprehensive plans and approaches that individuals, businesses, or organisations adopt to mange their financial resources effectively.  These strategies encompass a wide range of activities, including budgeting, investment planning, debt management, risk mitigation, and overall financial decision-making.  The aim here is to achieve financial stability, growth, and sustainability”.

Knowing what financial strategies are, it is possible to adjust these strategies according to life circumstances and events.

 

• • Adjusting Household Financial Strategies

 

To adjust their financial strategies, households can

 

σ Create a realistic budget (that includes all income sources and that do not exceed spending level)

σ Prioritise needs over wants (necessities over desires or mindful consumption over mindless one)

σ Track and monitor their spending (by using apps or spreadsheets to keep a close eye on their spending habits and identify areas of improvement)

σ Design their budget (by utilising budgeting tools like budget planner)

σ Develop and put their mindful spending plan into action.

 

The above-mentioned strategies or steps can help households to better manage their finances and achieve their financial goals.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Adjusting Household Financial Strategies via a Weekend Homework for Households

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Adjusting Household Financial Strategieswe are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Prioritise your needs over wants.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who may be interested in the Adjusting Household Financial Strategies can contact CENFACS for further details.

If you need support with your Financial Plan Updates or for us to look at your Financial Plan, please do not hesitate to communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 29/09/2025:  Wealth Distribution

 

To distribute wealth to family members requires careful planning, communication, and consideration of tax implications to ensure fairness and long-term financial health.  Before considering these key aspects of wealth distribution, let us briefly define wealth distribution in the context of a family.

 

• • What Is Wealth Distribution in the Context of a Family?

 

It refers to the way in which the total wealth of a family is divided among its members.  It encompasses the disparities in the ownership, control, and accumulation of assets, such as property investments, and other financial resources, across different segments of the family.

The Resolution Foundation (10) notes that

“It involves the strategic allocation of assets and wealth among family members to ensure effective wealth transfer and legacy planning.  This process is crucial for maintaining family values, supporting philanthropic endeavours, and ensuring that assets are available when needed for transfers, tax payments, or legacy funding”.

Those members of the families making the CENFACS Community can be aware of these explanations so that when the time comes to transfer their wealth, they act in the proper manner and according to the laws/rules relating to wealth distribution.  If they are not sure there are experts in wealth distribution who can advise or guide them accordingly.

 

• • Key Considerations for Wealth Distribution

 

They summarily include the following ones:

 

σ Educate your family members about financial management before wealth distribution occurs

σ Determine the amount to distribute by working with a financial planner

σ Plan the timing of your wealth distribution

σ Identify beneficiaries by deciding who will benefit from your wealth

σ Use trusts and wills to help you manage the wealth distribution process

σ Communicate openly with your family members about your wealth distribution plan

σ Consider staggered distribution for younger beneficiaries

σ Consult professionals in wealth distribution.

 

These above-mentioned elements will help anyone who follows them to create an effective and thoughtful wealth distribution plan that supports their family’s financial well-being and keeps legacy for future generations of their family.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Wealth Distribution via a Weekend Homework for Families

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Wealth Distributionwe are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Discuss financial principles and values of your family in terms of financial management.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who would like to know more about Wealth Distribution and to work with CENFACS, they can contact us.

Similarly, those who may be interested in Intergenerational Financial Planning or in discussing any matter relating to the topic of Wealth Distribution, they should feel free to contact CENFACS.  Equally, those who would like to tackle intergenerational poverty can communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Message in English-French (Message en Anglais-Français)

 

• CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum E-discusses African Law Firms and Their Impact on Poverty Reduction in Africa

African law firms (both for- and not-for-profit ones) support poverty reduction efforts by advising on working environment reforms that improve firms performance, such as simplified registration and tax processes.  They also engage in public interest and pro bono work, like challenging inadequate access to water or representing human rights, which can lift people out of poverty.  Additionally, by facilitating foreign direct investment and navigating complex regulatory landscapes, they contribute to job creation and economic development, which are crucial for poverty reduction.

These firms contribute to poverty reduction in Africa.  They can even do more for poverty reduction.  Our e-discussion is on their impact on poverty reduction and how they can increase and improve their impact, in particular in some places in Africa where poor people do not have a voice to reclaim their human, economic and sustainable rights.

For instance, in the areas of the impact from environmental events (like flooding), how these firms can assist the victims of flooding to claim their rights or compensations as a result of these events is one the e-discussion topics.

Those who may be interested in this discussion can join our poverty reduction pundits and/or contribute by contacting CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum, which is a forum for discussion on poverty reduction and sustainable development issues in Africa and which acts on behalf of its members by making proposals or ideas for actions for a better Africa.

To contact CENFACS about this discussion, please use our usual contact address on this website.

 

• Le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS discute en ligne des Cabinets d’Avocat Africains et Leur Impact sur la Réduction de la Pauvreté en Africa

Les cabinets d’avocats africains (qu’ils soient à but lucratif ou non lucratif) soutiennent les efforts de réduction de la pauvreté en conseillant sur des réformes de l’environnement de travail qui améliorent la performance des entreprises, telles que la simplification des processus d’enregistrement et fiscaux. Ils s’engagent également dans des travaux d’intérêt public et des activités pro bono, comme contester l’accès insuffisant à l’eau ou défendre les droits humains, ce qui peut aider à sortir les gens de la pauvreté. De plus, en facilitant les investissements directs étrangers et en naviguant dans des environnements réglementaires complexes, ils contribuent à la création d’emplois et au développement économique, essentiels pour la réduction de la pauvreté.

Ces entreprises contribuent à la réduction de la pauvreté en Afrique. Elles peuvent même faire davantage pour réduire la pauvreté. Notre e-discussion porte sur leur impact sur la réduction de la pauvreté et sur la manière dont elles peuvent accroître et améliorer leur impact, en particulier dans certaines régions d’Afrique où les populations pauvres n’ont pas de voix pour revendiquer leurs droits humains, économiques et durables.

Par exemple, dans le domaine de l’impact des événements environnementaux (comme les inondations), comment ces entreprises peuvent aider les victimes des inondations à faire valoir leurs droits ou à obtenir des compensations à la suite de ces événements est parmi les sujets de notre discussion en ligne.

Ceux ou celles qui pourraient être intéressé(e)s par cette discussion peuvent se joindre à nos experts en réduction de la pauvreté et/ou contribuer en contactant le ‘me.Afrique’ du CENFACS (ou le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS), qui est un forum de discussion sur les questions de réduction de la pauvreté et de développement durable en Afrique et qui agit au nom de ses membres en faisant des propositions ou des idées d’actions pour une Afrique meilleure.

Pour contacter le CENFACS au sujet de cette discussion, veuillez utiliser nos coordonnées habituelles sur ce site Web.

Image

 

Main Development

 

History Month with Making Memorable Positive Difference Project – In Focus: History of Africa’s Green Industry

 

The following items make up the contents of this year’s focus of Making Memorable Positive Difference Project:

 

∝ What Is Making Memorable Positive Difference Project (MM+D)? 

∝ What Is This Year’s MM+D? 

∝ MM+D Days 

∝ MM+D Timeline

 

Let us look at each of these contents.

 

• • What Is MM+D? 

 

MM+D is

 

 a two-day event of Awareness, Thought and Recognition set up by CENFACS in 2009 to celebrate the Black History Month in our own way and feeling while preserving the tradition linked to this remembrance and standing on the shoulders of similar celebrations

 a history project of collective memory about works carried out, heritage and legacies left by Africans

 all about collectively telling, acknowledging, studying and learning that everyday Africans wherever they are (in Africa) or elsewhere (in the UK-Croydon and the world) are striving to improve the quality of their lives and of others. Through their historically valuable works, they are making memorable positive difference and the world a better place for everybody, including the generations to come.

∝ a celebration of African Abilities, Talents, Skills, Techniques, Technologies, Gifts and Legacies to Africa and the world.

 

• • What Is This Year’s MM+D? 

 

This year’s dedicated two days (27 and 28 October 2025) are days of historical study, analysis, skill recognition and celebration of the legacies left by Africans in Green Industry in Africa.

As above-mentioned in the Key Messages, the history of Africa’s green industry is marked by a transition from fossil-fuelled, extractive growth to a sustainable, green economy.  This historical shift is driven by Africa’s resources, ingenuity and the desire of Africa to be among the major players in the global green economy.  This is despite the nascent character of Africa’s formal ‘green industry’ heritage.

This year’s MM+D is about celebrating this history.  It is a celebration of …

 

√ African green industry skills related to renewable energy technologies (like solar, wind, and hydropower), sustainable agriculture, organic farming and circular economy principles, etc.

√ Traditional practices and lifestyles as historical roots of green makings in Africa 

√ The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s which introduced high-yielding agricultural technologies

√ African communities relying on traditional sustainable ways of life and livelihoods

√ Critical minerals crucial for today’s green technologies

√ Africa’s natural capital and assets which historically provide ecosystem services

√ The reduction of green poverty

√ Agro-industrial potential and assets.

 

So, this year’s MM+D is a celebration of African Abilities, Practices, Talents, Skills, Techniques, Technologies, Gifts and Legacies to Africa and the world in terms of Green Industry.

 

• • MM+D Days

 

There will be Two Days of the History of Africa’s Green Industry as follows:

 

∝ One day of identifying and profiling historical African figures (including green industry activists and advocates) in Africa’s green industrial sector

∝ One day of assessing the historical role of green industry in reducing green poverty and in enhancing sustainable industrial development in Africa.

 

Let us summarise the contents of each day’s work.

 

Image

 

• • • Day of Heritage/Patrimony/Industrialists/Activists/Advocates (27 October 2025): History of Those Who Shaped the Green Industry in Africa

 

On the first day of our MM+D, which is the Heritage and Patrimony Day, we shall remember those talented and skilful African industrialists, activists, and advocates of green industry for their admirable green and sustainable skills and techniques, which were passed on to other generations.  It is the day of learning a brief outline or sketch in terms of their profiles and their historical green and sustainable industrial development work.

Through the study of their profiles and green industrial work, it will be possible to know the kind of role they played or did not play in the development of green industry in Africa.  They are part of Africa’s heritage and patrimony as they represent Africa’s historic green industry traditions and Africa’s wealth,  that transcends many eras and was passed on to other generations.

Since we are in 2025 as the Year of African Cultural and Heritage, Heritage and Patrimony Day of MM+D will also be about looking at the links between Africa’s culture and the green industry, between Africa’s heritage and the green industry.

The links between Africa’s culture and the green industry will be about emphasizing sustainable practices rooted in traditional knowledge, like sustainable agriculture and resource management, and the adoption of new technologies that align with cultural values of community and resilience in Africa.   It is also about how green policies were fitted into Africa’s culture; policies that leverage Africa’s vast natural and human resources to develop green value chains in sectors like renewable energy, green construction, and agriculture, aiming for both climate action and economic development to address challenges such as poverty and food security.

The connections between Africa’s heritage and the green industry will consist of acknowledging Africa’s rich heritage which is associated with the green industry through its abundant renewable energy sources and critical minerals, which are essential for the global clean energy transition, as well as through the potential to develop local, sustainable economies.  This heritage also includes traditional knowledge of land and resource management which can inform sustainable practices and community-led conservation efforts, fostering both ecological health and economic development.

 

Image

 

• • • Legacies and Gifts Day (28 October 2025): The Historical Role of Green Industry in Reducing Green Poverty and in Enhancing Sustainable Industrial Development in Africa

 

On the Legacies and Gifts Day of MM+D, we shall learn what was handed on to the current generations in terms of knowledge and techniques to reduce green poverty and enhance sustainable industrial development in Africa by the industrialists, green activists and advocates of the past.  We shall as well recollect in our memory what these past green industry players gave to today’s green economy and industrial development in Africa.  In other words, we shall study the legacies and gifts of green industry in reducing green poverty and creating green wealth in Africa.

Still on the Legacies and Gifts Day of MM+D, we shall discuss the legacies of Africa’s growing green industry in terms of sustainable industrial development.  Its legacies include a shift in the global narrative of Africa, increased economic opportunities in green sectors, enhanced energy security, and the potential for a sustainable industrial development that leverages vast renewable resources.  We shall as well talk about the gifts that African green industry offers.  In particular, emphasis will be put on the gifts of sustainable growth, green poverty reduction, and job creation by focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and eco-tourism; leveraging Africa’s natural resources to achieve economic development without environmental degradation..

The above is this year’s MM+D theme.  To engage with this theme and or support this project, please contact CENFACS on this site. 

Because we are talking about history, let us remember the history of CENFACS‘ MM+D through timeline.

 

• • Making Memorable Positive Difference Timeline

 

MM+D has a history and timeline.  The following is the timeline of MM+D since its inception.

 

2009CENFACS recognised environmental sustainability.

2010: We acknowledged and honoured sports contributions and history in relieving collective poverty and improving community lives beyond fitness and beyond individualistic achievements.

2011: We recollected, remembered and revered caregiving talents and legacies of young carers in enhancing human development (their own development and other people’s development) by reducing the burden of poverty.

2012: We dedicated our historical recognition to Africa’s Global Game Runners and the Science of Running.

2013: Our two days were about the Memorable Positive Difference Made and brought by Working Poor (Miners & Factory Workers) in relieving poverty. We consecrated them to the historical study of The Role of Working Poor Miners and Factory Workers of Natural Resources and Extractive Industries in the Poverty Relief in Africa since the Berlin Conference (1884-5).

2014: We celebrated the place of the African Music and Dance in the pre– and post-colonial eras, the late 1950s and the early 1960s.  This celebration focused on the African History of Singing and Dancing and their Impacts on Liberation and Freedoms.

2015: Making Memorable Positive Difference focused on African Negotiators of the History. 

2016: We remembered the Protectors and Guardians of the African History and Heritage. 

2017: We acknowledged the Communicators of the African History 

2018: We learnt about African Communications and Oral History

2019: We searched on the African Health History

2020: We celebrated African Sculpture and Representation of African Historical Figures of the Pre-independence Era (i.e. Period before the 1960s)

2021: We recognised and celebrated of the legacies left by Africans in danceparticularly the Congolese Rumba

2022: We acknowledged the gifts left by Africans in Infrastructures to Reduce Poverty, particularly the Management and Maintenance of These Infrastructures.

2023: We remembered Cottage Industries in Africa or Household-based Industries in their capacity and capability of lifting people out of poverty.

2024: We learnt about the History of African Woven Loincloth and how woven loincloth lifted people out of clothing poverty, although at that time weavers of loincloth might not have thought about reducing clothing poverty.

For further details about these past MM+D events, please contact CENFACS. 

_________

 

 References

 

(1) https://wgeco.org/green-industry/ (accessed in September 2025)

(2) https://fpt-io.com/en/insights/green-industry-the-blueprint-for-sustainable-economic-growth/ (accessible in September 2025)

(3) https://aedic.eu/human-rights/2025-the-year-of-african-cultural-heritage-restitution-and-global-collaboration/ (accessed in September 2025)

(4) https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/employee-productivity (accessed in September 2025)

(5) https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/labourproductivityintroduction/apriltojune2025andjanuarytomarch2025#:~text=output…(accessed in September 2025)

(6) https://invezz.com/definitions/earning-capacity/ (accessed in September 2025)

(7) https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/averageyearningsingreatbritain/september2025#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

(8) Park, C., (2011), Oxford Dictionary of Environment and Conservation, Oxford University Press, Oxford & New York 

(9) https://www.wallstreemojo.com/financial-strategies/ (accessed in September 2025)

(10) https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/app/uploads/2020/12/The-UKs-Wealth-distribution.pdf (accessed in September 2025)

_________

 

 Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

 

Monitoring Economic Indicators

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

24 September 2025

Post No. 423

 

Image

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services – In Focus for 2025 Edition: Monitoring Economic Indicators

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by Rising Costs of Living with Long-term Actions

• Act in the Interest of Children’s Education

 

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services – In Focus for 2025 Edition: Monitoring Economic Indicators

 

To facilitate the reading and understanding of 2025 Edition of Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services, we are going to briefly explain Help, Resources and Setup Services for a Fresh Start as well as the focus for this year’s Fresh Start.  Fresh Start and Monitor Economic Indicators are key words and contextual framework of CENFACS‘ Autumn poverty reduction work.

 

• • Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services

 

Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services refer to various support programmes and means of solving difficulties experienced by beneficiaries of this support.  They are designed to assist CENFACS Community members and sister community members in overcoming significant life challenges such as educational setbacks, out-of-school poverty, threat to homelessness, etc. The specific nature of these Autumnal Help, Resources and Setup Services depend on the given programme and the needs of the applicants.

Fresh Start Help is typically a remedial or relieving action that includes practical assistance, community support, skills development, advocacy, referrals and signposts, and so on to enable applicants to build a more stable and positive future.

Fresh Start Resources consist of:

 

σ Fresh Start Poverty Reduction Booklet (a guide to reduce autumnal poverty)

σ Fresh Start Accelerator (designed to help those who are lagging behind)

σ Free Resources (i.e., materials to help understand autumnal poverty and find practical ways to overcome it)

σ Poverty Reduction Skills Development.

 

Fresh Start Setup Services, which are broadly the arranged work to be performed for and on behalf of our users,  assist individuals with tasks associated with fresh start Autumn season.  They enable to connect people to and prepare our projects and programmes to function according to plan and people’s needs.  They contribute to our fresh start services for use by beneficiaries as well as to the implementation and development of what we have planned to deliver as Autumn services for users.

These Fresh Start Help, Resources and Setup Services will assist those at risk of falling under poverty in the Autumn Season.  They will provide those in need with strategies for a healthier, happier and thriving life.  They come with relief and lasting support while connecting those in need to resources and opportunities for a fresh start from Autumn 2025.

Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services strike or kick off our Autumn programme and Autumn Starting XI Poverty Reduction Campaign.  It is our Autumn project striker.  Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services are made of fresh start skills, tips, hints, tweaks, hacks, etc.; help, resources and services designed to overcome poverty and hardships.  They are indeed activities to turn endings of Summer to new beginnings, to manage new beginnings and plans for the future.

Our advice- and guidance-giving month of September continues as planned and will end next month.  Advice- and guidance-giving services are part of our Help, Resources and Setup Services for Autumn Fresh Start.  Although we put particular emphasis on advice-giving activity in our September engagement, other aspects of Autumn Fresh Start or striker are equally important and will continue beyond September.

Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services as a project comes with a bundle of Fresh Autumn Start (FASResources and Setup Services.  The highlights of the 2025 Edition of FAS, which are given below, take into account and focus on Monitoring Economic Indicators.  The resources provided in FAS are non-financial help to understand and follow economic indicators that affect households on their daily life and poverty.

The focus will be on household economic indicators and the help that is available for households/users to follow them. It is also about the resources they can have  not only to track these indicators and but also to use the information from this tracking exercise to further reduce poverty.  It is further about the services that will facilitate this tracking exercise.

 

• • Monitoring Economic Indicators as a Focus for This Year’s Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services

 

This Year’s Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services will be on Household Economy Analysis.  They will be about analysing household economies, understanding household vulnerabilities to economic shocks, and informing policy responses and interventions.  In other words, we shall assess how households respond to economic changes while getting insights into their economic strategies and vulnerabilities.

To respond to economic shocks, households need to monitor economic indicators that run their lives.  Monitoring Economic Indicators involves tracking various statistical measures that help analyse the health, size and direction of a country’s economy.  These indicators provide insights into key factors such as production, employment, spending, and prices that influence Gross Domestic Product, inflation, productivity, and economic growth.  These indicators can be monitored by households.

Indeed, households do not need to be economists to monitor economic indicators.  They do not have to be economists to understand that when the price of food and energy go up, they have to pay more for food and energy, unless they get support for these increases.  They can regularly check data on inflation (Consumer Price Index), unemployment rates, consumer confidence, retail sales, interest rate and real household income.  These metrics, often available through government statistics websites and financial news outlets, provide insights into the economy’s overall health, the strength of the market, household purchasing power, and financial conditions.  They can help households to plan in terms of consumption, investment, educational needs, housing, savings, etc.  Even poor households need to track these economic indicators so that they can find way of getting out of poverty.

For instance, rising inflation erodes purchasing power, while declining unemployment signifies a stronger job market.

Monitoring Economic Indicators is basically a process of making it easier or possible – via support and setup services – for CENFACS members and project beneficiaries to track economic indicators on which their life depends.  To monitor economic indicators, one may need a plan of action to achieve it.

However, CENFACS does not have the power to change the direction of these indicators (that is inflation rate, unemployment rate, consumer confidence, retail sales, interest rates, etc.).   CENFACS can work with its members so that they can better follow these indicators.  CENFACS has rather a voice to speak and can help through its voice so that those who can influence the economic factors and indicators (like inflation, interest rate, wages, etc.) do their best so that these factors and indicators do not harm those living in poverty.  For instance, advocacy can be done so that they can stabilise prices, improve the welfare system and raise wages to match prices.

There are those of our members who can monitor these economic indicators.  There are others who may not be able to track them.  For the latter, Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services will assist them to monitor economic indicators and start freshly this Autumn 2025.  In this respect, Autumn 2025 ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services to Monitor Economic Indicators as a resource contains new information, tips, tools and hints to help the community to better track economic indicators.

So, monitoring economic indicators can help to freshly start or reset or change things or settings.  There is a say that every day is a fresh start.  In this Autumn of the enduring cost-of-living crisis, fresh start is even more relevant than at any time to restore life.  They need to freshly start since they could be still dealing with the lingering socio-economic effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

Further details about the above key words and contextual framework are given below under the Main Development section of this post.

To ask for ‘Fresh Start’ Help and or access ‘Fresh Start’ Resources and Setup Services to Better Monitor Economic Indicators, please work with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Campaign to End Poverty Induced by Rising Costs of Living through Long-term Actions with a Focus on Aid in Planning for Future Crises

 

We are continuing with our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by Rising the Costs of Living, which started in October 2022.  It is one of CENFACS Autumn Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects for this this year.  This Autumn, the focus for this Campaign is on Aid in Planning for Future Crises.  Aid in Planning for Future Crises represents this Campaign on the list of Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects which we released last week.

Before dealing with the focus of this Campaign, let us explain the Campaign itself, poverty attached to the cost of living, Campaign steps or phases, and Campaign actions (which include Aid in Planning for Future Crises).

 

• • What This Campaign Is about

 

The Campaign to End Poverty Linked to Rising Costs of Living is an organised series of actions to gain support for the cost-of-living poor so that something can be done for them.  These actions need to result in change, particularly the reduction and end of poverty led by the cost-of-living crisis.

The cost-of-living poverty is linked to the fall in living standards.  The campaign tries to address the root causes of the cost-of-living crisis.  Amongst the causes is the mismatch of highly rising prices and slow wage/income growth of the cost-of-living poor.

We are continuing our alignment of this campaign with the typical phases of crisis (i.e., crisis, de-escalation, stabilisation, resolve and post-crisis) as it was set up in October 2022.

The cost-of-living crisis is now a barrier for many poor.  To tackle this barrier, one may need to understand poverty linked to the cost of living.

 

 

• • Basic Understanding of Poverty Attached to the Cost of Living

 

For anyone to understand poverty due to high costs of living, it is better to define the cost of living.  The website ‘ben.org.uk’ (1) defines the cost of living as

“The amount of money needed to cover basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare in a certain place and time period”.

From the above definition, it is possible to argue that those who are poor, because of rising cost of living like at the moment, are those who are failing or totally struggling to meet this rise.  The rise includes hikes in energy bills, food prices, taxes, interest rates, rent, fares, etc.  In economic parlance, it is the rise of headline inflation (that is, all the changes in the values of things).

In order to deal with this rise, actions need to be taken to support or work with the cost-of-living poor so that they can reduce and eventually end poverty linked to rising costs of living.

Because there are phases or steps in any campaign, campaign actions will be taken according to the phases of our campaign.

 

 

• • Phases/Steps in the Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living

 

Any crisis has some phases or cycle to take or follow.  Because of that, our campaign will follow the cycle of a typical crisis.  We use the adjective typical because we do not exactly how the cost-of-living crisis will evolve.  What we know so far, there has been a crisis (the cost-of-living crisis).  And if we use the generic model of this typical crisis, we can guestimate that there will be de-escalation, stabilisation and resolve phases of the current crisis.

In each phase of our model of crisis curve, there will be actions to be taken.  However, actions from each phase should not be treated separately without considering actions before and after each phase.  This is because there could be communicating vessels between the two phases.

So, the phases or steps of our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living will be aligned with the above-named phases (i.e., de-escalation, stabilisation and resolve).  At the moment, our Campaign is between the crisis phase and the de-escalation phase.

 

• • Actions or Ways of Working with the Community to Reduce and Possibly to End Poverty Linked to Higher Costs of Living

 

There are those who believe that to end poverty linked to high costs of living, earnings and incomes or any benefits received by the poor have to be uprated to the rates of inflation.  However, CENFACS as a charity does not have the means or power to adjust its members’ incomes or earnings or benefits for inflation.  Instead, what CENFACS can do is to work with them in a series of actions or activities so that they can navigate their way out of poverty induced by the cost-of-living crisis.  What are these actions or activities?

From this week, we are presenting the long-term actions from this campaign, actions which will start from October 2025.  While we are preparing for these long-term campaign actions, we are continuing to offer the other two services (short- and medium-term services) linked to this campaign.

It takes a long time for a crisis like the cost-of-living crisis to end.  Normally, this crisis can only end when real household disposable incomes are able to match the level of headline inflation in the economy.  Because of that, it is better to have short-, medium- and long-term actions; actions that can stemmed from a strategy to end crisis.

Since it is difficult to know the duration of the cost-of-living crisis, we prefer to have an open strategy or plan which will run for the duration of the crisis.  In this open strategy or plan, we can conduct short-, medium- and long-term actions.

Since this campaign was launched in October 2022, we had short-term or immediate actions (from October 2022 to until March 2023) and medium-term actions (from October 2022 to October 2024).  At the end of October 2024, medium-term actions were totally covered while we were/are still in the long-term horizon or actions of this campaign.

 

• • • Long-term Campaign Actions to be taken with the community

 

On 2 November 2022, we put in place a long-term service or a programme between 2 and 10 years to accompany our community members for the duration of the cost-of-living crisis.  The current cost-of-living crisis may not last for 10 years.  However, we organised this service because we thought that even if the cost-of-living crisis ends, its effects will be still around for a while.  Depending on service beneficiaries’ experience, some of them may need the service, others may not.  There is at least a provision or service for the community should anyone needs it.

The aim of this third level of actions is to avoid that the cost-of-living crisis leads to intergenerational poverty; that is the transmission of poverty linked to high cost of living to future generations.

At this level, the long-term actions to be undertaken, actions which go from 2 to 10 years, are those listed below:

 

σ Help beneficiaries improve their productivity and capacity to earn or generate income

σ Support them to consume green and local so that they are less exposed to the volatility of the international prices of goods and services

σ Find ways of scaling down repressive or punitive market dictatorship on them

σ Aid them in Planning for Future Crises.

 

Furthermore, the above-mentioned campaign actions are just a selection amongst the ones we hope to take with the community.  We will be taking them via what we called ‘GARSIA‘ (that is Guidance, Advice, Referrals, Signposting, Information and Advocacy) services.

Because there are phases or steps in any campaign, these actions will be taken according to the phases of our campaign.

The dates and actions to be taken are given below.

 

Image

 

As said above, these actions will be taking via what we called ‘GARSIA‘ (that is Guidance, Advice, Referrals, Signposting, Information and Advocacy) services.

Let us now highlight the campaign action ‘Aid in Planning for Future Crises’.

 

• • • Aid in Planning for Future Crises as a Focus for Campaign to End Poverty Induced by Rising the Costs of Living

 

The campaign action about Aid in Planning for Future Crises, which is a specific activity and part of Campaign to End Poverty Induced by Rising the Costs of Living, refers to the support and assistance in the form of awareness raising efforts to plan for future crises.  It  will consist of working with households in the UK and organisations in Africa to prepare or plan for future crises.  The plan with households will consist of building an emergency supply kit, staying informed, practising regularly and support.  The plan with organisations in Africa will include crisis preparedness assessment, crisis training, integrated programme design, plan development, and on-call agreements.

The above is the summary of our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by High Costs of Living and of Long-term Actions of This Campaign as well as of the focus for this week.  We shall come back on this campaign and its actions from the beginning of this coming October as indicated in the above-given table.   To enquire and or support our campaign, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Act in the Interest of Children’s Education

 

At the moment, in a number of places in Africa, there are children who have not been able to go back to school because of various causes or factors such as conflicts, displacement, natural disasters, economic hardship, and lack of resources.

Calculating the out-of-school rate, the UNESCO Institution for Statistics and Global Education Monitoring Report (2) indicate that

“In 2025 there are estimated 118 million out-of-school children in Africa, with this number having risen since 2015″.

According to the same report, factors contributing to this level of out-of-school children population in Africa include conflicts and crises, fragility, data gaps in conflict zones, funding cuts, gender inequality, rapid population, and poor educational quality.

Similarly, the website ‘humanitarian.org’ (3) explains that

“Africa has the highest out-of-school rates in the world, with over 100 million children and adolescents estimated to be out of school across all sub-regions except North Africa”.

Yet, it is possible reduce the number of out-of-school children in Africa.  You can

 

σ Help out-of-school children to go back to school

σ Reduce out-of-school poverty in Africa

σ Strengthen teacher training in Africa

σ Donate money and / or give in kind or influence for children’s education, protection and security

σ Invest in inclusive education for vulnerable and educationally needy children

σ Enable schools to reopen for these children.

 

Please do not wait to donate or influence as the needs are pressing and urgent NOW.

To support and or enquire about this out-of-school relief appeal, please contact CENFACS.

Please act in the interest of children’s education in Africa.

Thank you for your generosity.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

Orange Spaces-focused Note for Week Beginning 25/09/2024: Integration between Orange Spaces and Other Spaces in the Process of Poverty Reduction

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Third Update from Wednesday 24/09/2025: Keeping Household Financial Strategies on Track

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 22/09/2025:  Creating a Roadmap for Passing on Wealth

 

Image

 

Orange Spaces-focused Note for Week Beginning 25/09/2024: Integration between Orange Spaces and Other Spaces in the Process of Poverty Reduction

 

Orange Spaces can be integrated with other spaces (Brown, Grey, Green and Blue Spaces) in the process of reducing poverty and enhancing sustainable development.  Before looking at how this integration can help in poverty reduction, let us briefly explain these spaces.

 

• • Understanding Orange , Brown, Grey, Green and Blue Spaces

 

Let us start with Orange Space.  Within the literature about spaces, Orange Space does not have a standard definition.  It refers to areas shown as Orange on a poverty map to represent locations with rising poverty rates or increasing spatial concentrations of deprivation.  The existence of Orange Spaces signals areas where economic well-being is worsening and they can be used to identify where new poverty traps are forming or where existing ones are intensifying, influencing urban planning and the provision of resources.

Regarding brown space, also known as brownfield.  According to ‘gosolve.co.uk’ (4),

“Brownfield land refers to previously developed sites that have become underutilised or abandoned, often due to changing industrial practice or contamination from former use”.

Adversely, the website ‘eli.org’ (5) argues that there could be benefits deriving from the redevelopment of brown spaces.

Our understanding of grey space comes from Oren Yiftachel (6) who argues that

“The concept of ‘gray space’ refers to developments, enclaves, populations and transactions positioned between the ‘lightness’ of legality/approval/safety and the ‘darkness’ of eviction/destruction/death.  Gray spaces are neither integrated nor eliminated, forming pseudo-permanent margins of today’s urban regions, which exist partially outside the gaze of state authorities and city plans” (p. 243)

Our notion of green space is given by what Abigail Isabella McLean (7) argues about it, which is

Green space refers to the many types of green land, ranging from parks to natural areas.  Hence, the green spaces … will encompass naturally occurring green spaces, such as forests, but also space created within human-made means such as green roofs and tree-lined streets”.

As to blue space, its definition comes from what the ‘environmentagency.blog.go.uk’ (8) states about it, which is

Blue spaces are outdoor environments – either natural or manmade – that permanently feature water and are accessible to people.  In short – the collective term of rivers, lakes or the sea”.

The above-mentioned definitions can be served as basis for exploring integration between the five spaces in the process of poverty reduction.

 

Image

 

• • Spaces Integration and Poverty Reduction

 

When looking for ways of reducing poverty, it could be useful to work out how each space (orange, brown, grey, green and blue) can be a more or less contributing factor to poverty reduction.  Taking this integrative approach can be worthwhile in judging each of spaces on their own merit.

The merits of green and blue spaces in enhancing health and wellbeing are already known and even undisputable.  Those who are suffering from poor health can use the opportunities of green and blue spaces to improve their health.

As grey space provides the bases for self-organisation, negotiation and empowerment; its merit for poverty reduction can depend on its capacity to help people to move from darkness to lightness.  This is despite many studies recognise that the development of grey space could result in harmful impact on health and the wellbeing of those living in and around this space.

Concerning brown spaces, Joseph W. Dorsey (9) explains that

“Brownfield initiatives are deeply intertwined with community economic development and job creation, and they are also important aids in health and safety issues, neighbourhood restoration, and the reuse of urban space to counter suburban sprawl into green, open spaces”.

Regarding Orange Space, it can be used as a way to fight poverty and support organisations that work to alleviate it.  It can be utilised to reduce or end poverty attached to a group that has been visualised or identified or differentiated as poor in a spatial analysis by orange colour or space.  It can be employed in fundraising activities or events to raise money to meet the needs of such group or any other good causes.

It would be useful in search for solutions to poverty to consider the five spaces.  For example, Yaella Depietri and Timon McPhearson (10) suggest a hybrid approach which combines blue, green and grey approaches for reducing hazards in the urban context.  They argue that

“Cities should rely on a mix of grey, green and blue infrastructure solutions, which balance traditional built infrastructures with more nature-based solutions” (p. 106)

However, they warn against turning easily to grey  infrastructures as the default solution.

Writing a note about the above-mentioned integration is not the end of the theme of the Orange Spaces.  The real aim here is how CENFACS can work with the communities in the UK and in Africa to empower these communities to use the merits of each space to escape from poverty.

 

• • Working with Communities to Access the Benefits Provided by Orange , Brown, Grey, Green and Blue Spaces through Their Integration

 

There are ways of working with communities to make the integration between the Orange , redevelopment of browngreygreen and blue spaces work for them.

For example, if green and blue spaces can help reduce loneliness and stress, and loneliness and stress are seen as forms of poverty; then CENFACS can work with those members of its community who feel poor because of loneliness in order to alleviate this type of poverty.

Likewise, if the blue space can assist in reducing inequality, then CENFACS can work with those of its members who suffer from inequality, to tackle the matter via for example access to a river, lake, stream, etc.

Additionally, if grey space can be a principle  on which an agreement can be based or made, we can work with those members of our community who are suffering from the effects of grey space to engage grey space to negotiate while empowering them.

As to brown space, after the clean-up process, there is a need to ensure that the Redevelopment of Brown Spaces does not bring injuries, liabilities or additional hazards.  It does not pose any health and safety risks to the community.

Concerning Orange Space, it can be used to acknowledge the interconnectedness of issues whereby environmental, social and economic issues are connected and tackled together to end poverty sustainably.

In short, if one of our members needs orange, brown, greyblue or green prescription; we can work with them on this matter through advice, information, guidance, signposting and social prescribing.

The above is our last note about the theme of Orange Space which we hope you have enjoyed and has added value to what you know about it.  We also expect that through this theme, one will be able to approach Orange Space as a Campaign Theme to Reduce Poverty and as a Tool to Enhance Sustainable Development. 

Saying that the above is our last note does not mean that we stopped working on Orange space or framework.  We are still working on it even though we will not produce any further note for the rest of the days of September 2025.  We are continuing with spatial analysis of poverty as well as the orange, brown, greygreen and blue frameworks to analyse poverty reduction and sustainable development.

For those who would like more information about any of the notes developed throughout this month about Orange spaces as well as those who need an orange, browngreyblue or green prescription; they are free to contact CENFACS.

For those who would like to support the theme of Orange Spaces and our work on poverty reduction using an integrative approach to space or spatial analysis, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS with their support.

 

Image

 

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Third Update from Wednesday 24/09/2025: Keeping Household Financial Strategies on Track

 

In order to keep household financial strategies on track, it is better to understand these strategies.

 

• • What Are Financial Strategies?

 

There are various definitions of financial strategies.  In the context of these updates, let us refer to what ‘wallstreetmojo.com’ (11) argues about them, which is

“Financial strategies refer to the comprehensive plans and approaches that individuals, businesses, or organisations adopt to manage their financial resources effectively.  These strategies encompass a wide range of activities, including budgeting, investment planning, debt management, risk mitigation, and overall financial decision-making”.

Households (that is, a person or people living together in the same dwelling who share meals or joint provision of living conditions) can adopt the plans and approaches to manage their financial resources without necessarily having to behave like business organisations.

 

• • How Households Can Keep Their Financial Strategies on Track

 

To keep their financial strategies on track, households can proceed with the following:

 

σ Regularly track and monitor their expenses

σ Review and check the bills

σ Set savings goals

σ Engage all household members in the budgeting process

σ Adjust the budget as needed.

 

Households can use the above-mentioned financial strategies to effectively manage their finances.  They can keep track of their finances manually or using a personal finance app that fits their needs.  There is a number of apps on the market (like Quicken, Personal Capital, You Need a Budget, etc.) that can help track and analyse household expenses.  They need to adhere to money management tips, as well.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Keeping Household Financial Strategies on Track via a Weekend Homework for Households

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Keeping Household Financial Strategies on Trackwe are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Select a personal finance app or your bank app from your mobile phone to track, tabulate and analyse your expenses.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who may be interested in the Keeping Household Financial Strategies on Track can contact CENFACS for further details.

If you need support with your Financial Plan Updates or for us to look at your Financial Plan, please do not hesitate to communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 22/09/2025:  Creating a Roadmap for Passing on Wealth

 

In order to introduce this topic, let us first explain roadmap and wealth, then deal with this roadmap in transferring wealth,

 

• • What Is a Roadmap?

 

According to ‘roadmunk.com’ (12),

“The basic definition of roadmap is simple: It’s a visual way to quickly communicate a plan or strategy”.

The literature about roadmap goes further by explaining that it is a visual plan that outlines the steps needed to achieve specific goals over time.  It serves as a strategic planning tool that communicates a project’s goals and major deliverables on a timeline, helping to organise strategies and tasks while connecting them to larger objectives.

So, to transfer family wealth there is a need to create a roadmap, that is a visual plan that outlines steps needed to achieve the goals of this transfer.

 

• • What Is Wealth?

 

There are many ways of defining wealth or family wealth.  According to ‘ffpractitioner.org’ (13),

“Family wealth is how each family defines its wealth and that is more important than the definitions of others”.

The same ‘ffpractioner.org’ cite James E. Hughes Jr. in his book Family Wealth, who defines the wealth of a family as “the human and intellectual capital of the family, with financial capital being used to support the growth of the family’s human and intellectual capital”.

In our work with families, the focus is/will be on family financial capital that can be transferred to others by will or by law.  In particular, the focus is/will be on ‘Family Financial Balance Sheet’.

We do not undermine the value of family human and intellectual capital as well as social capital.  Also, we do not underestimate the contributions of parents, grandparents and their successors in terms of their legacy and influence.  Family human capital and social capital are all valuable assets to be transferred as part of heritage or inheritance.  Unfortunately, in the context of this topic we are mostly dealing with the transfer of physical and monetary assets.

Knowing what is roadmap and what is family wealth, we can know speak about how a family can create a financial roadmap to passing on wealth.

 

• • Creating a Financial Roadmap for Passing on Wealth

 

It involves a structured approach to managing and transferring wealth across generations.  To create a roadmap for transferring family wealth, one needs

 

σ To assess what the family financially stands

σ To determine what you want to achieve

σ To establish how you will achieve family transfer wealth goals.

 

There are guides in terms of steps to follow in order to create a roadmap for passing on wealth.

For instance, the website ‘allwealth.com’ (14) provides a step-by-step Guide which consists of 9 steps as follows:

1) Define your financial goals 2) Assess your current financial situation 3) Create a budget 4) Build an emergency budget 5) Reduce debt 6) Save and invest 7) Protect your assets 8) Continuously monitor and adjust 9) Seek professional advice.

By following these steps or any professional ones, families (that is, a group of people related by blood or marriage such as parents and their children only) can create a roadmap that can passes on wealth and ensures it is wisely managed for future generations.

We can work with families making the CENFACS Community and those from sister communities to help them find ways of Creating a Financial Roadmap for Passing on Wealth. We can work with them to assess their financial position, define their financial goals, establish family governance structure, communicate and update their legal documents, review and adjust their wealth transfer plan.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Creating a Financial Roadmap for Passing on Wealth via a Weekend Homework for Families

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Creating a Financial Roadmap for Passing on Wealthwe are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Define your financial goals by determining whether you prioritise education, property, or retirement security.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who would like to know more about Creating a Financial Roadmap for Passing on Wealth and to work with CENFACS, they can contact us.

Similarly, those who may be interested in Intergenerational Financial Planning or in discussing any matter relating to the topic of Creating a Financial Roadmap for Passing on Wealth, they should feel free to contact CENFACS.  Equally, those who would like to tackle intergenerational poverty can communicate with CENFACS.

 

ImageImage

Message in English-French (Message en Anglais-Français)

 

• CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum E-discusses Economic Sovereignty and Poverty Reduction in Africa

Economic sovereignty can enable nations to control their resources and shape their own development paths, rather than being constrained by external factors like foreign aid and conditionality that perpetuate dependency and undermine effective governance.

Building economic sovereignty involves fostering self-reliance through initiatives such as food sovereignty and investing in knowledge and digital infrastructure, which are essential to address the unique challenges of poverty reduction in Africa and avoid perpetuating its role as a source of raw materials and a marketplace for foreign goods.

Although there are challenges and hurdles in the pathways to economic sovereignty, the latter can help Africa to further reduce poverty as well as to achieve the kind of poverty reduction Africa would like to have.   These challenges and hurdles to economic sovereignty make up the contents of this week’s e-discussion within CENFACS’ be. Africa Forum.  We are e-discussing the extent to which the increase in economic sovereignty can open up the possibilities for further poverty reduction in Africa.

For instance, we can e-discuss whether the recent international and foreign aid cuts have boosted economic sovereignty and opportunities for Africa to further reduce poverty on its own terms or not.  On the contrary, Africa has replaced cut aid with different types of aid or donors which still make economic sovereignty challenging and within the hands of new donors.

Those who may be interested in this discussion can join our poverty reduction pundits and/or contribute by contacting CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum, which is a forum for discussion on poverty reduction and sustainable development issues in Africa and which acts on behalf of its members by making proposals or ideas for actions for a better Africa.

To contact CENFACS about this discussion, please use our usual contact address on this website.

 

• Le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS discute en ligne des Souverainetés Économiques et de la Réduction de la Pauvreté en Afrique.

La souveraineté économique peut permettre aux nations de contrôler leurs ressources et de façonner leurs propres chemins de développement, plutôt que d’être contraintes par des facteurs externes tels que l’aide étrangère et la conditionnalité qui perpétuent la dépendance et nuisent à une gouvernance efficace.

Construire la souveraineté économique implique de favoriser l’autonomie grâce à des initiatives telles que la souveraineté alimentaire et l’investissement dans les connaissances et l’infrastructure numérique, qui sont essentielles pour relever les défis uniques de la réduction de la pauvreté en Afrique et éviter de perpétuer son rôle de source de matières premières et de marché pour les biens étrangers.

Bien qu’il existe des défis et des obstacles sur les voies de la souveraineté économique, cette dernière peut aider l’Afrique à réduire davantage la pauvreté ainsi qu’à atteindre le type de réduction de la pauvreté que l’Afrique souhaite avoir. Ces défis et obstacles à la souveraineté économique constituent le contenu de la discussion en ligne de cette semaine au sein du Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS. Nous discutons en ligne dans quelle mesure l’augmentation de la souveraineté économique peut ouvrir des possibilités pour une réduction supplémentaire de la pauvreté en Afrique.

Par exemple, nous pouvons discuter en ligne si les récentes coupes dans l’aide internationale et étrangère ont renforcé la souveraineté économique et les opportunités pour l’Afrique de réduire davantage la pauvreté selon ses propres conditions ou non. Au contraire, l’Afrique a remplacé l’aide réduite par différents types d’aide ou de donateurs/rices, ce qui rend toujours la souveraineté économique difficile et entre les mains de nouveaux donateurs/rices.

Ceux ou celles qui pourraient être intéressé(e)s par cette discussion peuvent se joindre à nos experts en réduction de la pauvreté et/ou contribuer en contactant le ‘me.Afrique’ du CENFACS (ou le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS), qui est un forum de discussion sur les questions de réduction de la pauvreté et de développement durable en Afrique et qui agit au nom de ses membres en faisant des propositions ou des idées d’actions pour une Afrique meilleure.

Pour contacter le CENFACS au sujet de cette discussion, veuillez utiliser nos coordonnées habituelles sur ce site Web.

 

Image

 

Main Development

 

Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services – In Focus for 2025 Edition: Monitoring Economic Indicators

 

The following two items cover the presentation of Autumn ‘Fresh Start’ Help, Resources and Setup Services: 

 

∝ Making Autumn Start and Season Easier 

∝ Key Summaries of FAS 2025 Edition.

 

Let us look at these items.

 

• • Making Autumn Start and Season Easier 

           

In order to make Autumn Start and Season Easier it is better to understand Fresh Autumn Start and its context.

 

• • • What is Fresh Autumn Start (FAS)

 

FAS is a continuation of our Summer Support projects into the Autumn season.  It is a building block or additional handy back up of useful survival tips and hints to embrace Autumn as smoothly and trouble-freely as possible.

It includes real life situations that users may face when and as they return from their Summer break or season on one hand, and possible leads to proffer solutions to their arising Autumn needs on the other hand.

This FAS resource is not exhaustive or an end itself.  It needs other resources as complement.  It is a good basic insight into a Fresh Start as it provides helpful advisory tools for a Fresh Start and confidence building from the beginning to the end of Autumn season.  It could also be used as a reference for users to engineer their own idea of Fresh Start and the sustained management of autumn needs.

At the end of this resource, there are some websites addresses/directories for help and support.  In this post, we have not included these websites addresses/directories.  Those who would be interested in them, they need to request them from CENFACS.  These sources of help and support are not exhaustive.  We have mainly considered third sector organisations and service providers as well as social enterprises.

For further or extended list of service providers for Autumn needs, people can contact their local authorities and service directories (both online and in print).

 

• • • Fresh Autumn Start in the Context of Slow Rising Costs of Living

 

This Autumn, we are approaching Fresh Start Help from the perspective and context of Rising Prices at a slower pace or rate.  It is the context in which prices of goods and services are slowly rising and sometimes going up and down in a sinusoidal way.  Although inflation has eased, its cumulative effect is still felt, and households still face significantly higher costs.  Low incomes are not still in position to catch up with slow rising costs or prices.

It is still the context of cost-of-living crisis since real household disposable incomes have not really increased since inflation is out of reach of the UK Government target of 2%.  In this typical context, the most sufferers are those living in poverty as they cannot afford any rising prices and bills whether they are  small or slow.

A context like the one we have depicted needs a response so that our users and members can meet their needs and navigate their way out of the cost-of-living crisis and poverty.  Our users and members need help and support to improve the ways they are tackling the enduring cost-of-living crisis.  Our users and members would like to see the end of higher living costs happening.  They would like also to monitor economic indicators that affect their life.  We can work with them so as they can get the help they need in order to monitor these indicators and meet their basic life-sustaining needs and requests.

Briefly speaking, Fresh Start Help is the first line of support we are providing in the process of monitoring economic indicators as well as ending higher living costs or their impact.  The second line of support is Fresh Start Resources and Setup Services.

 

• • Key Summaries of FAS 2025 Edition

 

The key summaries of FAS 2025 Edition can be found under the contents below.

 

• • • Contents for FAS 2025 Edition

 

The contents for 2025 Edition of FAS include:

 

 Autumn scenarios and actions to take

 Examples of Summer break expenses track record and Autumn budget

 People needs and Autumn leads

 Integration of threats and risks

Monitoring economic indicators

 What you can get from CENFACS

 Autumn online and digital resources.

 

Let us briefly explain each of these contents.

 

• • • • Imaginable Autumn Scenarios and Possible Actions

 

When returning from Summer break and/or season, people can find themselves in a variety of situations depending on their own individual circumstances and life experiences.  This variety of situations may require or be expected to be matched with a diversity of responses in order to meet people’s Autumn needs.

These variable circumstances and diverse responses or a course of actions can take the different shapes as well as can be framed in order to take into account the continuing adverse impacts of the enduring cost-of-living crisis.  One of these shapes could be to contextualise and customise back-to-relief, fresh start and build-forward-better support.  This is what CENFACS tries to do via the advice service.

 

Image

 

• • • • Examples of Summer Break Expenses Track Record and Autumn Budget

 

Tracking down and reassessing summer break/season expenses are a positive step to put one through an optimistic start of the Autumn season.  As part of this positive step, FAS is packed with an example of Summer Break Expenses Track Record.

Budgeting Autumn items and needs is also good for a Fresh Start and for overall control over the start and rest of autumn season expenses.  Since our focus is on ending higher living costs via the monitoring of economic indicators, one can write a budget that deals with the shape and direction of the rise of the costs of living.

To write a comprehensive budget, one needs to include in their budget possible projections or forecasting or even scenarios regarding key indicators or adjustment factors like interest rate, inflation, indexes of goods and services, etc.  Such a budget will help in costing the activities planned in the process of improving ways and coming out of the cost-of-living crisis.

One of the precautions to take in your Autumn budget is to check affordability of your budget.  In other words, you need to make sure that any budgeted outgoings match budgeted incomings, any actual outgoings balance with actual income.  A positive difference means your budget is affordable, while a negative one signifies it is unaffordable.

To support this financial control, FAS contains two examples of budgets: Autumn budget adjusted for the cost-of-living index and fresh start budget.   

 

• • • • People’s Needs and Autumn Leads 

 

Variable circumstances can obviously result in multiple needs.  One of these circumstances is the enduring cost-of-living crisis.  To meet those needs, we may have to gather resources, tools and institutions to guide us.  The 2025 Edition of FAS provides a table that gives an idea of the likely leads to satisfy people’s needs or just to guide them.

 

• • • • Integrating Threats and Risks from the Adverse Impacts of Various Factors into FAS

 

The FAS 2025 Edition integrates the damaging impacts of economic factors or variables such as interest rate change, inflation, the cost-of-living index, policy changes, geo-economic tensions, etc.

It also considers the probable evolution of these factors or variables in the medium term.  Likewise, the probable adverse impacts of climate change are nevertheless taking into account and unavoidable.

This integration is at the levels of possible Autumn scenarios, Autumn budget and arising needs.  It is the integration of both life-sustaining needs and other factors (like economic, social, climate, geo-economic, etc).

 

Image

 

• • • • Monitoring Economic Indicators

 

Households cam monitor economic indicators by regularly checking data on inflation (Consumer Price Index), unemployment rates, consumer confidence, retails sales, interest rates, real household income, etc.  These metrics, which are often available through government statistics websites and financial news outlets, provide insight into the economy’s overall health, the strength of the job market, household purchasing power, and financial conditions.

Before providing the key indicators to be monitored by households, let us briefly explain household economic indicators.

 

• • • • • What are household economic indicators?

 

They are data points that provide insights into the economic status of households, helping to understand their financial well-being and stability.  They cover various areas or aspects of household life, such as income and wealth, spending and consumption, stability and confidence.

Regarding income and wealth, these three economic indicators can be mentioned:

 

σ Real Household Disposable Income (that is, income available for spending and saving after taxes and transfers)

σ Financial Net Worth (equals households’ total assets minus liabilities)

σ Households’ Indebtedness (expresses as the level of debt households hold).

 

Concerning spending and consumption, the economic indicators to be used can be:

 

σ Real Household Expenditure (which is the amount households spend on goods and services)

σ Consumer Price Index (measures inflation by tracking the cost of a basket of consumer goods and services).

 

With respect to stability and confidence, these two economic indicators can be utilised:

 

σ Consumer Confidence (is a measure of optimism about the economy)

σ Unemployment Rate (indicates the percentage of the labour force that is unemployed but looking for work).

 

Households need to track the above-mentioned indicators as well as the key indicators given below.

 

• • • • • Key indicators to be monitoring by households

 

Households can follow the news and information about the state, performance and evolution (or trends) about the key economic indicators below.

 

σ Inflation rate (Consumer Price Index): Measures the general increases in prices for goods and services, impacting the costs of living and household budgets;

σ Unemployment rate: The percentage of people actively looking for work indicates the health of the labour market and influences consumer spending;

σ Consumer confidence: A sentiment indicator that reflects how optimistic consumers are about the economy, which can influence their spending habits;

σ Retail sales: Measures the total sales of consumer goods, showing how much money households are spending on various products;

σ Interest rates: The cost of borrowing money, which affects mortgage payments, car loans, and credit card debt;

σ Real household income: This indicator shows how much household income increases after adjusting for inflation, providing a true measure of purchasing power;

σ Household consumption expenditure: Tracks the total amount of money households spend on goods and services as a key driver of economic activity.

 

• • • • • Where households can find economic data

 

Households can find the above-mentioned indicators or economic data from the following sources:

Government Statistics Websites (e.g., the Office for National Statistics), Financial News Outlets, International Organisations (e.g., Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development), Non-profit Organisations and Universities, Specialised Economic Databases (e.g., Economist Intelligence Unit), etc.

For instance, ‘paydata.co.uk’ (15) reported on 18 September 2025 that

“The Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.8% in the 12 months to August 2025, unchanged from July;

The UK employment rate for people aged 16 to 64 years was estimated at 75.2% in May to July 2025;

The UK unemployment rate for people aged 16 years and over was estimated at 4.7% in May to July 2025;

The estimated number of vacancies in the UK fell by 10,000 (1.4%) on the quarter to 728,000, in June to August 2025″.

Likewise, speaking about Consumer Confidence, ‘brc,org.uk’ (16) indicates that

“According to BRC-Opinium data, consumer expectations over the next three months of:

# the state of the economy worsened to -36 in September, down from -32 in August

# their personal financial situation slightly worsened to -7 in September, down from -6 in August

# their personal spending in retail rose slightly to +5 in September, up from +4 in August

# their personal spending overall fell slightly to +14 in September, down from +16 in August

# their personal saving fell to 0 in August, down from +2 in September”.

Regarding Retail Sales as an economic indicator to be monitored by households, the Office for National Statistics (17) states that

“Sales volumes fell by 0.1% in the three months to August 2025, compared with the three months to May 2025.  This was a slowing in the rate of decline when compared with the 0.6% fall in the three months to July 2025.  August 2025 marks the third consecutive period of monthly growth, but volumes did not quite return to their recent March 2025 peak.  However, when comparing with the three months to August 2024, sales volumes rose by 0.8%”.

Concerning Interest Rate, the Bank of England (18) argues that

“The interest rate in the UK as of September 2025 is 4%”.

As to Real Household Income, the Office for National Statistics (19) notes that

“As of September 2025, the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) in the UK requires a single person to earn £30,500 annually to meet a minimum acceptable standard of living.  For a couple with two children, the required income is £74,000 annually.  This indicates the economic challenges many households face, as income from work and benefits often fall short of these figures”.

Also, one needs to adjust the two figures of £30,500 and £74,000 for inflation, which is 3.8%.  If one adjusts the figure of £30,500 for 3.8% inflation, this figure will become: £30,500 – (£30,500 x 3.8%) = £29,341

As far as Household Consumption Expenditure is concerned, ‘nimblefins.co.uk’ (20) estimates that

“In mid 2025, the average UK household budget is around £2,900 a month (or £34,500 a year) based on an average of 2.3 people per household. according to our [Nimblefins] analysis of ONS Family Spending data.  But your housing situation can mean you spend a lot more or less… The average UK household spends £2,873 a month on household bills, according to the average (and unlikely!) household size of 2.3 people”.

The above-mentioned figures provide some state of the economic indicators which impact households life.  They also tell us where to find them.  However, there is also the need to know why to monitor them.

 

• • • • • Why households need to monitor economic indicators

 

Households should monitor economic indicators to inform their financial decisions, understand their personal economic well-being, and anticipate future economic trends.  By tracking indicators like inflation, unemployment, and household income, households can make better choices about spending, saving, and investing.  This can lead them to a greater financial security and a more informed approach to economically managing their households.

Let us consider the monitoring reasons relating to making informed decisions, understanding household personal economic well-being, and anticipating future trends.

 

a) Monitoring reasons relating to informed decision-making

 

Under this heading, we can include spending and saving, investment strategies, and debt management.  Let us look at each of them.

 

~ Spending and saving

Monitoring indicators like consumer confidence and household disposable income can help households decide when it is best to make large purchases, save for the future, or adjust their overall spending habits.

 

~ Investment strategies

Understanding leading economic indicators can provide a sense of where the economy is heading.  This will allow households to adjust their investment portfolios to align with future economic conditions.

 

~ Debt management

Tracking household indebtedness and financial net worth helps households understand their overall financial risk and make more informed decisions about taking on new debt or managing existing loans.

 

b) Monitoring reasons relating to understanding economic well-being

 

Under this heading, we can consider assessing personal finances and the evaluation of job market.  Let us briefly explain each of these sub-headings.

 

~ Assessing personal finances

Indicators such as real household income, consumption expenditure, and the household savings rate provide a direct picture of an individual household’s economic situation and well-being.

 

~ Evaluating the job market

The unemployment rate and labour underutilisation rate are crucial for understanding job prospects and the overall health of the labour market, which directly impacts household income and stability.

 

c) Monitoring reasons relating to the anticipation of future trends

 

Under this heading, we can highlight these two reasons: forecasting economic direction and adapting to change.

 

~ Forecasting economic direction

Leading economic indicators can provide clues about the future direction of the economy, giving households an early warning of potential downturns or upturns.

 

~ Adapting to change

By staying informed about economic trends, households can adapt their personal strategies to better navigate potential changes in economic conditions, helping them prepare for unforeseen challenges.

 

Image

 

• • • What You Can Get from CENFACS in Autumn under Autumn Help to Monitor Economic Indicators 

 

The set of helps provided in the FAS 2025 is part of CENFACS’ UK arm of services and additional services we set up to overcome the negative side effects of crises and risks (like the coronavirus, the cost-of-living crisis, climate crisis, etc.).  In this respect, FAS 2025 include ‘Fresh Start‘ activities or services that can be aligned with the typical phases of crisis after the crisis phase.  These typical phases include de-escalation, stabilisation, post-crisis and resolve phases.

Because the focus of FAS 2025 is on Monitoring Economic Indicators, the activities we are going to undertake are those relating to those indicators.  What are these activities?

There are three activities we would like to mention, which are:

 

a) activities relating to monitoring economic indicators that are essential for policy making, investment and analysis

b) activities relating to monitoring economic indicators that are vital for understanding household situation

c) activities relating to monitoring economic indicators that can be carried out by households.

 

Let us look at these activities.

 

• • • • Fresh Start Activities relating to monitoring economic indicators that are essential for policy making, investment and analysis

 

These activities are essential for policymakers, investors and analysts to assess economic performance and make informed decisions.  They help in identifying economic cycles, allowing for proactive measures rather than reactive ones.

Among these activities, we can mention the following:

 

σ Economic surveillance, which involves the monitoring and analysis of economic developments and policies, producing cross-country analysis, and country-specific reports.

σ Economic monitoring, which includes systematic analysis of economic developments and prospect, providing insights into the evolution of foreign direct investment, fiscal and monetary policies, and the impact of global events like the war in Ukraine.

σ Tracking economic indicators, which involves the systematic monitoring and analysis of diverse economic variables, including leading, lagging, and coincident indicators, to gauge future trends and evaluate conditions.

σ Comprehensive guide to economic indicators

σ Monitoring of economic indicators in the context of financial and economic crises

σ Understanding key metrics

etc.

 

Because these activities are mostly designed for policymakers, investors and analysts; we are not going to undertake them with our community members unless they express the desire to work with us on them.

 

• • • • Fresh Start Activities relating to monitoring economic indicators that are vital for understanding household situation 

 

As highlighted in their title, these activities are vital for households to understand their economic situation and to make informed decisions about their financial well-being.  They aim to assess the economic well-being and health of individual households.  They also play a significant role in the broader context of economic policy and development.

Among the fresh start activities relating to this second category, we can mention the following ones:

 

σ Conducting household surveys

These surveys aim to gather data on various aspects of household life, such as employment, income, consumption, and savings.  They are essential for understanding household economic security and can be used to identify vulnerable groups for different programmes.

 

σ Analysing household economic security

There is a method used to identify household level economic security, which is called HES (Household Economic Security) 4 Step Assessment and Analysis Process.  It involves data collection and analyse steps to determine household food security, basic needs, and livelihood needs, as well as risks.

 

σ Monitoring local economic indicators

These indicators reflect the economic health of a specific geographic area and include employment rates, household income, and business activity.

 

We shall conduct of some of these activities in the context of project planning and development with households making the CENFACS Community.

 

• • • • Fresh Start Activities relating to monitoring economic indicators that can be carried out by households

 

As their title suggests, these activities are essential for households to stay informed about their economic situation and to make informed decisions about their resources and strategies.  They can as well play a significative role in the larger process of economic decision-making and policy formation.

They include:

 

σ Assessing household food, income, and expenditures

This involves evaluating the resources available to household and their ability to meet basic needs.

 

σ Identifying and classifying coping strategies

Households may develop different strategies to cope with economic challenges, and these can be classified based on their effectiveness and impact.

 

σ Identifying the most affected and vulnerable households

This includes recognizing those who are most impacted by economic changes and their specific needs.

 

σ Assessing how households vulnerability affects in different ways

Understanding the various ways in household vulnerability can manifest can help in developing targeted interventions.

 

σ Assessing markets functioning and prices

This involves collecting market information and analysing it to understand the economic environment and potential impacts on households.

 

σ Identifying the gap in livelihood needs

By analysing the needs of different households, it is possible to identify areas where additional support or resources are required.

 

We shall work with the households making the CENFACS Community and our sister communities on this third type of fresh start activities so that they can reduce poverty linked to the lack of or poor monitoring of economic indicators.  Yet, a good monitoring of these indicators can help them to better analyse their household economy and further reduce poverty.

We shall work with them via Household Economy Monitoring Support (HEMS) which is our new autumnal service.  HEMS refers to tools that can be used to understand how households making the CENFACS Community access essential life sustaining resources, monitor household economic security, assess vulnerability to shocks and crises, while informing policy and interventions.

Besides the above-mentioned provision, FAS 2025 Edition further takes into account specific needs of people that may require specialist organisations and or institutions to deal with them.  In which case CENFACS can signpost or refer the applicants to those third parties.

 

• • • Autumn Online and Digital Resources

 

As explained earlier, FAS 2025 Edition contains a list of organisations and services that can help users in different areas covering basic needs.  Most the provided resources, which are from the charity and voluntary sector, are online and digital.  The list, which is not in this post, gives their contact details including the kinds of support or service they provide.

We hope that the basic tips and hints making the contents of FAS 2025 Edition will help you in some aspects of your Autumn needs, and you will find the relief you are looking for.

We would like to take this opportunity of the beginning of the new season to wish you a Happy and Healthy Autumn, as well as good luck in your efforts to Monitor Economic Indicators.

_________

 

 References

 

(1)  https://www.ben.org.uk/how-we-help/for-me/articles/reduce-your-living-costs/ (accessed in September 2024)

(2) UNESCO Institution for Statistics & Global Education Monitoring Report: SDG4 Scorecard Progress Report on National Benchmarks Focus on the Out-of-school Rate available at bit.ly/sdg4scoreand2025 underinvestment; https://www.facebook.com/gemreportunesco/posts/-african-countries-have-pledged-to-reduce-their-out-of-school-population-by-58-m/1155537449949597/ (accessed in September 2025)

(3) https://www.humanitarian.org/en/millions-of-children-at-risk-of-missing-school-as-the-2025-academic-year-begins/ (accessed in September 2025)

(4) https://www.gosolve.co.uk/brown-grey-green-field-land-development (accessed in September 2024)

(5) https://www.eli.org/brownfields-program/brownfields-basics# (accessed in September 2024)

(6) Yiftachel, O. (2009), Critical Theory and ‘gray space’ Mobilisation of the Colonized at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248930381_critical_theory_and_’gray_space’_Mobilisation_of_thecolonized (accessed in September 2023)

(7) McLean A. I., at https://peopleknowhow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/what-are-the-benefits-of-green-and-blue-space.pdf (accessed in September 2022)

(8)  https://environmentagency.blog.go.uk/2021/08/04/blue-space-the-final-frontier/ (accessed in September 2022)

(9) Dorsey, J. W. (2003). Brownfields and Greenfields: The Intersection of Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship. Environmental Practice, 5(1), 69-76, https://doi.org/10.1017/S1466046603030187 (accessed in September 2024)

(10) Depietri, Y. & McPhearson, T.,  (2017), Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Areas, Theory and Practice of Urban Sustainability Transitions, N. Kabisch et al. (eds.), DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56091-5_6

(11) https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/financial-strategies/ (accessed in September 2025)

(12) https://roadmunk.com/guides/roadmap-definition/ (accessible in September 2025)

(13) https://ffpractitioner.org/the-myths-and-realities-of-defining-family-wealth-whose-definition-is-it-anyway/ (accessed in September 2025)

(14) https://allwealth.com/creating-your-financial-roadmap (accessed in September 2025)

(15) https://www.paydata.co.uk/hr-hub/reports/paystats-and-national-statistics/paystats-pay-and-labour-market-statistics-september-2025/ (accessed in September 2025)

(16) https://brc,org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2025/ungated/high-inflation-weighing-on-consumer-confidence/ (accessed in September 2025)

(17) https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/august2025 (accessed in September 2025)

(18) https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-summary-and-minutes/2025/september-2025?Fds-Load-Behavior=force-external (accessed in September 2025)

(19) https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/averageweeklyearningsingreatbritain/september2025 (accessed in September 2025)

(20) https: //www.nimblefins.co.uk/average-uk-household-budget (accessed in September 2025)

_________

 

• Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects and Campaign

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

17 September 2025

Post No. 422

 

ImageImage

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects and Campaign

• Orange Spaces-focused Note from Wednesday 17/09/2025: Eliminating Poverty Attached to a Group Visually Depicted by Orange Space

• Tacking Climate Protection and Stake for African Children at the Implementation Level with Full Implementation Sub-phase (Phase 3.4): Stocktaking Activity on COP29 and Preparation to Follow up COP30

 

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects and Campaign

  

To start the eleven projects we planned for our Autumn 2025 Poverty Reduction Campaign, let first explain Autumn Fresh Start Season.

 

• • What Is Autumn about for CENFACS and Its Community?

 

It is about Freshness.  Autumn is the time of natural recycling process of plants and trees.  Leaves change colour and fall.  Without reinventing the wheels, we can say that Autumn of Freshness at CENFACS is the season after the long sunny weather and break of Summer; season during which our body and mind naturally recycle and engage in renewed energy, strength and thoughts.

Autumn of Freshness is the season of

 

 making fresh start after returning back from Summer to resume our life routine, work, education and voluntary work, particularly poverty relief one

 restarting after having some life and/or work experience (e.g., voluntary work or experience over the Summer, project visits, holiday trips, family sojourns, tourism, travel/expeditions of all kinds, etc.)

 beginning to apply or introduce and share those new experiences, ideas and discoveries we had during the Summer break or holiday

∝ slowing down some types of things while gradually setting up new ones from small to big sizes

 novelty, creativity and innovation to try to resolve the old, new, challenging and emerging issues of poverty and hardships.

 

Will this Autumn be same as the previous ones?

 

• • Autumn of Freshness 2025: With a Focus on What to Do if a Crisis Shows No Signs of Ending

 

This Autumn 2025, we are going to try find ways forward to deal with unending crisis like the cost-of-living one.

Finding ways forward to deal with unending crisis is also about answering these questions:

How does economic crisis end? Does it end itself following the business or trade cycle model or fluctuations in the level of economic activity (that is, depression,  recovery, boom, recession and so on)?  Does it end through an intervention in the form of economic policy response?

There are different responses to these questions.  For instance, the website ‘econofact.org’ (1) argues that

“History suggests two ingredients are needed to stanch the acute phase of an economic crisis: a resolution of the underlying cause and a dramatic economic policy response that mitigates the economic damage and causes a shift in the sentiment”.

There have been attempts to end the cost-of-living crisis, but the cost-of-living crisis is still there.  Economically speaking, it will end when real disposable incomes match the level of prices. At the moment, this matching is not happening.

According to ‘expatistan.com’ (2),

“The estimated monthly costs of a family of four is £4,539, the UK is the 4th most expensive country in Western Europe (4 out of 14), and the cost of living in the UK is more expensive than in 89% of countries in the world (7 out of 55).

Similarly, ‘statistica.com’ (3) notes that

“In September 2025, the inflation rate in the UK is expected to peak at 4% according to the Bank of England.  Following this peak, inflation is predicted to fall back to 3.6% by the end of 2025.  The annual inflation rate for the UK is forecasted to rise to 3.2% in 2025 overall”.

To find new ways forward, we may need to keep refreshing the methods, approaches, theories, systems, practices and tools we have been using to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.  Why do we need to find ways forward to deal with unending crisis like the cost-of-living one?

Many economic analysts and expert bodies (like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Resolution Foundation, chief economists at World Economic Forum, etc.) thought that the cost-of-living crisis would last until the end of 2024, when household real disposable incomes would increase and inflation would drop back.  Yet, the inflation is expected to be between 3.2% and 4%, which is above the UK government target of 2%.

Some even predicted that the cost-of-living crisis would carry on up to 2027/2028.  If this is the case, at the moment we are in the scenario of unending cost-of-living crisis since it began.

If this is the case or scenario, one may need to find what to do with an unending cost-of-living crisis or to refresh their autumnal strategy through which they are dealing with the cost-of-living crisis.  Let alone the economic theory they are using.  Ways forward to What to Do if a Crisis Shows No Signs of Ending and refreshing are needed within CENFACS, between CENFACS and its community for the following reasons:

 

σ to conduct a brand refresh used or take a process of adjusting the brand in the fight against the cost-of-living crisis

σ to update with the latest information and knowledge about this crisis

σ to fix projects, activities and programme areas which are not working or where there are bugs

σ to review some of the fundamentals

σ to refresh values from an improved perspective

σ to take refresher training to close the gaps in knowledge in the way of tackling the cost-of-living crisis

σ to stay in tune with changing project beneficiaries’ tastes and technological innovation (like Artificial Intelligence powered technologies)  causing new services to emerge which may supersede existing ones

σ briefly to keep control on the life cycle (that is launch, growth, maturity and decline) of CENFACS‘ products/services while finding a new way forward to deal with unending cost-of-living crisis.

 

All these reasons will help find new way forward to deal with unending cost-of-living crisis, which has been tackled since inflation went far ahead wages.  They will also assist in dealing with other enduring polycrises like climate crisis.

However, we have to admit that CENFACS does not have the capacity to end the cost-of-living crisis.  CENFACS can however work with those affected by the lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis to reduce or end these harmful effects on them.  As the ‘verywellmind.com’ (4) puts it when referring to trauma:

“Fortunately, there are healthy ways to cope with a crisis and get to the other side”.

CENFACS will continue to work with those stricken by the cost-of-living crisis and its lingering effects so that they can get to the other side of the crisis.

So, the key words and phrases for our sharing and engaging contents over this Autumn are Finding or Refreshing or Reviving What to Do if a Crisis Shows No Signs of Ending; words and phrases which will underpin all our work over this period.

 

 

• • Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Campaign: Autumn Programme with Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects to Find What to Do if a Crisis Shows No Signs of Ending

 

Autumn of Freshness is about working together with our users, project beneficiaries, members and stakeholders through a helpful bundle of Fresh Start projects blended together to give a contemporary and targeted relief, thanks to a good knowledge of users’ and members’ needs and expectations.

These projects will help implement new and improved ways of working with local people to meet changing needs mainly led by the lingering effects of the previous crises (e.g., the coronavirus disaster) and the enduring cost-of-living crisis in the Year of Restoration; a year of restoration skills to meet poor people’s needs in a new era (of Generative Artificial Intelligence Chatbots or AI-powered Chatbots)  and landscape of poverty reduction and development policies.  These projects make up our Autumn 2025 Fresh Start Programme.

 

• • What Is Included in the Autumn 2025 Fresh Start Programme?

 

The Autumn 2025 Fresh Start Programme is made of

 

(a) Skills, tips, hints, tweaks, tools and hacks to find ways to deal with unending cost-of-living crisis or refresh ways of ending the cost-of-living crisis

(b) Transformative and restoration experiences

(c) The Season’s appeal to stand up again against poverty and hardships

(d) A Slice and feast of Africa’s history

(e) A Campaign to end the unending cost-of-living crisis

(f) A Spatial analysis of poverty via orange, brown, blue, green and grey spaces

(g) Blue and green realignments of initiatives to the principles of greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and targets

(h) Colour-based visual themes and representation of poverty in mapping activities

(i) Thoughts and inspirations to finish the unfinished work of building forward from previous crises.

 

All this is flavoured with hopes, dreams and reasons to believe in the future; a poverty-free, sustainable, net zero and crisis-free world.

So, the line-up for CENFACS’ Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects and Campaign to Find What to Do if a Crisis Shows No Signs of Ending and deal with other crises for this Autumn is as follows:

 

1) Women, Children and Restoration Skills for Handling a Crisis with No End in Sight – NEW

2) Household AI Data Storytelling and Communications Skills – UPGRADED

3) Alternative Funding Software Project – NEW

4) Making Memorable Difference through Africa’s Green Industry

5) Save African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genius and Afrithismia Fungiforanis

6) Leaves-based Advice with Impact

7) “A la Une” (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence) with a Focus on Critically Endangered Amphibian Species

8) Advice for Africa-based Sister Organisations and Guidance for Not-for-profit Impact Investing in Africa 

9) Autumn Helps to Monitor Economic Indicators  – NEW

10) Aid in Planning for Future Crises – NEW

11) Autumn Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Appeals.

 

For more on these projects, please read below under the Main Development section of this post.

 

Image

 

Orange Spaces-focused Note from Wednesday 17/09/2025: Eliminating Poverty Attached to a Group Visually Depicted by Orange Space

 

Our spatial analysis of poverty together with the study of poverty through colour economy continue this week.  Last week, we recognised that Orange Space is a visual concept that visualises disadvantage, identifies vulnerable populations, and can be used to support targeted interventions.

This week, we are trying to find out the meaning of Orange Space in the context of poverty reduction and sustainable development.  Indeed, Orange Space can used as a thematic campaign to raise awareness about and to fund poverty.  It can also be utilised as a tool for sustainable development.

Let us summarise how Orange Space can be used both as a campaign theme for poverty reduction and a tool for sustainable development, as well as how we can work with the community on ‘Orange Space‘ matter.

 

• • Orange Space as a Campaign Theme to Reduce Poverty

 

Orange Space can be used as a way to fight poverty and support organisations that work to alleviate it.  It can be utilised to reduce or end poverty attached to a group that has been visualised or identified or differentiated as poor in a spatial analysis by orange colour or space.  It can be employed in fundraising activities or events to raise money to meet the needs of such group or any other good causes.

For instance, in the UK the Charity ‘Turn2Us’ has a specific annual event where people dress in orange colour to raise awareness and money during a Challenge Poverty Week.  ‘Turn2Us’ with its “Go Orange” campaign encourages people to wear orange to raise awareness and funds for financial insecurity.

Orange Space can also be used to acknowledge the interconnectedness of issues whereby environmental, social and economic issues are connected and tackled together to end poverty sustainably.  Sustainably ending poverty is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal One.

 

• • Orange Space as a Tool to Enhance Sustainable Development

 

It is about dealing with outer space and space-based technologies to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as recognising the need to manage space activities themselves sustainably to prevent issues such as pollution.  The United Nations use colour to depict its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Orange colour or space is part this representation of SDGs in colour.

In line with this vision how space can support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the website ‘unoosa.org’ (5) states that

“Space-based services and technologies are key in understanding climate change and during the full disaster management”.

Orange Space is also part of this understanding.

Similarly, in her Doughnut Economics Framework, Kate Raworth (6) argues about ‘safe and just space’ for humanity and suggests ending poverty and deprivation while staying within the planetary boundaries.  A social doughnut from her framework would aim to meet everyone’s basic needs without exceeding the planet’s ecological limits.  Kate Raworth provides an economic theory that links poverty reduction with environmental sustainability.

In short, Orange Space may not have an established meaning in the context of eliminating poverty, but it can be used both as a campaign theme to tackle poverty and as a sustainable development tool to recognise the interconnectedness of issues surrounding sustainability and the development of the economy in a way that stays within the planetary limits.

 

• • Working with the Community on Orange Space as a Campaign Theme to End Poverty via a Bake Sales Fundraising Event

 

There are many ways of working with the community to highlight the Eliminating Poverty Attached to a Group Visually Depicted by Orange Space.  Amongst these ways is to have an activity.  In this case, the activity is, for those who can, this:

Organise or participate in a bake sales fundraising event for your local ‘Orange Space’ cause.

For those who have any queries or concerns about this activity, they are free to let CENFACS know.

For those of our members who would like to work with us on Eliminating Poverty Attached to a Group Visually Depicted by Orange Space, they are welcome to work with us.

For those members who would like to share their experience in terms of Eliminating Poverty Attached to a Group Visually Depicted by Orange Space; they are also invited to share it with us.

For those who would like to further discuss with us any other matters or insights relating to the the Orange Spaces Theme, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Tacking Climate Protection and Stake for African Children at the Implementation Level with Full Implementation Sub-phase (Phase 3.4): Stocktaking Activity on COP29 and Preparation to Follow up COP30

 

We are continuing to work on the outcomes of COP29 (7) and how they can fit into CENFACS’ Taking Climate Protection and Stake for African Children at the Implementation (TCPSACI) and its sub-phase 3.4, as well as how they can help us prepare for COP30 (8) which will be convened in Belém, Brazil.

This week, we are having a stocktaking activity of looking at the key achievements of COP 29.  Among the key achievements are the following ones:

 

σ A new climate finance target of at least $300 billion annually by 2035 for developing countries and the finalisation of rules under the Paris Agreement

σ Operationalisation of carbon markets

σ Focus on non-state actors (i.e., the contribution of non-state actors, including small and medium enterprises in the global effort to reduce emissions)

Etc.

 

We are as well discussing unresolved issues at COP29 like the ones below:

 

σ Fossil fuel transition

σ The Global Stocktake

σ Just Transition Programme

σ and Other issues surrounding adaptation and finance technology.

 

Besides this stocktaking exercise, we are preparing ourselves to follow up COP30.  Our preparation includes the following:

 

σ Learning and sharing knowledge about climate issues (e.g., climate finance, deforestation, and adaptation)

σ Re-educating the community and the public about climate issues

σ Taking action to reduce our own climate footprint

σ Engaging in advocacy and campaigns via TCPSACI

σ Staying informed by following COP30 news

σ Running pre-COP30 events

σ Participating in climate webinars and local actions

Etc.

 

Without anticipating what may happen at the climate talks in Belém, let us re-inform our supporters that the slogan for this follow-up is: Belém Do Better for Children!  This slogan will help us in our efforts to safeguard the planet from damaging effects of climate change.  It will as well assist in meeting the needs of our climate stakeholders (that is African children) who are adversely impacted by and have an interest in climate action.

To enquire about the above-mentioned pre-COP30 follow-up activity within CENFACS  and to support CENFACS’ TCPSACI and its sub-phase 3.4, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Second Update from Wednesday 17/09/2025: Alignment of Households’ Financial Plan with Their Financial Circumstances

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 15/09/2025:  Assessing Your Family Financial Position

• Starting or Renewing Your Involvement with CENFACS’ Work This Autumn 2025

 

Image

 

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025 – Second Update from Wednesday 17/09/2025: Alignment of Households’ Financial Plan with Their Financial Circumstances

 

This alignment involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both current needs and long-term goals.  To achieve this alignment, households need to develop strategies.  Let us highlight these strategies.

 

• • Key Alignment Strategies

 

Amongst the key alignment strategies, it is worth mentioning these below.

 

σ Create a realistic budget

You can create a budget that reflects your household financial situation and helps you to effectively manage your finances.

 

σ Set financial boundaries

In order to manage your household finances in a way that aligns with your values, you can establish limits around your spending, saving, and borrowing.

 

σ Involve family in budgeting

Yu can engage all family members in the budgeting process.  This will help to share responsibility and ensure that everyone understands the household’s financial situation.

 

σ Regularly review and adjust goals

You can regularly reassess your financial goals and adjust them as necessary to stay aligned with your household changing needs and circumstances.

 

σ Consider joining or separating accounts

You can decide to maintain separate accounts for individual spending or a joint account for shared spending.

 

These strategies will help households to effectively manage household finances.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Alignment Strategies via a Weekend Homework for Households

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Alignment of Households’ Financial Plan with Their Financial Circumstanceswe are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Run a Household Budgeting Session to Align Your Household Financial Plan with Its Financial Circumstances.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who may be interested in the Alignment of Households’ Financial Plan with Their Financial Circumstances can contact CENFACS for further details.

If you need support with your Financial Plan Updates or for us to look at your Financial Plan, please do not hesitate to communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 15/09/2025:  Assessing Your Family Financial Position

 

Like any individual, each family has a financial position.  This position can be assessed as part of financial planning.  It is not a surprise if ‘financialstrategists.com’ (9) argues that

“Assessing your financial status is the initial stage of family financial planning”.

To assess a family financial position, there are steps that need to be taken.  Before highlighting these steps, let us briefly explain the meaning of financial position.

 

• • What Is Financial Position?

 

Financial position can be explained in a number of ways which convey the same meaning. 

The online dictionary ‘financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com’ (10) explains that

“Financial position is the account status of a firm’s or individual’s assets, liabilities, and equity positions as reflected on its financial statement”.

Another explanation comes from ‘fiveable.me’ (11) which states that 

“Financial position refers to the overall financial health and standing of an individual, organisation or entity, as reflected in their balance sheet.  It encompasses the assets, liabilities, and equity that collectively determine the entity’s financial strengths and stability at a specific point in time”.

So, the financial position of families can be found in families’ balance sheet (also called the statement of financial position) which reports family assets, liabilities, and equity. 

Knowing what financial position is, it is possible to build steps to assess it.

 

• • Steps to Assess a Family Financial Position

 

These steps can be variable depending on different authors and family needs.

For instance, the website ‘wealthsolutionshub.com’ (12) provides eight steps to assess your current financial situation, which are:

Calculate your income, track your expenses, analyse your spending habits, assess your debt, evaluate your existing savings, calculate your net worth, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set realistic financial goals.

According to the same ‘wealthsolutionshub.com’,

“Assessing your current financial situation is crucial for taking control of your finances and building a secure financial future”.

This assessment can be done with families making the CENFACS Community.  We can work with them as well as with families from sister communities to assess family financial position.

 

Image

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Assessing Family Financial Position via a Weekend Homework for Families

 

As a way of supporting this week’s topic relating to Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families, we are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Conduct a SWOT Analysis of Your Family Financial Management.

SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.  When making an intergenerational financial plan for your family, you can assess your family’s internal strengths and weaknesses as well as your family’s external opportunities and threats.  To facilitate this task, you can use the SWOT table to enter an analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats affecting the management of your family finances.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who would like to know more about Assessing a Family Financial Position and to work with CENFACS, they can contact us.

Similarly, those who may be interested in Intergenerational Financial Planning or in discussing any matter relating to the topic of Assessing Family Financial Position, they should feel free to contact CENFACS.  Equally, those who would like to tackle intergenerational poverty can communicate with CENFACS.

 

 

• Starting or Renewing Your Involvement with CENFACS’ Work This Autumn 2025

 

The beginning of every season is an opportunity either to continue to do the things we always do as they work or to think of taking on new initiatives in the new season or to do both.  Likewise, in time of enduring cost-of-living crisis there are not only worries and stresses; there are as well new opportunities and possibilities to do things differently.  One can use the opportunity of the enduring cost-of-living crisis to review or change things.  One way of doing is to start or continue to look forward.  There are many ways in which one can look forward this Autumn.

For example, one can use the opportunity of the enduring cost-of-living crisis and rethink on the types of organisations and projects they support.  One may find appropriate to start or increase or even reduce their support to a particular development or poverty relief cause.  One could also think of getting involved in CENFACS’ work or renewing their commitment to it if they have ever got involved in it before.  The decision is theirs.

We have spelled out below various ways in which one can enhance CENFACS’ noble and beautiful cause of poverty reduction, and make a useful impact on poverty reduction with us.

 

 

• • Getting the Most of Your Involvement with CENFACS into Poverty Reduction Work from Autumn 2025 and Beyond

 

The following points provide ways through which one can get involved with CENFACS‘ noble and beautiful cause of poverty reduction.

 

• • • Where to start: Sign up!

√ Register with us and or update us with your contact details

√ Respond to our communications and communicate with us when occasion arises

 

• • • Contact CENFACS Directly

√ Reach out to CENFACS via its contact details

√ Ask for ways of supporting CENFACS to support you and/or others

 

• • • Stay in touch with our…

√ Newsletter and other paper and free-paper communication materials

√ Regular updated and upgraded resources (e.g., fact sheets) and supporting information

 

• • • Involve us in raising awareness of the poverty relief issue

√ Advertise with us for helpful good and deserving causes

√ Pass our relief messages on to interested third parties

 

• • • Share your transformative experience

√ Tell us what you think and or your development story

√ Help us improve with your voices, comments, reports and feedbacks

 

• • • Boost your support

√ Support us according to your means and limits as every support counts

√ Add value to your support, if you can, by improving your support to us to support you and or others

 

• • • Get noticed to go further with your involvement

√ Register and keep up to date with information about your event, project, activity and so on

√ Join up our network of poverty relief and development work

 

• • • Stay ahead of the game with us

√ Communicate with us before hands and when the needs arise

√ Often read our news alerts, tweets and switch to our new developments

 

• • • Deliver on your promises 

√ If you promise to do something for or with CENFACS and others, please do it

√ If you can’t do it, please let us know.  Don’t just stay silent!

 

• • • Make our communications with you to be a two-way process and multi-channel approach

√ Talk to CENFACS and CENFACS will talk to you as well and vice versa

√ Help us improve the flow of information on poverty relief and development using a variety of channels and platforms

 

• • • Be contactable and present via

√ E-mail, (tele or mobile) phones, physical address and social media platforms

√ Word-of-mouth recommendations, outreach and other means of contact (like video calls)

 

• • • Get the word out on your communication channels

√ Spread words about CENFACS’ work on your social media links

√ Promote CENFACS’ work in what and where you think we can fit in

 

• • • Keep your involvement with CENFACS digitally and on papers

√ Up-to-date information on to your mobile by our free text alerts and messages

√ Check CENFACS’ website and make enquiries online 24 hours 7 days a week

 

• • • Act upon information received from us

√ Don’t just read or hear them and do nothing about them.  Please react and be vocal!

√ If they are irrelevant to you, please pass them onto an interested and committed party

 

• • • Build and protect standards of trust in CENFACS

√ Correct inaccuracies and misinformation, stop the spread of false information about CENFACS and its community/network

√ Tackle with us the pollution of information, disinformation and distrust about our poverty reduction work and initiatives

 

• • • Ask for help and support

√ Seek help if you need it before getting involved with CENFACS

√ Find support when you need it in order to get involved with CENFACS

 

• • • Make use of support CENFACS provides

√ Do not ignore the support that CENFACS provides or bin it without looking at it

√ Use the poverty-reduction tools and resources that CENFACS gives

 

• • • Continue the legacy of CENFACS’ work

√ It is now 23 years and two months that CENFACS has been working on poverty relief and sustainable development since it was registered in 2002.  You can continue this legacy with us.

√ You can be the face of CENFACS to those who are looking for a lifeline of support from us.

 

The above ways of getting involved in CENFACS’ work may not be exhaustive.  Should you have any other way, please let us know.

To get involved with CENFACS into poverty reduction work, just let us know.

 

Image

 

Message in French (Message en français)

 

• A paraître en automne 2025 : Le 89ème numéro de FACS qui sera intitulé comme suit

Les Oeuvres de Charité Africaines dans le Nouvel Écosystème de l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire de l’Afrique

Dans le 88e numéro de FACS, il s’agissait de trouver des sources de financement alternatives afin que les Organisations Caritatives Africaines (OCA) puissent continuer leur mission de réduction de la pauvreté en Afrique, puisque les coupes dans l’aide étrangère et internationale les ont contraintes à chercher des alternatives, en particulier pour élaborer de nouveaux modèles économiques et de financement. Nous travaillons toujours sur des développements alternatifs qui permettraient aux OCA de mener à bien leur mission. Nous abordons ces développements alternatifs sous l’angle de ‘sociologie.institut’ (13) qui explique que

« Les modèles de développement alternatifs peuvent être compris comme une réaction aux limites des approches traditionnelles. Ces modèles alternatifs privilégient le bien-être humain, la durabilité environnementale et la préservation des cultures locales. »

Dans le 89ème numéro de FACS, il s’agira de dépasser les limitations des approches traditionnelles en traitant des économies ou des espaces alternatifs qui pourraient être favorables aux OCA, en particulier aux Organisations Sœurs basées en Afrique (OSA) de CENFACS, non seulement pour continuer à réduire la pauvreté, mais aussi pour éventuellement y mettre fin en Afrique. Le 89ème numéro s’intéressera aux économies alternatives. Il existe de nombreuses économies ou espaces alternatifs. L’économie ou l’espace alternatif qui nous intéresse est l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire (ESS). Qu’est-ce que l’ESS?

Il existe différentes définitions de l’ESS. Sans les énumérer toutes, faisons référence à celle donnée par l’Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Economiques (14) ; définition qui est :

« L’ESS est une formation économique qui vise à améliorer la qualité de vie d’une région ou d’une communauté sur la base de la solidarité. Elle cherche à traiter et à transformer l’exploitation sous les économies capitalistes et l’économie dominée par les grandes entreprises et les grands actionnaires. »

Ce type de formation économique existe également en Afrique. En février 2025, l’Union Africaine (15) a adopté, par le biais de ses Chefs d’État, la première stratégie continentale de 10 ans sur l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire. Comme toute ESS, l’ESS en Afrique comprend des entreprises sociales, des coopératives, des mutuelles et des organisations à mission poursuivant des objectifs sociaux, environnementaux et économiques de manière conjointe plutôt qu’en compromis. Et les OCA font partie de cette nouvelle économie ou espace créé en Afrique ; un espace pour l’action sociétale, l’entreprise sociale ou les activités sociales entrepreneuriales et caritatives.

Le 89ème numéro traite de la manière dont les OCA peuvent se démarquer grâce aux avantages structurels des modèles ou écosystèmes de l’économie sociale et solidaire. Parmi ces avantages, on trouve la création d’emplois, des flux de capitaux dirigés par la communauté, l’alignement des systèmes, la propriété collective, la prise de décision démocratique et des relations basées sur la solidarité au sein de diverses organisations composant l’ESS. Comme le dit Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (16) :

« L’économie solidaire est un hétérotopique pour les activités économiques et les relations économiques de solidarité dans les interactions humaines lors de la construction du moyen de subsistance ».

Pour que l’écosystème de l’économie sociale et solidaire en Afrique fonctionne comme un hétérotopique, il faut que les entités engagées dans les activités économiques, sociales et environnementales aient des interactions et des échanges entre elles tout en servant l’intérêt collectif et/ou général.

L’Institut de la Société Civile de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (17) déclare que

« La Banque Africaine de Développement estime que les dons locaux pourraient contribuer jusqu’à 400 milliards de dollars américains au produit intérieur brut de l’Afrique d’ici 2030 ».

De même, le site Web ‘africa.com’ (18) soutient que

« À travers l’Afrique subsaharienne, on estime que les entreprises sociales créent directement entre 28 et 41 millions d’emplois ».

Malgré l’absence de cadres statistiques dédiés entravant une mesure précise, les chiffres estimés mentionnés ci-dessus mettent en évidence le potentiel significatif des efforts philanthropiques et caritatifs domestiques pour alimenter l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire ainsi que pour réduire la pauvreté en Afrique. Les OCA jouent et peuvent jouer un rôle clé dans l’ESS en se concentrant sur le bien-être des communautés et l’impact social plutôt que sur le profit, en comblant les lacunes de services en fournissant des services essentiels comme les soins, en créant des environnements inclusifs et en favorisant la gouvernance démocratique au sein de l’écosystème de l’ESS.

Le 89e numéro fera référence aux fondements théoriques clés de l’ESS qui rejettent la maximisation pure des profits au bénéfice de l’impact social et des valeurs humaines. Il fera également référence aux théories de l’équité, de la promotion, de la démocratie et de la durabilité. Certaines de ces théories qui rejettent la maximisation pure des profits ont été soulignées par Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (op. cit.) qui mentionnent Karl Polanyi en ces termes :

« La théorie économique proposée par Karl Polanyi soutient que les systèmes économiques fondés sur les éléments collaboratifs de la réciprocité et de la redistribution précèdent historiquement l’approche utilitariste du marché. »

Ils font également référence à la théorie démocratique développée par des penseurs comme Jurgen Habermas et John Dewey.

Le 89e numéro tiendra compte des modèles ou écosystèmes de l’économie sociale et solidaire qui incluent des coopératives, des mutuelles, des associations, des organisations à but non lucratif, des entreprises sociales et des initiatives de commerce équitable ; tout en abordant les OCA en termes de dynamisme qu’elles peuvent apporter à l’ESS pour une transformation systémique du système économique actuel vers un système qui favorise la réduction de la pauvreté.

Parce que les modèles ou écosystèmes de l’ESS offrent un environnement pour des formes alternatives de capital, le 89e numéro examinera comment les OSA peuvent bénéficier de sources de financement alternatives provenant de l’espace ESS en Afrique. Il prendra également en compte la structure de capital des OSA, son déploiement et sa mesure en Afrique.

Puisqu’il y a la primauté des personnes et de l’objectif social sur le capital en tant que l’une des valeurs clés de l’ESS, le 89e numéro sera l’expérience d’alignement des flux de capitaux avec l’impact dans les œuvres de charité africaines avec création de valeur sociale et les besoins de leurs utilisateurs.

Le passage de l’Afrique à l’économie sociale implique que les OCA participent à un mouvement stratégique vers des systèmes évolutifs, inclusifs et prêts pour l’avenir. Le 89ème numéro fournira les ressentis des OCA concernant leur expérience dans ce mouvement et comment cela affectera leurs bénéficiaires de projets.

Les écosystèmes de l’ESS (EESS) sont également considérés comme des modèles économiques intégrés à la communauté et des zones mal desservies par les systèmes formels. Le 89e numéro examinera comment la participation des OSA en Afrique á l’EESS contribuera à répondre aux besoins des personnes vivant dans l’économie informelle.

Loin d’être un exposé sur la nouvelle expérience de l’Afrique concernant l’ESS, le 89e numéro explorera la tentative des OSA de construire leur indépendance par rapport au système de subventions perpétuel afin d’améliorer leur participation à l’EESS en Afrique tout en réalisant leur mission dans un espace inclusif, évolutif et tourné vers l’avenir.

Pour découvrir plus d’informations sur le numéro 89 ou pour réserver une copie avant sa publication, veuillez contacter le CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Main Development

 

Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects and Campaign

 

The following two items provide the main idea of our Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Campaign:

 

∝ What Is Autumn Starting XI Poverty Reduction Campaign?

∝ Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects to Refresh Strategies for an Unending Crisis 

 

Before highlighting the projects making the Autumn Starting XI Poverty Reduction Campaign, let us explain this campaign.

 

• • What Is Autumn Starting XI Poverty Reduction Campaign?

 

It is an organised series of actions and operations designed to help achieve the goal of poverty reduction during the autumnal season.  Normally, there are eleven projects that make these actions to gain support for poverty reduction and build up opposition to practice that keeps poverty.   These eleven projects are those we shall begin with to help reduce poverty this Autumn 2025. 

The list of these eleven projects is given below together with their summaries.  They are designed to help work with the communities here in the UK and Africa to freshly start Autumn.  These projects are our Fresh Start ones and designed to help beneficiaries cope with the lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis.  What are these projects?

 

• • Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects to Refresh Strategies for an Unending Crisis 

 

The XI projects we are talking about will allow us to start our overall Autumn Season’s poverty reduction campaign.  This is why we call them as Starting XI Projects or Campaign.

 

11 PROJECTS TO REFRESH STRATEGIES FOR AN UNENDING COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS: 11 WAYS OF HELPING TO REDUCE AND END POVERTY THIS AUTUMN 2025

Image

 

Please find below key highlights of projects making CENFACS’ Autumn 2025 of Refreshing Strategies for an Unending Cost-of-living Crisis, including the month each of these projects is supposed to start.

 

• • • Key Highlights of Autumn 2025 Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects 

 

September 2025

 

5) Save African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genius and Afrithismia Fungiforanis

African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genius and Afrithismia Fungiforanis are part of Save Flora, Fauna and Funga projects, where African Forest Elephant acts for Fauna, Marasmodes Genius represents Flora, and Afrithismia Fungiforanis symbolises Funga.

These three species (that is, African Forest Elephant, Marasmodes Genius and Afrithismia Fungiforanis) will continue our advocacy work on the protection of animals, plants and fungi, while we are carrying on to implementing new ways of working with local people and organisations in Africa to help save flora, fauna and funga. (Advocacy)

 

6) Leaves-based Advice with Impact 

It is a step forward within the framework of the advice service we provide to the community.  The leaves element within our local advice package, which marked CENFACS’ 2021 Year of Leaves, will continue to feature the advisory process of helping the community to reduce poverty. 

In 2023, we included impact to this package.  Advice with impact means that advice will be given with an impact strategy to maximise outcomes for the beneficiaries.  In other words, the advice we provide will not only address immediate problems, but also will contribute to overall well-being by reducing the type of poverty that the advisee suffers and enhancing advisee’s quality of life.  (Advice)

 

7) A la Une (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature in Existence)

‘A la Une’ will include our sub-advocacy work on nature, which is Sustainable Trajectories for the Nature.  This year, A la Une project will focus on Endangered Amphibian Species.  

In the last week of September 2025, we shall focus on saving endangered amphibians (i.e., frogs, toads, caecilians and salamanders) through our new initiative called ‘MAMBILANGA’ (that is, Mind Amphibians for Maintaining the Balance of Insects in the Lives of Aquatics and Nutrients, and for Guarding Agriculture).  It is an advocacy for the endangered amphibian species.

MAMBILANGA is a new advocacy project planned by CENFACS to help protect critically endangered amphibian species and keep  them up in their natural habitat in Africa.  Amphibians like Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), Whitebelly Egg Frog (ptodactylodon albiventris), and Western Nimba Toad are critically endangered.  Likewise, Western Leopard Toad, Gohath Frog, Big-eyed Forest Tree Frog, and Perret’s Night Frog are endangered species.

The ‘MAMBILANGA  project, which has already kicked off, will help us to advocate for a safe life for amphibian species.  (Campaign)

 

October 2025

 

11) Autumn Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Appeals 

Depending on the urgency and scale of the disaster/crises/shocks in Africa,  CENFACS shall launch either of these two types of appeals:

σ Humanitarian Assistance Appeals to help provide immediate relief and support to those affected by the disaster or crisis;

σ Humanitarian Disaster Relief Appeals to assist in giving long-term recovery and support to those affected by disasters to recover and rebuild their lives.

CENFACS can also make Humanitarian Relief Appeals to provide the immediate, short-term assistance to those affected by crises, such as food, water, shelter, and immediate care in Africa.

CENFACS will further launch Humanitarian Emergency Appeals if there are events that pose a critical threat to the health, safety, security, or wellbeing of a community or large group of people in Africa; events often due to natural disasters, armed conflicts or other major emergencies.  In such as cases, CENFACS will collaborate with other organisations working on the issues to address the immediate needs and prevent future suffering or damages.

These appeals are a renewed engagement with supporters via appeals to deal with the exacerbation of poverty by climate change, the enduring cost-of-living crisis and any spotted lingering effects of coronavirus as well as the emergence of threats brought by Mpox and Ebola as well as other diseases in Africa.  These humanitarian relief and emergency appeals, which will help people and communities in most desperate situation, will include as well

~ short-term environmental strikes and disasters linked to climate change cycles (like in the cases of Morocco-Safi earthquake and Libya deadly floods and landslides in 2023)

~ long-term environmental storms and catastrophes (e.g., the risk of freshwater sources to be contaminated in some parts of Africa by viruses, germs, parasites and pollutants creating water scarcity)

~ short-term crises and armed conflicts and disputes (e.g., the probable intensification of violence and worsening of humanitarian crisis in the African Sahel)

~ wars linked to economic trends and business cycles (e.g., the geo-economic tensions between Africa’s trading bloc and other economic blocs)

~ and long-running and permanent wars and structural warfare (e.g., the deterioration of the security situation in African countries where there were military coups d’état like in Niger, Guinea  with the possibility of long-running civil wars). (Humanitarian appeals)

 

4) Making Memorable Difference (MMD)

The focus for this October History Month will be on the History of Africa’s Green Industry in lifting people out of poverty.  Our work for this year’s MMD will be about identifying the historical figures (and families) of Africa in Green Industry.  The history of Africa’s Green Industry is marked by a transition from fossil-fuelled, extractive growth to a sustainable, green economy. (History project)

 

10) Aid in Planning for Future Crises (NEW)

We are continuing with our Campaign to End Poverty Induced by Rising the Costs of Living.  This Campaign is an organised series of actions to gain support for the cost-of-living poor so that something can be done for them.  These actions need to result in change, particularly the reduction and end of the cost-of-living poverty.  The latter is now a barrier for many poor.

We shall continue our alignment of this campaign with the typical phases of crisis (i.e., crisis, de-escalation, stabilisation, resolve and post-crisis) as set it up in October 2022.  We shall be dealing with the long-term action from this campaign, while continuing to offer the other two services (short- and medium-term services) linked to this campaign.

The Long-term Actions relating to this Campaign are:

σ Help beneficiaries improve their productivity and capacity to earn or generate income

σ Support them to consume green and local so that they are less exposed to the volatility of the international prices of goods and services

σ Find ways of scaling down repressive or punitive market dictatorship on them.

To them, we have added Aid in Planning for Future Crises.  The four of these actions are and will be taking via what we called ‘GARSIA‘ (that is Guidance, Advice, Referrals, Signposting, Information and Advocacy) services.

The campaign action about Aid in Planning for Future Crises will consist of working with households in the UK and organisations in Africa to prepare or plan for future crises.  The plan with households will consist of building an emergency supply kit, staying informed, practising regularly and support.  The plan with organisations in Africa will include crisis preparedness assessment, crisis training, integrated programme design, plan development, and on-call agreements. (Poverty-relieving campaign)

 

November 2025

 

9) Autumn Helps to Monitor Economic Indicators (NEW)

Since we are in a scenario of unending cost-of-living crisis, this new initiative is about working with households to keep them monitoring economic indicators that run their life.  They can do it by regularly checking their disposable income, net cash transfers, consumption expenditure, and savings rate.  They can also keep an eye on consumer confidence, unemployment rates, and financial net worth.

Autumn Helps to Monitor Economic Indicators, which will be a resource, will contain monitoring skills, new information, tips and hints to help the community follow up the indicators that run their daily life and understand why we are still in unending cost-of-living crisis scenario,  This initiative or resource could start or be published before November 2025.  (Resource)

 

1) Women & Children FIRST Development Day

This year, our Development Day will still be about skills that can be learnt and developed in order to freshly start Autumn 2025.  It will be about Women, Children and Restoration Skills for Handling a Crisis with No End in Sight.

In the last five years, the Development Day has been designed to resonate with the November month of Skills Development within CENFACS.  This year’s Development Day will too reverberate with the Skills Development Month within CENFACSRestoration Skills will include technical abilities for physical restoration, interpersonal skills, and cognitive and emotional skills. (Thoughts)

 

8) Advice to Africa-based Sister Organisations (ASOs) and Guidance for Not-for-profit Impact Investing in Africa

Our support to Africa-based Sister Organisations via advice will continue to operate to help these organisations to overcome many challenges they face such as changing climate, the coronavirus and the cost-of-living crisis.  We have added to the advice service the guidance we give to those who would like to not-for-profit invest with impact in Africa.

Under CENFACS‘ Guidance for Investing in African Not-for-profit Organisations and Causes in Africa, we run a programme to support not-for-profit investors in Africa.  For both ASOs and not-for-profit investors, we have planned to conduct more activities this coming November 2025. (Advice & Guidance)

 

2) Household AI Data Storytelling and Communications Skills

Data are deeply embedded in households. Households need appropriate communications and storytelling skills about data to properly express by themselves what is behind data.  To better communicate the story behind their data households, they do not need to be data scientists.

The initiative, which will use generative AI to interpret and communicate data, will aim at empowering user households with skills to tell and visualise data (i.e., words and numbers) as well as get explained information that run their life.  It will help them to have control over their data and life while keeping on track storytelling and communication technology. (Data and Insight Advocacy & Skills)

 

3) Alternative Funding Software Project (AFSP)

AFSP is an idea to develop a software that provides information for African Charities looking for alternative funding sources.  The main aim of this project is to reduce poverty due to the lack of targeted information for African Charities looking for alternative funding sources to realise or keep momentum of their mission.

The project will outline the main alternative funding options for African Charities and NGOs.  It will also include information on private-charity partnerships, social enterprising as an alternative funding, social impact investing, locally-driven solutions to international aid cuts, etc.  (Support and Resource) 

 

Note:

As said earlier, the above XI projects will allow us to start our overall Autumn Season’s poverty reduction campaign.  This is why we call them as Autumn Starting XI Poverty Reduction Projects or Campaign.

Although they are scheduled for Autumn 2025, we may slightly alter our initial plan and or introduce occasional initiatives to cope with the reality of the unpredictability and complexity of development situations (e.g., side effects of the cost-of-living crisis, humanitarian and emergency situations), in which case we shall let you know as early as we can.

_________

 

References

 

(1) https://econofact.org/how-do-economic-crises-end (accessed in September 2024)

(2) https://expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/united-kingdom (accessed in September 2025)

(3) https://www.statistica.com/statistics/306720/cpi-rate-forecast-uk/ (accessed in September 2025)

(4) https://www.verywellmind.com/cope-with-a-crisis-or-trauma-3144525# (accessed in September 2024)

(5) https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/space4sdgs/index.html (accessed in September 2025)

(6) https://doughnuteconomics.org/about-doughnut-economics (accessed in September 2025)

(7) https://www.carbonbrief.org/cop29-key-outcomes-agreed-at-the-un-climate-talks-in-baku/ (accessed in December 2024)

(8) https://thinklandscape.globallandscapesforum.org/71474/climate-events-2025 (accessed in March 2025)

(9) https://www.financialstrategists.com/financial-advisor/financial-plan/family-financial-planning/ (accessed in September 2025)

(10) https://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/financial-position (accessed in September 2025)

(11) https://fiveable.com/key-terms/financial-accounting/financial-position (accessed in September 2025)

(12) https://www.wealthsolutionshub.com/financial-situation (accessed in September 2025)

(13) https://sociology.institute/sociology-of-development/alternative-development-approaches-theory-action/ (accessed in September 2025)

(14) https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/09/what-is-the-social-and-solidarity-economy-a-review-of-concepts_4b3d724b/dbc78 (accessed in September 2025)

(15) https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/africa-social-economy-development/ (accessed in September 2025)

(16) Andersen, L. L., Hulgärd, L. & Laville, J.-L., (2022), The Social and Solidarity Economy: Roots and Horizons at doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-81743-5_5 (In book: New Economies for Sustainability. Edition: Luise Li Langergaard. Publisher: Springer)

(17) https://wacsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Research-Report_Local-Giving-in-Africa.pdf (accessed in September 2025)

(18) https://africa.com/social-enterprises-could-hold-the-key-to-a-prosperous-and-equitable-future-for-africa/#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

 

_________

 

• Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty to Improve the Quality of Life in 2025

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

10 September 2025

Post No. 421

 

Image

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty to Improve the Quality of Life in 2025

• Coming in Autumn 2025: The 89th Issue of FACS which Will Be Titled as African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

• Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty to Improve the Quality of Life in 2025

 

Back to school is a challenging time for many families and parents, especially for those on low-income brackets or those living in poverty.  It is even harder for many of them as they are trying to strike a delicate balance between building forward educational life for children and still dealing with the lingering effects of the polycrises, particularly of the cost-of-living crisis.  It is deeply demanding for them during this painful time of the enduring cost-of-living crisis as the expenses of sending back their children to school are fiercely competing with high living costs.  Amongst these challenges, the greatest one for these families is back-to-school poverty, which has to be reduced and ended.  

 

• • Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty

 

Back-to-school poverty is what we are trying to help reduce or eradicate within our back-to-poverty-relief programme and campaign this Autumn 2025, if one wants to lay down the foundations for improving the quality of life.  In our latest posts, we explained what we mean by back-to-school poverty.  In this post, we shall go beyond the reduction of this type of poverty.

Indeed, to reduce back-to-school poverty, one needs to define back-to-school poverty line.  What is back-to-poverty school poverty line?

 

• • Understanding Back-to-school Poverty Line

 

It is the adequate minimum threshold income level (or monetary line) at which low-income families would be able to purchase essential school-related items, such as uniforms, equipment, and digital resources, which cannot prevent their children from fairly participate in school life.  Their incapacity to cross this line can be rooted from historically existing inequalities and income disparities.

The above-mentioned line depends on a number of factors such as the cost of living, the cost of back-to-school preparations, the support that is available for those low-income families, etc.  The knowledge of these factors and causes of back-to-school poverty can help lay the ground for tackling it.

However, the reduction of back-to-school poverty should not be the end of road or an end itself.  We need to go far in our way of working with the back-to-school poor so that they can improve the quality of their life.  But, what do we mean by improving the quality of life for the back-to-school poor?

 

• • Meaning of Improving Quality of Life

 

To express improving quality of life, let us first explain the term ‘quality of life’.  Our explanation of ‘quality of life’ comes from the World Health Organisation (WHO) quoted by Sarah Sperber on the website ‘berkeleywellbeing.com’ (1).  The WHO’s explanation is

“The quality of life refers to an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns”.

As one can notice that the concept of ‘quality of life’ is a subjective measure of one’s wellbeing.  But, it can also be an objective measure.  It all depends on whether one sees it as an subjective or objective measure.  What is mostly interesting is that ‘quality of life’ comes with factors, namely basic factors (such as being well-nourished, free of disease and having income) and complex factors (like self-respect, dignity and community engagement).  These factors are the ones that need to be improved or ameliorated to produce a good quality of life for the back-to-school children and their families.  So, by working to reduce back-to-school poverty we are as well trying to help improve the quality of life.

 

• • Improving the Back-to-school Quality of Life 

 

It is about contributing to a more positive back-to-school experience.  There are strategies that can help improve the back-to-school quality of life for children facing challenges during the back-to-school period.  Key strategies could include enhancing school attendance, supporting students or pupils at risk, addressing social issues, enhancing family support, reducing back-to-school poverty, etc.

However, there is no direct relationship between the reduction of back-to-school poverty and the improvement of the back-to-school quality of life, unless one shows it in the way they are tackling back-to-school poverty.

In CENFACS‘ case, we are trying to help reduce back-to-school poverty while assisting in the improvement of the quality of life of the same back-to-school poor.   We are doing it through the implementation of back-to-poverty-relief programme and services.

For more on the Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty to Improve the Quality of Life in 2025, please read under the Main Development section of this post.

 

Image

 

• Coming in Autumn 2025: The 89th Issue of FACS which Will Be Titled as African Charities in Africa’s New Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystem

 

In the 88th Issue of FACS, it was about finding alternative funding sources so that African Charities could continue their mission of reducing poverty in Africa since foreign and international aid cuts forced them to look for alternatives, in particular to craft new funding and business models.  We are still working on alternative developments that would enable African Charities to deliver their mission.  We are approaching these alternative developments from the perspective of ‘sociology.institute’ (2) which explains that

“Alternative development models can be understood as a reaction to the limitations of traditional approaches.  These alternative models prioritise human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of local cultures”.

In the 89th Issue of FACS, it will be about going beyond the limitations of traditional approaches by dealing with alternative economies or spaces that could be favourable to African Charities, particularly CENFACS‘ Africa-based Sister Organisations (ASOs), not only to keep on reducing poverty, but to possibly end it in Africa.  The 89th Issue has interest in alternative economies.  There are many alternative economies or spaces.  The alternative economy or space that we are interested in is the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE).  What is SSE?

There are various definitions of SSE.  Without listing all them, let us refer to the one given by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (3); definition which is:

“The SSE is an economic formation that aims to improve the quality of life of a region or community based on solidarity.  It seeks to address and transform exploitation under capitalist economics and the large-corporation, large-shareholder-dominated economy”.

This type of economic formation also exists in Africa.  In February 2025, African Union (4) through its Heads of State adopted the continent’s first 10-year Strategy on the Social and Solidarity Economy.  Like any SSE, Africa’s SSE comprises social enterprises, cooperatives, mutuals and mission-driven organisations pursuing social, environmental and economic goals in tandem rather than as a trade-off.  And African Charities are part of this new economy or space created in Africa; a space for societal action, social enterprise or social entrepreneurial and charitable activities.

The 89th Issue is about how African Charities can stand out of the crowd from the structural advantages of SSE models or ecosystems.  Among these advantages are job creation, community-driven capital flows, systems alignment, collective ownership, democratic-making, and solidarity-based relationships within various organisations making the SSE.  As Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (5) put it,

“Solidarity economy is a heterospace for economic activities and solidarity economic relations to people’s interactions when building the livelihood”.

For Africa’s SSE Ecosystem to functions as heterospace it requires that entities engaged in economic, social and environmental activities in it have interactions and exchanges between them while serving the collective and/or general interest.

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (6) states that

“The African Development Bank estimates that local giving could contribute up to US $400 billion to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product by 2030″.

Likewise, ‘africa.com’ (7) argues that

“Across Sub-Saharan Africa, social enterprises are estimated to directly create between 28 and 41 million jobs”.

Despite the lack of dedicated statistical frameworks hindering precise measurement, the above-mentioned estimated figures highlight the significant potential of domestic philanthropic and charitable efforts to fuel SSE as well as reduce poverty in Africa. African Charities play and can play a key role in the SSE by focusing on community well-being and social impact over profit, bridging service gaps by providing essential services like care, creating inclusive environments, and fostering democratic governance within the SSE ecosystem.

The 89th Issue refers to the key theoretical underpinnings of the SSE which rejects pure profit-maximisation to favour social impact and human values.  It also refers to theories of equity, promotion, democracy and sustainability.  Some of these theories that reject pure profit-maximisation have been highlighted by Linda Lundgaard Andersen et al. (op. cit.) who mention Karl Polanyi in these terms:

“The economy theory offered by Karl Polanyi claims that economic systems based upon the collaborative elements of reciprocity and redistribution historically precedes that of the utilitarian approach to the market”.

They also refer to the democratic theory developed by thinkers like Jurgen Habermas and John Dewey.

The 89th Issue will take into account SSE models or ecosystems which include cooperatives, mutuals, associations, non-profits, social enterprises and fair trade initiatives; while approaching ASOs in terms of the dynamism they can bring to SSE for a systemic transformation of the current economic system to system that favours poverty reduction.

Because SSE models or ecosystems provide an environment for alternative forms of capital, the 89th Issue will investigate how ASOs can benefit from alternative funding sources stemming from SSE space in Africa.  It will also consider ASOs capital structure, deployment and measurement in Africa.

Since there is the primacy of people and social purpose over capital as one of they key values of SSE, the 89th Issue will be the experience of alignment of capital flows with impact into African Charities with social value creation and the needs of their users.

Africa’s shift to the social economy implies African Charities to participate in strategic move towards scalable, inclusive and future-ready systems.  The 89th Issue will provide the feelings of African Charities about their experience in this move and how it will affect their project beneficiaries.

SSE ecosystems (SSEE) are also thought to be community-embedded economic models and areas underserved by formal systems.  The 89th Issue will examine how the participation of ASOs in Africa’s SSEE will help meet the needs of those living in informal economy.

Far from being an exposé on Africa’s new experience about SSE, the 89th Issue will explore ASOs’ attempt to build independence from perpetual grants system in order to improve their participation in SSEE in Africa while delivering their mission in a space that is inclusive, scalable and future-oriented.

To uncover more information about the Issue No. 89 or to reserve a copy before its publication, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025

 

Our efforts to work with households making the CENFACS Community so that they can be empowered with financial skills continues with the 2025 series of Financial Plan Updates.  Last year, in the 2024 series of these updates we dealt with the following topics: Household Financial Plan, Household Investment Planning, Estate Planning, and Retirement Planning.

While we are still available to discuss the topics relating to 2024 series with those who have some enquiries or queries about them, we are now moving to the 2025 series of these updates which are Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025.

 

• • Financial Plan Updates for Households in 2025

 

The current series follow the same aim of building a more secure financial future for these households through financial skills and knowledge so that they can navigate their financial futures more comfortably and affectively.  In this respect, we are carrying on addressing the financial advice gaps and ensuring that households making the CENFACS Community receive appropriate financial guidance they need to secure their financial futures.

To start this 2025 series of Financial Plan Updates for Households, let us redefine financial plan updates, explain what these updates are about, highlight CENFACS Bridging Financial Information Gap project, and provide the action plan for this 2025 series together with the first update.

 

• • Redefining Financial Plan Updates

 

A financial update is, according to ‘financestrategists.com’ (8),

“A regular review of your financial strategies to keep them on track and adjust them as needed to achieve your objectives.  The primary objectives of updating a financial plan are to adapt to changes in personal circumstances, respond to economic and market changes, and reassess financial goals and strategies”.

This definition will be used for this 2025 series and customised in the context of households.

 

• • About Financial Updates

 

The updates are about ensuring that households making the CENFACS Community have tools and resources necessary to better manage their finances.  They reflect a broader effort to enhance household financial stability, support and well-being.

These updates are part and fall under the scope of CENFACS Bridging Financial Information Gap Project.

 

• • Highlights about CENFACS Bridging Financial Information Gap (BFIG) Project

 

It is one of CENFACS advocacy projects which consists of Bridging the Financial Gap with project beneficiaries through

 

Financial awareness and protection

Customised information on economic situation

Confidence building, psychological support & moral boost

Individual financial impact assessment

Signposting to financial information, counselling, emotion-control and trauma management services

√ Regular updates about the economic situation (downturn or boom) and in terms of financial skills and knowledge to enable our community members to better manage their finances

Money management and saving tips and hints

Basic advice on financial recovery leads and plans under BFIG project.

 

The current Financial Plan Updates are part and parcel of this BFIG project.  To proceed with these updates, an action plan is required.

 

• • An Action Plan for Financial Plan Updates 2025 Series

 

Perhaps, the start point here is to briefly explain action plan.

The website ‘vennage.com’ (9) states that

“An action plan is a meticulously structured strategy that pinpoints specific steps, tasks and resources vital to turning a goal into reality… It is the strategic map that outlines every step, decision and pitstop needed to reach your ultimate decision”.

Regarding Financial Plan Updates, our action plan indicates the following themes that will be covered from every Wednesday starting from 10/09/2025:

 

10/09/2025: Financial Goals Reassessment

∝ 17/09/2025: Alignment of Financial Plan with Household Circumstances

∝ 24/09/2025: Keeping Household Financial Strategies on Track

∝ 01/10/2025: Adjusting Household Financial Strategies

∝ 08/10/2025: Households’ Financial Response to Economic and Market Changes

 

The work with participants will consist of reviewing the above-planned areas of their financial plan and adjust them in the light of new information or data, and in line with  the current development landscape and near future economic realities.

Those who may be interested in can contact CENFACS for further details.  If you need support with your financial plan updates, please do not hesitate to communicate with CENFACS.

 

• • First Update: Financial Goals Reassessment (From Wednesday 10/09/2025)

 

To reassess financial goals, it is better to understand these goals.

 

• • • What are financial goals?

 

There are many ways of approaching financial goals.  One of these approaches is given by ‘wallstreetmojo.com’ (10) which argues that

“Financial goals are targets set by an individual to achieve financial milestones or plans.  In other words, they are financial objectives that an individual wishes to accomplish with a certain time frame”.

In simple terms, financial goals are what households hope to achieve with their money.  Households can reassess what they hope to achieve with their money.

These goals should be SMART (that is, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound).

Examples of financial goals can include buying home, starting a business, building an emergency fund, etc.

These goals can be reassessed.  As ‘eaglefinances.com’ (11) puts it,

“Setting goals is not a one-time task.  Just as life evolves, so should our financial objectives.  Reassessing finances periodically is not merely advisable, but crucial for sustainable growth and security”.

 

• • • Financial goals reassessment

 

To reassess their financial goals, households may be required to use tools and strategies for effective goals reassessment.  Among the tools or strategies, it is worth mentioning financial inventory, regular review sessions, household finance software or apps.  When reassessing your financial goals, it could be better to avoid mistakes or errors.  The way of avoiding them is to seek advice to a financial advisor.

However, not every household can afford to hire a financial advisor.  Because of that, under the BFIG project, we can work with applicants to find appropriate financial services to meet their needs if their requests are beyond what we provide.

Finally, it could also be wise to track progress during post-reassessment period.  This will help to know if the reassessment has improved household financial goals.

Those who may be interested in reassessing their financial goals can contact CENFACS for further details.

If you need support with your Financial Plan Updates, please do not hesitate to communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

Extra Messages

 

Orange Spaces-focused Note from Wednesday 10/09/2025:  The Relationship between Orange Space and Spatial Poverty

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 08/09/2025:  Involving Children in Financial Decisions and Discussions

• Summer 2025 Reporting in Your Own Words, Numbers, Voices and Information Graphics

 

Image

 

Orange Spaces-focused Note from Wednesday 10/09/2025:  The Relationship between Orange Space and Spatial Poverty

 

Orange Space does not have as such a recognized definition in the context of spatial poverty.  But, it can refer to specific visual representation of poverty in mapping or to deprived areas when using colour-based mapping for poverty analysis.  The link between such spatial representations and poverty makes spatial inequalities and the specific challenges of these areas more evident and actionable for intervention.

We are going to approach this link through the following points: orange space as a visual concept, the possible link between orange space and spatial poverty, and a weekend homework for kids.   Let us summarise each of these points.

 

• • Orange Space as a Visual Concept

 

Orange Space is not a theoretical concept but a visual one.  It is used in a spatial analysis to identify and differentiate a specific group (e.g., transport-poor households in a Dutch study on transport poverty) or characteristic within a larger dataset.  Orange can also be a designated colour to denote certain types of deprivation or deprivation mapping that uses colour-coded areas to represent continuous, multidimensional spatial concepts of deprivation, studies suggest.

 

• • The Possible Link between Orange Space and Spatial Poverty 

 

This link can be explained to visualise disadvantage, to identify vulnerable populations, and to support targeted interventions.

 

a) Visualizing disadvantage

 

When used in a spatial poverty context, Orange Space serves to visualise spatial disparities making the physical locations and characteristics of poverty more tangible.

 

b) Identifying vulnerable populations

 

By highlighting these areas, urban planners and policymakers can identify specific vulnerable populations, such as those lacking adequate access to public transport or green space, and can design targeted interventions to address these specific needs.  Charities working on vulnerable populations can also set up projects and activities to meet the same needs.

 

c) Supporting targeted interventions

 

Orange Spaces allow for a more nuanced understanding of the spatial patterns of deprivations.  This can lead to a more effective urban planning and intervention strategies aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing sustainable development through accessibility.

 

• • Working with the Community on the Relationship between Orange Space and Spatial Poverty via a Weekend Homework for Kids

 

There are many ways of working with the community to highlight the Relationship between Orange Space and Spatial Poverty.  Amongst these ways is to have an activity.  In this case, the activity is a short weekend homework, particularly for those who have kids, to use colour-based map to analyse poverty.  Put it simply, kids can look at maps of their choice and check which colour (like orange ) depicts poverty, disadvantage and vulnerable people.

For those who have any queries or concerns about this weekend homework for kids, they are free to let CENFACS know.

For those of our members who would like to work with us on the Relationship between Orange Space and Spatial Poverty, they are welcome to work with us.

For those members who would like to share their experience in terms of the Relationship between Orange Space and Spatial Poverty; they are also invited to share it with us.

For those who would like to further discuss with us any other matters or insights relating to the the Orange Spaces Theme, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 08/09/2025:  Involving Children in Financial Decisions and Discussions

 

Decisions and discussions about financial money can be shared with children depending on their ages and financial subjects.  Involving them in these decisions and discussions help them understand the value of money and the importance of making responsible choices.  There are ways or models of involving them.

 

• • Ways of Involving Children

 

Children can be involved in age-appropriate money decisions and discussions by

 

σ Incorporating money management lessons into their everyday lives

σ Using interactive money management games and activities

σ Sharing with them online financial simulation and board games

σ Gamifying money management

σ Assigning age-appropriate financial responsibilities

σ Holding family finance meetings

σ Avoiding impulse spending

σ Holding age-appropriate money discussions

Etc.

 

Involving children in these decision-making processes and discussions will enable them to develop valuable financial skills for their future.  However, each family is particular in their kind.  They can find their own way and pace to involve their children into decisions and discussions about money.  There are resources to support this involvement.

 

• • Resources to Support Children’s Financial Involvement

 

There are both online and paper resources to support on ways of involving children in financial decisions and discussions.  There are interactive tools such budgeting apps, kid-friendly financial games, etc. to back this process.

Some of our members can navigate alone to understand these tools.  Others may find them difficult.  For those who need support in terms of Resources to Support Children’s Involvement in Financial Decisions and Discussions, they can contact CENFACS for guidance and support.

 

• • Working with CENFACS Community Members on Involving Children in Financial Decisions and Discussions via a Weekend Homework for Families

 

As a way of supporting this week topic relating to Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families, we are asking to those who can to conduct this weekend homework activity:

Hold a Family Finance Meeting.

Those who may have some questions about this activity, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Those who would like to know more about Involving Children in Financial Decisions and Discussions and to work with CENFACS, they can contact us.

Similarly, those who may be interested in Intergenerational Financial Planning or in discussing their Ways of Involving Children in Financial Decisions and Discussions, they should feel free to contact CENFACS.  Equally, those who would like to tackle intergenerational poverty can communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Summer 2025 Reporting in Your Own Words, Numbers, Voices and Information Graphics

 

Last week, we started to unlock or unpack our Summer holiday data and to prepare to tell our Summer holiday stories.  This week, we are going further in putting into practice our unlocked or unpacked data in support of Summer experiences or stories.

 

Image

 

• • Summer 2025 Experiences Reporting as an Additional Opportunity

 

From this week until Wednesday the 24th of September 2025, we are simply asking to those who can, to share with us and others their Summer experiences; experiences about what they did during the Summer break and think that it is useful for sharing.

The 2025 Summer Experiences Reporting activity is a further opportunity for reportingsharinglearning and development for those who have not yet informed us about the outcomes of projects; projects pending for reporting, personal experiences to be shared, lessons to learn and development trends to spot.

 

• • Sharing Development Experiences, Stories, Tales and Reports about Summer 2025

 

As we are nearing the end of Summer 2025, we would like our users. members and supporters as well as those who sympathise with CENFACS’ beautiful and noble cause to share with us and others their experiences, stories and reports about the initiatives mentioned below.

 

a) Run, Play and Vote projects (Triple Value Initiatives 2025)

You can feedback the outcomes or Action-Results of your RunPlay and Vote projects.

 

b) Volunteering and Creation Stories

You can also share your volunteering stories with us and others if you did volunteer during the Summer break.

 

c) Summer Programmes: Happiness, Healthiness and  Wellness Projects as well as Appeal Projects

You may prefer to report on your use of Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness projects and your response to our Humanitarian Relief Appeal projects.

 

d) August 2025 Trend Analysis Activities

You can as well report on your experience of Trend Analysis 2025 Activities (that is, Trend Analysis for CENFACS as a Charity, User Activity Trend Analysis, and Trend Analysis of the Poverty Reduction Market by following the Direction of Poverty Reduction).

 

e) Restoration Year’s Activities/Tasks

As we are in CENFACS’ Restoration Year, we would be more than happier to hear from you any uplifting stories related to this year’s dedication.

 

f) Journal of Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness

You can share the contents of your journal of happiness, healthiness and wellness relating to happy, healthy, good and trustful Summer 2025; as well as help build a better Summer holiday experience.

 

g) Other Experiences and Memorable Stories Reporting

You can feedback on any moving experience or restoration story you have had during Summer 2025.

 

You can report your experience via e-mail, over phone and through social media networks or channels of communication (e.g., Twitter).

Thank you for supporting us with your Summer 2025 experience, story and report in Your Own Words, Numbers, Voices and Information Graphics.

 

Image

 

Message in English-French (Message en Anglais-Français)

 

• CENFACS’ be.Africa Forum E-discusses the following question:

How Can We Build Resilient Education Systems that Can Withstand Future Crises in Africa?

At the moment, in a number of places in Africa, there are children who have not been able to go back to school because of various causes or factors such as conflicts, displacement, natural disasters, economic hardship, and lack of resources.  Calculating the out-of-school rate, the UNESCO Institution for Statistics and Global Education Monitoring Report (12) indicates that in 2025 there are an estimated 118 million out-of-school children in Africa, with this number having risen since 2015.  According to the same report, factors contributing to this level of out-of-school children population in Africa include conflicts and crises, fragility, data gaps in conflict zones, funding cuts, gender inequality, rapid population, and poor educational quality. 

The above-mentioned figure suggests that education systems in Africa tend to be lacking resilience.  But, what is a resilient education system?

A resilient education system is the one refers to as it has the capacity to prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from shocks and stresses while maintaining its core functions and supporting societal development.  Yet, African education systems cannot withstand future crises, that is they have not proactive preparation through risk assessment, educational continuity planning, and developed a crisis management framework. 

In those circumstances, how can Africa build resilient education systems that will withstand future crises? 

The above-mentioned question is the one we are discussing this week within CENFACS be.Africa Forum.  Our discussion is revolving around the following points:

σ Continuity in strengthening the education system

σ Anticipation of risks through risk analysis

σ Planning for disruptions

σ Responding to crises effectively

σ Implementing recovery measures to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Those who may be interested in this discussion can join our poverty reduction pundits and/or contribute by contacting CENFACS be.Africa Forum, which is a forum for discussion on poverty reduction and sustainable development issues in Africa and which acts on behalf of its members by making proposals or ideas for actions for a better Africa.

To contact CENFACS about this discussion, please use our usual contact address on this website.

 

• Le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS discute en ligne de la question suivante:

Comment Peut-on Construire des Systèmes Éducatifs Résilients Capables de Résister aux Futures Crises en Afrique?

En ce moment, dans plusieurs endroits en Afrique, il y a des enfants qui n’ont pas pu retourner à l’école en raison de diverses causes ou facteurs tels que les conflits, le déplacement, les catastrophes naturelles, la difficulté économique et le manque de ressources.  En calculant le taux d’enfants non scolarisés, l’Institut de Statistique de l’UNESCO et le Rapport Mondial de Suivi sur l’Éducation (12) indiquent qu’en 2025, on estime à 118 millions le nombre d’enfants non scolarisés en Afrique, ce chiffre ayant augmenté depuis 2015. Selon le même rapport, les facteurs contribuant à ce niveau de population d’enfants non scolarisés en Afrique comprennent les conflits et les crises, la fragilité, les lacunes de données dans les zones de conflit, les coupes budgétaires, les inégalités de genre, la croissance rapide de la population et la mauvaise qualité de l’éducation.

Le chiffre mentionné ci-dessus suggère que les systèmes éducatifs en Afrique ont tendance à manquer de résilience. Mais, qu’est-ce qu’un système éducatif résilient ?

Un système éducatif résilient est celui qui a la capacité de prévenir, de se préparer, de résister et de se remettre des chocs et des stress tout en maintenant ses fonctions essentielles et en soutenant le développement sociétal. Poutant, les systèmes éducatifs africains ne peuvent pas résister aux crises futures, c’est-à-dire qu’ils n’ont pas de préparation proactive par le biais d’une évaluation des risques, d’une planification de la continuité éducative et du développement d’un cadre de gestion de crise.

Dans ces circonstances, comment l’Afrique peut-elle construire des systèmes éducatifs résilients qui tiendront face aux crises futures ?

La question mentionnée ci-dessus est celle que nous discutons cette semaine au sein du Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS. Notre discussion tourne autour des points suivants :

σ Continuité dans le renforcement du système éducatif

σ Anticipation des risques à travers l’analyse des risques

σ Planification des perturbations

σ Réponse efficace aux crises

σ Mise en œuvre de mesures de récupération pour prévenir les vulnérabilités futures.

Ceux ou celles qui pourraient être intéressé(e)s par cette discussion peuvent se joindre à nos experts en réduction de la pauvreté et/ou contribuer en contactant le ‘me.Afrique’ du CENFACS (ou le Forum ‘Une Afrique Meilleure’ de CENFACS), qui est un forum de discussion sur les questions de réduction de la pauvreté et de développement durable en Afrique et qui agit au nom de ses membres en faisant des propositions ou des idées d’actions pour une Afrique meilleure.

Pour contacter le CENFACS au sujet de cette discussion, veuillez utiliser nos coordonnées habituelles sur ce site Web.

 

Image

Main Development

 

Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty to Improve the Quality of Life in 2025

 

In order to approach back-to-school poverty and the improvement in the quality of life, the following items will be considered:

 

∝ Back-to-school Challenge

∝ Back-to-school Disrupted by the Enduring Cost-of-living Crisis

∝ Back-to-school Poverty Line

∝ Back-to-school Support at CENFACS with Back-to-school Poverty Reduction Clinics

∝ Strategies for Reducing Back-to-school Poverty

∝ Back-to-school Budget Adjusted for Inflation 

∝ Extra Investment Linked to Back-to-school Preparation and Children’s Education 

∝ Back to School is NOT a One-day Event 

∝ Go Net Zero in Your Approach to Back to school

∝ Improving Quality of Life.

 

Let us summarise each of these elements explaining our way of approaching back-to-school poverty reduction.

 

• • Back-to-school Time as a Challenging Period for a Basic Human Right and a Deserving Cause

 

For some, back to school/college is a normal time to prepare and do normal purchase whether it is for school uniforms or books or even any other school items.  However, for those who are struggling to make ends meet, back-to-school time could be a very challenging moment as they may not always have enough financial resources or support to cope with the requirements of the start of the new school year.  Yet, education is a basic human right and a deserving need for children and all society.

Back to school/college for the poor is characterised by the following:

 

∝ The struggle to afford the educational costs linked to school/college

∝ The inability to meet basic life-sustaining needs (including of education, food, fuel, shelter, skills development, clothes, bedding, etc.)

∝ Deprivation of cleaning and disinfecting household items

∝ The financial inability for children to access after school clubs 

∝ The lack of resources to deal with hygiene poverty 

∝ The lack of or poor access to internet broadband

Etc.

 

This year’s back to school/college is still painful as the cost-of-living crisis is posing disruptions to many low-income or poor families and households.  Already, many of them have been struggling to come out of the legacies of the recent crises.  Now, this struggle has increased with the enduring cost-of-living crisis, which still is complicating and disrupting the back-to-school organisation as well as the start of academic year for most of these families and households.

 

• • Back to School Disrupted by the Enduring Cost-of-living Crisis

 

The rise in the prices of food, energy, water, rent and other basic necessities of life can only bring a lot of pain for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.  Back-to-school preparation and delivery are not exempted from this pain.

Back to school has been disrupted in many aspects and respects because educational life is linked to the satisfaction of other life-sustaining needs.  This is because without food, energy, water, home, hygiene, transport and health; all operation of back to school and even afterwards can be jeopardised.

If there is any help to cover some of the costs of back to school, it would be great if this help could make up the difference linked to the cost-of-living crisis.  Otherwise, the needs relating to back to school would not be met.  Failing to meet those needs could even be worse where there is a situation of back-to-school poverty.

 

Image

 

• • Back-to-school Poverty Line

 

As we defined it in our last post (13), Back-to-school poverty is the inability to afford the educational requirements of the start of the new school year.  But how do we measure it?

 

 

• • • A suite of indicators for measuring back-to-school poverty

 

The following cases can indicate that there could be a situation of back-to-school poverty and hardships:

 

∝ Back-to-school income < back-to-school expenses (If parents or carers of children going back to school do not have enough money or support to cover the expenses linked to back to school)

∝ 40 to 50% Household income ≈ Back-to-school expenses (If households spend more than a certain percentage like 40 to 50 percent of their incomes in back-to-school preparation and delivery compared to other items in their budget)

∝ Debt/Back-to-school expenses ratio (If households borrow money to cover expenses relating to back-to-school preparation and delivery)

∝ Back-to-school expenses ≥ Living expenses (If back-to-school expenses fiercely competing against other living expenses in household budgets).

 

Not having enough money, spending more in back-to-school expenses compared to other household expenses and borrowing money to prepare back to school for children are all signs or indicators of back-to-school poverty and hardships.  When this type of poverty or hardship is intense and deep, it is even a serious problem.

There are more indicators than the above mentioned. The other indicators for measuring back-to-school poverty (which are mostly used at macro- and meso-economic levels) are as follows:

 

∝ Workless households: Measures the percentage of households where parents are not in work, which can indicate poverty levels;

∝ Educational attainment: Statistical indicators that show the percentage of children in poverty who achieve certain educational milestones;

∝ Learning poverty: Indicators that highlight the gap between the learning outcomes of children from low-income families and those from higher-income families;

∝ Poverty-related attainment gap: Data on the differences in educational outcomes between children from low-income and high-income backgrounds.

 

These indicators (like household expenditure on back-to-school preparations), if they are not good, can express the inability for parents and carers to meet the basic life-sustaining needs of education for their children in terms of purchasing school items (such as uniforms, clothes, books, electronics, etc.) and providing the basic infrastructures and necessities (whether it is at home or outside) to support the education and learning of their children.

This incapacity can include other expenses that compete against or with educational materials; expenses that are school fees, living expenses to start a new school year, transport cost to travel to schools, food, a place to study at home, family relocation, adequate meal to study, a proper bed to sleep well, basic healthcare and hygiene at home, etc.

Besides these indicators, there are metrics.

 

• • • Metrics related to back-to-school poverty

 

These metrics are quantifiable measurements enabling to assess performance, track progress, and measure success of a process or initiative to deal with back-to-school poverty.  Amongst these metrics, we can mention the two below:

 

σ Ethnic disparities: Tracks the relationship between child poverty and educational outcomes varies by ethnicity, suggesting that different groups may experience different challenges in accessing education;

σ School-level FRPL (Free and Reduced-Price Lunch) rates: Measures the percentage of students or pupils from low-income families who are enrolled in free and reduced-price lunch programmes, which can indicate poverty levels.

 

These two metrics and others (which we have not mentioned here) provide a certain idea of the educational and economic challenges faced by children during back-to-school period.

 

• • • Back-to-school poverty line 

 

Although there is no specific back-to-school poverty line, it is possible to determine and define it.  A back-to-school poverty line refers to the adequate minimum threshold income level (or the monetary line) at which low-income families would be able to purchase essential school-related items, such as uniforms, equipment, and digital resources, which cannot prevent their children from fairly participate in school life.  Their incapacity to cross this line can be rooted from historically existing inequalities and income disparities.

The above-mentioned line depends on a number of factors such as the cost of living, the cost of back-to-school preparations, the support that is available for those low-income families, etc.  The knowledge of these factors and causes of back-to-school poverty can help lay the ground for tackling it.

 

• • • Back to school for families and parents living in poverty

 

Families and parents living in poverty or on a tight family budget may not be able to afford these additional expenses budget.  They may be forced to currently deal with two types of poverty: back-to-school poverty and hygiene poverty.

The first type of poverty is related to the start of the new school year whereas the second is caused by the lack of hygiene.

Since we have already considered back-to-school poverty, we are going to only explain hygiene poverty.

 

• • • • Explaining hygiene poverty

 

To elucidate hygiene poverty, we are referring to what ‘povertyimpactnetwork.com’ (14) argues about that which is:

“Hygiene poverty is an inability to afford everyday hygiene products, such as shampoo, toilet paper, grooming products, dish soap, etc.”

On the website ‘povertyimpactnetwork.com’, it is further stated that

“Children who grow up in hygiene poverty households can struggle to end the cycle of poverty through successful employment after starting life on rocky ground”.

There could be support for them for some of the vital educational and hygiene needs to be met; just as there is no support for others.

 

Image

 

• • Back-to-school Support at CENFACS with Back-to-school Poverty Reduction Clinics

 

Any type of poverty needs response.  As far as CENFACS is concerned, we can support those falling into back-to-school poverty trap by providing advice through our advisory package under the back-to-poverty-relief programme and campaign.  This package includes services such as advice, advocacy, information, guidance, signposting, referrals, etc.

Perhaps the best way helping potential beneficiaries to understand the support we provide under this programme, let us highlight the changes or improvements we made to the back-to-school support since the pandemic and post-pandemic era.

 

• • • Changes to Back-to-school Support since the coronavirus  pandemic

 

During the coronavirus pandemic, we enhanced health and safety aspects in this programme as follows. 

In 2022, we included in this programme the advice service for the impacted of the cost-of-living crisis.

In 2023, we set up Back-to-school Poverty Reduction Clinics.  These clinics are initiatives aimed at helping children and families affected by poverty at the start of and during the school year.  The clinics focus on providing support and resources to mitigate the impact of poverty.

In 2024, we added Measures of Quality of Life via ‘Surgeries for Improving Quality of Life’ to our Clinics.

Although our support to fight both back-to-school poverty and the cost-of-living poverty is small and limited, it can nevertheless help beneficiaries to get something and keep moving towards of a BIG relief.

 

• • • Back-to-school Poverty Reduction Clinics (B2SPRC)

 

To get a good understanding of B2SPRC, let us state their aim, focus, activities and services, and the ways of accessing them.

 

• • • • The aim of B2SPRC

 

The aim is to assist families in overcoming hardships and ensure that their children can return to school with a better foundation and support.

 

• • • • B2SPRC focus

 

The focus is to provide support and resources to mitigate the impact of poverty, particularly when children are returning to school in September or any month of the year to start a new academic/school year.

 

• • • • B2SPRC activities and services

 

B2SPRC includes activities and services tailored to meet the needs of multidimensional poor children and families, helping children to start the school year with less hardship..

 

• • • • Ways of accessing B2SPRC

 

Our Back-to-school Support or Poverty Relief Clinics can be accessed as follows:

 

√ Virtually and in-person on a one-to-one basis or as a group

√ Over phone 

√ Via e-mail 

√ and by filling the contact form on our website saying the type of support you need.

 

Where beneficiaries have access to video technology, we can arrange a meeting via a video scream.

Where in-person meeting with beneficiaries is the preferred or unavoidable option, an appointment needs to be made for this meeting to happen.  Also, extra precautionary health and safety measures will be taken before the advice can happen.

Overall these clinics play a poverty-relieving role in addressing the barriers to education faced by children from low-income families.

To seek advice or support regarding your back-to-school poverty or hardships, please contact CENFACS.  To enquire about Surgeries for Improving Quality of Life, please also communicate with CENFACS.

 

 

• • Strategies for Reducing Back-to-school Poverty

 

Both Back-to-school Support or Poverty Relief Clinics and Surgeries for Improving Quality of Life are designed to help reduce and, if possible, end back-to-school poverty.  However, it will be very ambitious to pretend resolving all the outstanding problems that children from poor background face when they return to school in September only.  It may not possible to do it.  What is possible is to develop strategies to tackle back-to-school poverty.  Such strategies will be for short-, medium- and long-term periods.

Among the immediate actions that can be incorporated in these strategies, we can mention the following ones:

 

σ Addressing the immediate needs of students/pupils

σ Funding student/pupil needs

σ Providing trauma-informed support to vulnerable pupils

σ Engaging the community to support students/pupils and their families

σ Reducing back-to-school anxiety and worry

σ Helping with back-to-school costs

Etc.

 

There are support from various bodies (including charities) that can help for back-to-school costs and other matters.  During our clinics and surgeries, we shall work with users to explore and find the suitable bodies or organisations that can help them to bridge the gap or cover some of the costs in their back-to-school budget.

 

• • Back-to-school Budget Adjusted for Inflation 

 

The 2024/2025 Back-to-school Budget would include the cost-of-living crisis for many parents and families as they have to cost and integrate the rise in the costs of living into the educational budget of their children.  They are forced to do so since the costs of living are still higher.  Their budget is also that of building forward from the lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

For those parents and families who are struggling to write their back-to-school budget, we can help them to do that.  We can as well advise on some of the aspects related to the back-to-school budget preparation and delivery.  Furthermore, we can lead them to specific advice services related to back-to-school matters.

For those parents and families who are executing their back-to-school budget, but they are struggling in this execution; we can review their budget downwards or upwards depending on the case.

For those parents and families who have already executed their back-to-school budget, but they need monitoring and evaluation for learning and development purpose; we can as well help.

To seek advice or support regarding your back-to-school budget, please contact CENFACS.

 

• • Extra Investment Linked to Back-to-school Preparation and Children’s Education 

 

There are some levels of investment that parents and families may have to do to keep the education of their children to an internationally agreed standard.  They may have to proceed with the following initiatives:

 

Invest in distance learning technologies (such as tablets, laptops, mobile phones, AI-powered tools, etc.)

 Improve their access to internet and broadband supplies

 Reorganise space at home to create an office-like desk environment for remote learning and video calling for the educational purpose of their children

∝ Find money and budget for children’s access to after school activities

 Improve or upgrade existing home infrastructures for e-education.

 

All these types of investment will create additional costs in the back-to-school plans, although some of these costs will not be at the start of the school.  Unfortunately, many poor families would struggle to meet this extra investment.

 

• • Back to School is NOT a One-day Event 

 

Back to school is not a one-day event of the day children going back to school.  On the website ‘educationtimes.com’ (15) it is argued that

“Back-to-school events are designed to be carefully planned experiences that mark a significant transition for students and families.  These events serve to create a sense of belonging, ease anxiety, and foster social connections among students.  They often involve various activities and celebrations that help reintroduce routines and structure, making the return to school feel more manageable and enjoyable for students”.

Regarding back-to-school expenses and financial needs, they can last longer until parents and carers are able to complete the expenses relating to the return of their children to school and their stay at school, until children are settled in their school.

For poor families and parents, it is even more difficult for them to keep the educational level of their children to a good standard unless they get financial support to their back-to-school budget.  Only a few of them are able to complete the requirements of back to school on time.  Many of them would not have other choice than to spread back-to-school expenses over months in order to complete the back-to-school plan and requirements.

 

• • Go Net Zero in Your Back-to-school Approach

  

Back to school in 2025 is also subject to the requirements of greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and targets as well as clean environment.  It means that for parents and children whether well-off or less well-off, they need to make sure they take an eco-friendly path in the back-to-school preparation and delivery.  This path will contribute to a better quality of life for their children and the rest of the society.

In climate terms, it connotes going net zero.  What is net zero?

The Institute for Government (16) argues that

“Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. There are two different routes to achieving net zero, which work in tandem: reducing existing emissions and actively removing greenhouse gases”.

In practical terms, it signifies that in parents’ and carers’ preparation and delivery of back to school, there should be a zero-waste consumption, recycling items, following the principles of circular economic model, avoiding depleting the environment, etc.  Likewise, in their approach to reduce back-to-school poverty, it is better for them to adopt nature-based solutions to back-to-school poverty; solutions that do not adversely affect the nature and environment.  These solutions will improve the quality of life and the environment.

 

 

• • Improving Quality of Life

 

As said in the Key Messages, the reduction of back-to-school poverty should not be the end of road or an end itself.  We need to go far in way of working with the back-to-school poor so that they can improve the quality of their life.

There are many constructs relating to improving the quality of life.  To work with the back-to-school poor, we shall refer to the capability approach as theorised by Armathya Sen (17).  This approach is also found in the Oxford Dictionary of Sociology (18) in these terms:

“Capability approach suggests that the quality of life each person leads correspond to the freedom that he or she has to live one kind of life rather than another.  This is reflected in the combination of doings and beings (‘functionings’) that are possible, ranging from elementary matters such as being properly nourished and healthy, through to much more complex functionings such as having self-respect, preserving human dignity, and taking part in the life of the wider community” (p. 619)

For example, ‘verywellmind.com’ (19) explains that

“Healthy relationships, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity can all contribute to an improved quality of life.  A person can also improve life quality by finding meaning in their work, resolving energy drains, and making time for things they like to do”.

The same ‘verywellmind.com (20) adds the following in terms of building resilience and coping strategies relating to back to school:

“Transition periods can be overwhelming for parents; building resilience and adopting effective coping strategies can make a significant difference in navigating the challenges of the back-to-school period.  Practising self-care can be an effective way to reduce stress and improve quality of life”.

Sarah Sperber (op. cit.) goes further by arguing that

“The US News and World Report determined their list of the quality of life for countries based on the following categories: affordable, a good job market, economically stable family friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, well-developed public education system and well health system”.

Although US News and World Report speak about countries, countries are made and built by human beings.  Therefore, all these indicators of the quality of life are related to or represent human beings.  Improving the quality of life is thus enhancing these indicators for the back-to-school poor if one wants to go beyond back-to-school poverty reduction.

For example, ending the psychological toll of the financial difficulties that families of back-to-school poor children are facing can provide the signs of improving the quality of life, especially but not exclusively, for those families with children struggling with the cost of going back to school.

These approaches to improving the quality of life provides CENFACS the opportunity to develop its own approach and agenda in working with the back-to-school poor and families.  We shall be working with them via Surgeries for Improving Quality of Life.

 

• • • Surgeries for Improving Quality of Life

 

To better understand these surgeries, let us define them and provide their typology.

 

• • • • What are S4IQoL?

 

S4IQoL refer to interventions that aim to improve the outcomes for children returning to school beyond purely back-to-school business.  They can involve various forms of support and adjustments like social, economic and environmental support to enhance the quality of life after surgeries.

 

• • • • Types of S4IQoL

 

They include the following:

 

Clear-cut interventions: Can transform outcomes and daily living, significantly impacting quality of life

∝ School life adjustments: Ensure to maintain quality of life post-intervention

∝ Improving quality of support:  Can be carried out through reviews and changes in service delivery to enhance the overall well-being of children

∝ Social prescribing: Connects children and their families to community services and activities to address not only back-to-school issues, but also social and emotional needs, enhancing the overall well-being of families.

 

To be more specific, let us give an example of type of interventions that CENFACS can provide, which is Improving the Back-to-school Quality of Life.  Let us look at it in details.

 

• • • • Improving the Back-to-school Quality of Life as a Type of S4IQoL

 

To understand Back-to-school Quality of Life as a Type of S4IQoL, let us briefly explain what is about and the key strategies involved in. 

 

• • • • • What is Improving the Back-to-school Quality of Life (IB2SQoL)?

 

It is about contributing to a more positive back-to-school experience for children in need.  To make this contribution, it requires strategies.

 

• • • • • IB2SQoL key strategies

 

There are strategies to help improve the quality of life for children facing challenges during the back-to-school time.  Key strategies through IB2SQoL include the following:

 

Reducing back-to-school poverty

Providing access to education and access to quality education and support services that address their unique needs

Addressing social issues by recognising socio-economic factors like the lack of resources

Enhancing family support by working with families to provide the necessary resources and support for children to thrive in school and beyond

Enhancing school attendance

Supporting students/pupils at risk to ensure they regularly attend

Improving the quality of education for these children

Fostering good school-family relations, teacher-pupils relations

Etc.

 

To sum up, S4IQoL are a set time during which CENFACS can be consulted by its members and members of sister communities on issues relating to improving the quality of life.  S4IQoL will be held during CENFACS’ Back-to-school Poverty Relief Clinics hours.  S4IQoL deal with measures relating to needs and resources of the back-to-school poor and their families.

In particular, S4IQoL cover a spectrum of measures or issues relating to health and access to healthcare, employment and working conditions, education and skills development, housing, security of life and property, environment and nature, recreation and culture, economic resources (like income, wealth, property and other assets).  These measures are designed to support the back-to-school poor families beyond the need of back-to-school poverty reduction.

The above is our message for reducing back-to-school poverty and hardships as well as improving quality of life.

To support CENFACS’ sustainable development initiative relating to back-to-school poverty reduction to improve the quality of life, please contact CENFACS.

_________

 

 References

 

(1) https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/quality-of-life.html (accessed in September 2024)

(2) https://sociology.institute/sociology-of-development/alternative-development-approaches-theory-action/ (accessed in September 2025)

(3) https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/09/what-is-the-social-and-solidarity-economy-a-review-of-concepts_4b3d724b/dbc78 (accessed in September 2025)

(4) https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/africa-social-economy-development/ (accessed in September 2025)

(5) Andersen, L. L., Hulgärd, L. & Laville, J.-L., (2022), The Social and Solidarity Economy: Roots and Horizons at doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-81743-5_5 (In book: New Economies for Sustainability. Edition: Luise Li Langergaard. Publisher: Springer)

(6) https://wacsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Research-Report_Local-Giving-in-Africa.pdf (accessed in September 2025)

(7) https://africa.com/social-enterprises-could-hold-the-key-to-a-prosperous-and-equitable-future-for-africa/#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

(8) https://www.financestrategists.com/financial-advisor/financial-plan/ (accessed in September 2024)

(9) https://vennage.com/blog/action-plan/# (accessed in September 2024)

(10) https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/financial-goals/ (accessed in September 2025)

(11) https://eaglefinances.com/why-reassessing-your-financial-goals-is-crucial-for-long-term-growth (accessed in September 2025)

(12) UNESCO Institution for Statistics & Global Education Monitoring Report: SDG4 Scorecard Progress Report on National Benchmarks Focus on the Out-of-school Rate available at bit.ly/sdg4scoreand2025 underinvestment; https://www.facebook.com/gemreportunesco/posts/-african-countries-have-pledged-to-reduce-their-out-of-school-population-by-58-m/1155537449949597/ (accessed in September 2025)

(13) cenfacs.org.uk/blog/September03, 2025 (accessed in September 2025)

(14) https://www.povertyimpactnetwork.com/blog/hygiene-poverty/what-is-hygiene-poverty# (accessed in September 2023)

(15) https://www.educationtimes.com/article/99739094/back-to-school-forward-with-purpose-why-the-first-day-matters-more-than-ever (accessed in September 2025)

(16) https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainers/net-zero-target (accessed in September 2023)

(17) acobson, T. & Chang, L. (2019), Sen’s Capabilities Approach and the Measurement of Communication Outcomes in Journal of Information Policy. 9:111-131, available at https://doi.org/10.5325/jinfopoli.9.2019.0111 (accessed in August 2024) 

(18) Oxford Dictionary of Sociology (2009), eds. Scott, J. & Marshall, G., Oxford University Press, Oxford & New York

(19) https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-maintain-a-high-quality-of-life-3144723# (accessed in September 2024)

(20) https://www.verywellmind.com/getting-through-back-to-school-stress-free-8702279# (accessed in September 2024)

_________

 

 Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.

Back-to-poverty-relief Programme 2025

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

03 September 2025

Post No. 420

 

Image

 

Welcome back Message

 

Before starting the contents of the blog and post of this first Wednesday of September 2025, we would like to welcome back all those who are returning this month.

It is a pleasure to welcome the following again:

 

∝ Our users, project beneficiaries, supporters, members, representatives of Africa-based Sister Organisations, followers, audiences and other stakeholders who came back from Summer break and school holiday

∝ Those who are or have been working during the Summertime

∝ Those who lost touch with us for various reasons and would like to come back.

 

This welcoming back message also applies to those using or helping or supporting our UK and Africa Development programmes.

Welcome back to all of you for a happy, healthy and good return! 

 

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• Back-to-poverty-relief Programme 2025: Programme for Pre-autumn Season 2025

• Goal of the Month: Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty in 2025

• Activity/Task 9 of the Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project: Help People Find Their Own Restoration Answers

 

… And much more!

 

Image

 

Key Messages

 

The key message from our weekly communication and menu, which is often made of three courses, is as follows.

 

• Back-to-poverty-relief Programme 2025: Programme for Pre-autumn Season 2025

 

To smooth the understanding of this key message, let us briefly explain back-to-poverty-relief programme, September as advice- and guidance-giving month within CENFACS, the particularity of this year’s programme, the potential beneficiaries of this programme, and the possible needs of these beneficiaries.

 

• • What Is Back-to-poverty-relief Programme?

 

Back-to-poverty-relief Programme is a set of related activities and services prepared with an aim of reducing poverty (particularly back-to-school poverty but not exclusively) amongst multi-dimensional poor children, young and families (MDPCYPFs) by working with them to meet their needs after summer break and/or school holiday so that they can start September 2025 without or with less hardship.  The programme focuses on addressing the specific challenges faced by MDPCYPFs, in doing so helping them to thrive and improve their living conditions.

Key aspects of the programme include addressing life-sustaining basic needs, the costs of living and learning, access to services, economic opportunities, targeted back-to-poverty-relief assistance, and sustainable solutions.

The programme is made of a number of supportive elements like the following:

Capacity and skills development, advice, advocacy, translation, information, guidance, support to child educational needs in Africa, signposting, etc. 

The programme is generally run around September and can be extended to October depending on the needs and demand in the community and available resources.

 

ImageImage

 

• • September: Advice- and Guidance-giving Month

 

We run Advice service as part of our activities throughout the year.  However, Advice is CENFACS’ main theme in September and in the back-to-school season.  Because of that, it is more pronounced in September and the back-to-school season compared to other months of the year.  In other words, we invest more resources in advice and guidance in September than at any other times of the year.

We provide generalist advice to both individuals and organisations as mentioned above.  We also give specialist advice on matters relating to the fields of poverty reduction and Africa’s development.

Where both individuals and organisations need specialist advice in other matters than poverty reduction or Africa’s development, we guide them.  We can as well signpost beneficiaries to other organisations/individuals providing specialist advice if beneficiaries’ request for advice is beyond or outside our advice capacity and resources.

Advice and Guidance can be given in the context of Back-to-poverty-relief Programme and outside this context.  When Advice and Guidance are given in the context of Back-to-poverty-relief Programme, they become constituent part of this programme like other elements making this programme.

The programme is particular in its kind as it targets certain types of returnees and what these returnees may need.

 

• • The Particularity of This Year’s Programme

 

Every September we try to redesign this programme so that it can respond to the needs of the time while taking into account what happened in the past and what may happen in the near future. The Back-to-poverty-relief 2025 programme is designed to include the needs of these returnees.  It is also conceptualised to anticipate any changes of economic situation.

Our Back-to-poverty-relief 2025 programme will be delivered in the current context of the UK economy; context in which the current bank rate is 4% (1), the current inflation rate is 4.2% which is calculated based on CPI (consumer prices index) values for the last 12 months ending in July 2025 (2), from 1 October 2025 to December 2025 the price of energy for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit will go up by 2% to £1,755 per year (3).

These three indicators (that is, the bank rate, consumer prices index and energy price) affect or will affect the real household disposable income and the cost of living.  In terms of minimum income, the website ‘leveragedev.co.uk’ (4) states that

“The Minimum Income Calculator suggests a couple with no children needs about £39,444 combined to maintain a modest yet decent living standard…Recent Office for National Statistics data places that median disposable figure at £32,300 – lower than the mean, but often a more realistic checkpoint for self-evaluation”.

The website ‘leveragedev.co.uk’ adds that

“According to the most recent release from the Office for National Statistics [in the UK] covering June to August 2025: Average weekly pay (before tax) is £693 and average weekly pay (after tax) is £648.  If you work full-time all 52 weeks, that weekly figure translates to roughly £36,036 gross per year.  After tax your take-home pay sits just under £29,500 – about £2,453 a month”.

Regarding the cost of living in the UK, the website ‘movingtotheuk.co.uk’ (5) mentions that

“As of mid-2025, the average UK household spends approximately £2,250 per month, with the following breakdown: For single adults, average monthly expenses (including rent) range between £1,500 and £1,900, depending on lifestyle and location”.

The above-mentioned figures have been considered in the design of our Back-to-poverty-relief 2025 programme.  We have also factorised and will consider in this programme other events (like the lingering effects of the polycrises, changing climate, etc.).  This year’s programme has been specifically designed to take account of all these indicators, metrics and events.

 

• • Types of Returnees Who May Need This Year’s Programme

 

At the end of this Summer 2025 and during this September, we may have five types of returnees, who are:

 

√ MDPCYPFs who already planned what they want to do and how they will continue to manage the above-mentioned indicators and their other aspects of life

√ MDPCYPFs who already planned their start of September and the end of Summer 2025, but they may need some help to carry on with their plan or family project

√ MDPCYPFs who could not plan because they could be overwhelmed by the impact of these factors/indicators or poverty and may need advice or guidance in terms of coping strategies during this September

√ MDPCYPFs struggling with back-to-school transitions and change from Summer holiday to school return

√ MDPCYPFs who need transitionary skills and transitioning back-to-school programme to adjust to life cycle transition

√ MDPCYPFs who need restoration skills to restore their lives and or things to embrace back-to-school events in a frictionless way.

 

• • What These Returnees May Need

 

Because we are dealing with MDPCYPFs, who are supposed to be poor or in need, they could ask for some support in the form of information, advice and guidance to cope or manage their back-to-school problems.

They could even require further advisory support during this September as many of them would face the pressure linked to the end of Summer and the start of Autumn, in particular those families having to deal with the financial pressure of the start of the new academic year for their children.

They need advice and guidance to cope with poverty in which they are already living, to deal with the on-going cost-of-living crisis and the financial pressure to send back to school their children for those having children at schooling age.  This is why we have assembled and blended activities and services (that is; the Back-to-poverty-relief Programme) to work with them.

For more details on CENFACS’ Back-to-poverty-relief Programme 2025, please read the details under Main Development section of this post.

 

 

• Goal of the Month: Reduction of Back-to-school Poverty in 2025

 

Our goal for the month of September 2025 is the reduction of back-to-school poverty.  To deliver this goal, we need to understand it and work with those who may likely experience back-to-school poverty.

 

• • What Is Back-to-school Poverty?

 

Back-to-school poverty refers to the inability to afford the educational requirements of the start of the new school year.  It is the incapability or incapacity for parents and carers to meet the basic life-sustaining needs of the education for their children in terms of purchasing school-related items (such as uniforms, clothes, books, electronics, digital resources, etc.) and providing the basic infrastructures and necessities (whether it is at home or outside) to support the education of their children.

This situation can exacerbate existing inequalities with children from disadvantaged backgrounds experiencing negative impacts on their attendance, concentration, and overall educational attainment.

This incapacity can include other expenses that compete against or with educational materials; expenses that are school fees, living expenses to start a new school year, transport cost to travel to schools, food, a place to study at home, family relocation expenses, adequate meal to study, a proper bed to sleep well, health costs, basic healthcare and hygiene at home, etc.

As Walden University (6) puts it,

“It [poverty] pervades multiple areas of life – and for parents whose income is below the poverty line, it often means sending their children to school hungry, along with other disadvantages, both academic and otherwise”.

For back-to-school poor children, back-to-school poverty or deprivations could be their inability to cope with changes, new routines and meeting new people.  These deprivations have to be added to back-to-school costs.

 

• • Back-to-school Costs

 

Without making any international comparisons, it is worth mentioning the back-to-school costs below.

In Africa, the cost of back-to-school items significantly varies by country, ranging from free education in some places to hundreds of dollars or thousands of francs for basic supplies and fees, with costs often representing a substantial portion of family’s income.  Although many governments removed primary school fees and introduced free secondary education in recent years, parents still face challenges to cover back-to-school bills and extra expenses.

For instance, in the Democratic Republic of Congo tuition-free primary education was introduced in 2019.  However, there are still ongoing costs for families to keep their children in school, such as teacher bonuses, essential school supplies, and uniforms.  The total cost significantly varies by region and socioeconomic status.  Another example is Gabon where parents face rising costs for basic items like notebooks and school bags, with some notebooks costing as much as 30,000 CFA francs (around £48 USD), according to local sources.

In the UK, the website ‘actionforchildren.org.uk’ (7) states that

“According to Child Poverty Action Group and Loughborough University’s Centre for Research in Social Policy, the minimum cost of education in the UK is now over £1,000 a year for a child at primary school.  For a secondary school pupil, it costs a family a minimum of £2,300 a year (based on 2024 costings)… With 4.5 million children living in poverty and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, these costs put huge financial pressure on families who are already struggling to manage high energy bills and inflation … Child Poverty Action Group revealed that learning materials cost a family £64.66 for a child in primary school, and £449.67 for secondary school”.

Those low-income families facing the financial burdens when purchasing essential school-related items (like uniforms, equipment, and digital resources) which can prevent their children from fully engaged with school life, can meet the conditions characterising their children as living below the back-to-school poverty line.

Back-to-school poverty can be tackled.  This is why during this September we will be working with those suffering or may suffer from back-to-school poverty so that they can find the tools and means to navigate their way out of this type of poverty.

 

• • Back-to-school Clinics to Help Tackle Back-to-school Poverty

 

CENFACS does not provide money to tackle back-to-school povertyCENFACS can however work with parents of children going back to school in sessions whereby they can have social prescription or the tools to transition or navigate their way out of the back-to-school poverty.

CENFACS can work with the community through its advice service and other services so that the members of its community can find their way out of this type of poverty.  Particularly and specifically, CENFACS’ Back-to-school Clinics are designed to work with them to tackle back-to-school poverty or deprivations in the following ways:

 

√ Reducing the competition between living expenses and educational expenses within the household budget coverage

√ Exploring potential supporters to help them with educational costs for their children education

√ Budgeting with them their living expenses for a better start of the academic year

√ Examining together any issues relating to transport cost to travel to schools or places of education while advising them on net zero CO2 emitting means of transport

√ Discussing ways of saving on energy use, food and meals relating to educational purposes

√ Looking into school catchment area for those looking for a place to study

√ Working on a feasible and realistic plan when studying at home

√ Re-examining back-to-school spending and income budgets for households

√ Supporting family relocation matters (e.g., accommodation in the vicinity of schools and working places for parents)

√ Working with them to tackle hygiene poverty and learning poverty to keep children better engaged with their education and learning

√ Managing transitionary changes from the Summer schedule and routines to the school schedule

Etc.

 

The above is our poverty reduction goal for this month, which is part of our back-to-school campaign and which we are asking to our audiences and supporters to help or promote.

 

• • Implications for Selecting the Goal for the Month

 

After selecting the goal for the month, we focus our efforts and mind set on the selected goal by making sure that in our real life we apply it.  We also expect our supporters to go for the goal of the month by working on the same goal and by supporting those who may be suffering from the type of poverty linked to the goal for the month we are talking about during the given month (e.g., September 2025).

For further details on the goal of the month, its selection procedure including its support and how one can go for it, please contact CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Activity/Task 9 of the Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project: Help People Find Their Own Restoration Answers

 

Our Restoration (‘R’) Year and Project has reached its 9th Activity/Task which is ‘Help People Find Their Own Restoration Answers.

 

• • What This Guidance Activity/Task Is about?

 

This Activity/Task is about guiding and supporting the people with restoration problems by providing them practical tips and resources to restore things or their lives.  It is about leading, directing and showing the way to those who are struggling with restorations and who need help, advice or counselling.

As Psychology Today (8) puts it,

“We can guide people to find their own answers through a combination of listening and asking questions”.

So, to help people find their own answers in the process of returning things or lives to a former and higher status, one can

 

~ lead them on a path to figure restoration responses

~ leave a room for them to develop insights into the restoration models

~ let them gain ownership to the restoration process and problems

~ briefly show the way to restoration.

 

• • Supporting This Activity/Task

 

Those who would like to proceed with this activity/task by themselves can go ahead.  They can follow these steps: plan the restoration, use a structured approach to guide the restoration process, and use restoration techniques to guide people looking for restoration. 

Those who would to be part of a working group helping in the realisation of this activity/task can let CENFACS know.

The above is what Activity/Task 9 of the Restoration (R) Year/Project is about.  Those who would like to undertake it, they can go ahead.

For those who need some help themselves before embarking on this activity/task, they can speak to CENFACS.  To speak to CENFACS, they are required to plan in advance or prepare themselves regarding the issues they would like to raise.

For any other queries and enquiries about the ‘R‘ project and this year’s dedication, please contact CENFACS as well.

 

Image

 

Extra Messages

 

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 01/09/2025:  Equipping Children with Financial Literacy

• Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness Journal – It is time to share the contents of your creative activity

• Unlock Your Summer 2025 Holiday Data and Tell Your Story

 

Image

 

• Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families – In Focus from Week Beginning Monday 01/09/2025:  Equipping Children with Financial Literacy

 

Perhaps, the best way of kicking off this first topic of Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families is to explain financial literacy.

 

• • What Is Financial Literacy?

 

Financial literacy can be defined in many ways.  One of its definitions comes from ‘financialstrategists.com’ (9) which argues that

“Financial literacy is the capability to understand financial concepts and apply this skill in decisions related to savings, investments and debt management”.

This definition can apply to both adults and children.  From this perspective, financial literate children would be better equipped to make sound financial decisions and navigate life’s financial challenges.

 

• • Financial Literacy for Children

 

There are pros and cons arguments about teaching financial literacy to children.  By considering the pros arguments and leaving away the cons ones, the website ‘ghpia.com’ (10) argues that

“Teaching children about money from an early age sets them up for long-term financial success by equipping them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions”.

The same website ‘ghpia.com’ adds that key lessons to teach could be Saving with Purpose, Needs versus Wants, Earning Money, and Compound Interest.

The all purpose here in teaching children financial literacy or money is not only for them to know how to count money.  The key aim here is about helping them get involved in financial intergenerational processes.  This means that whoever teaches children financial literacy would have in mind an intergenerational financial plan (that is, a comprehensive strategy for managing and transferring family wealth across multiple generations to ensure financial security, stability, and alignment with family values).

There are both print and online resources about financial literacy generally and financial literacy for children specially.  There are those members of our Community who may have access to these resources.  There are others who do not have this access or support or simply are not able to understand the contents of these resources.  For the latter who would like to know about Equipping Children with Financial Literacy and to work with CENFACS, they can contact us.  Equally, for those who would like to get further information about Financial Literacy for Children, they can as well let us know.

Similarly, those who may be interested in Intergenerational Financial Planning or in discussing their Intergenerational Financial Plan, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.  Equally, those who would like to tackle intergenerational poverty can communicate with CENFACS.

 

Image

 

• Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness Journal – It is time to share the contents of your creative activity

 

After six weeks of journaling, it is time to start sharing the contents of your journal.  Indeed, during the last six weeks of Summer, some of you have been journaling on one of the six predictors that explain happiness and healthiness, which are: income, social support, healthy life expectancy, generosity, freedom, and trust.  They have been also journaling on the components of wellness.

As previously said, the contents of these journals could be shared with the community at the end of Summer 2025 as a Summer memory or souvenir.  Although Summer is not yet officially over, those who have created their Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness Journal can start to share with the community.  But, what is content sharing?

 

• • Content Sharing of Your Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness Journal

 

The content Sharing for your Journal of Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness refers to the sharing of user-generated content that showcases your experiences about the applications of Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness projects during Summer 2025.

However, in order to share their contents you may need a strategy and tools as well as to monitor your social performance.

 

• • Content Sharing Strategy

 

You need to plan or strategize yourself the way in which you want to share your content. In other words, you need to have a process of or planning and conducting some content sharing tasks.

 

• • Content Sharing Tools

 

You also need implements or instruments to deliver your content to us and others.

For example, if you want to share you content online you can refer to online tools to do it.  Let say you use Twitter.  You can use Twitter feed to share your content to a range of platforms.  You can go online to share your content.  You can use online tools to do it.  You can share it multiple times.  You need to have social sharing plugins on.

Speaking about share phase from memory card to memorable stories, the website ‘max-productive.ai’ (11) suggests to use CapCut AI, which has completely free core features and directly exports to social platforms.  It also proposes to utilise Podcastle, which turns your travel stories into podcast.

 

• • Monitoring Your Social Performance

 

You can monitor your performance in content sharing.

For example, you can monitor the traffic you get to your posts relating to Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness Journal, whether it is online or offline.

Please share with the community your experience of happy, healthy and good Summer time through the contents of your journal to help build a better Summer holiday experience and memory.

 

 

• Unlock Your Summer 2025 Holiday Data and Tell Your Story

 

In our July and August 2025 communications, we asked everybody to store and keep their Summer data so that when we all return in September, we can report back or share parts of our Summer experiences that are shareable and spreadable.

Now some of you are back, we can try to feedback our poverty-reduction and development experiences of using Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness projects and of any other similar activities over the Summer period.  To feedback, you may need ways of unlocking your summer data.

 

• • Ways of Unlocking Your Summer Data

 

To unlock your Summer data, one can proceed with the following:

 

σ Have your holiday records updated, complete and accurate

σ Know where your data is stored or sitting (e.g., mobile phone camera, laptop, tablet, memory card, etc.)

σ Extract your data including images from sources where they are stored

σ Use technology or manual means to unlock them

etc.

 

• • Tools to Unlock Your Summer Holiday Data

 

There are many tools that can be used to unlock your Summer holiday data.

For instance, one can use AI report generator tools for smart reporting (12).  Tools (like Pictochart, WPS AI or ChatGPT) can streamline your reporting process and remove friction in your Summer reporting.

 

• • What You Can Report Back or Story You Can Tell

 

Apart from the above-mentioned experiences, one can feedback any creations, any other experiences, any community practices and any volunteering stories, if they volunteered, they had over the last two months.

One can report back a personal Summer experience as well.

Likewise, one can combine their Summer journal (about predictors that explain happiness and healthiness) and this reporting back exercise into a single or all-in-one Summer report.

For those who managed to store their Summer data and who would like to share their experiences, this is the time to start unlocking their Summer data and preparing to tell their Summer story.

 

• •  The Good Thing about Sharing Your Experiences

 

Sharing your experiences with us helps to keep the CENFACS Community active, engaged, connected and grow together.  It also contributes in carrying out prescriptive analytics that enables to use smart data discovery capabilities to predict market developments, trends and insights to help relieve or possibly end poverty and hardships within our community and beyond.

Please share your poverty-relieving and development experiences and contents with us; parts of your experiences and contents that you think are shareable and perhaps spreadable.

Should anyone have any concern about data protection issues regarding the sharing of their information, please let CENFACS know.  We will be able to assist.

Image

 

Message in French (Message en français)

 

• L’Examen de la Performance Financière du CENFACS – Un Extrait de la Revue d’Impact Annuel de CENFACS pour l’Exercice Financier 2024/2025

Ce qui suit est le résumé de nos recettes et paiements pour l’année se terminant le 30 juin 2025.

Du côté des paiements, les effets persistants du coût de la vie ont continué. En raison de ces effets, nos coûts ont augmenté sauf pour les bénévoles, les consommables informatiques et les comptes de transport et de voyage. Nous avons utilisé des moyens de transport peu coûteux, préservé l’environnement en recyclant nos cartouches et couvert des dépenses très raisonnables pour les bénévoles.

Quatre comptes (c’est-à-dire papeterie et livres, rafraîchissements, abonnement informatique et services publics) ont présenté une énorme augmentation.

Concernant les comptes de papeterie et de livres, nous avons connu une augmentation de presque 156 %. En effet, pour répondre aux préférences des utilisateurs/rices (usagers/ères) et aux changements technologiques, nous avons dû maintenir un niveau de stock de papeterie relativement adéquat. Cela nous a permis d’empêcher les articles de manquer en stock. Nous devions garder un équilibre entre le travail sur papier et sans papier en ayant suffisamment de papeterie pour répondre aux besoins de notre communauté où le papier est impliqué. De plus, depuis les années COVID-19 (entre 2019 et 2023), notre stock de papeterie et de livres a considérablement diminué, alors qu’il y a toujours un minimum de papeterie requis pour fonctionner en tant qu’organisation.

Concernant les rafraîchissements, les températures élevées que nous constatons tous/toutes nécessitent de boire beaucoup d’eau et de consommer des aliments liquides pour nous rafraîchir et poursuivre notre travail. En conséquence, il y a eu une augmentation de presque 600 % des dépenses de rafraîchissement pour atténuer l’impact du changement climatique sur la santé des bénévoles.

Pour ce qui est de notre abonnement informatique, le coût du service d’hébergement web et de la bande passante a augmenté ; ce qui signifie que notre abonnement informatique ne pouvait pas rester le même. Il y a eu une augmentation de 15 % de leurs coûts, reflétant les tendances actuelles à la hausse des prix des services de ce type. De même, le prix de l’espace de bureau et des services publics, que ce soit en travaillant dans des locaux commerciaux ou depuis chez soi, a également augmenté de presque 14 %. Il y avait également des comptes qui ont montré une augmentation modeste, comme les téléphones fixes/mobiles et l’internet (1,9 %).

En plus de ces augmentations, nous avons également enregistré des baisses, comme nos comptes de frais de port qui ont diminué à presque 10% alors que nous continuions à communiquer par e-mails et que les tarifs postaux continuaient d’augmenter. Une autre baisse est venue des articles divers de bureau, car nous avons dépensé un montant raisonnable pour répondre aux besoins de l’administration de bureau suite aux économies réalisées ces dernières années sur ce compte. Ces dépenses diverses de bureau étaient destinées à nous couvrir contre l’incertitude de l’économie. Les autres comptes qui ont connu une baisse étaient l’impression et la photocopie (-20%).

En ce qui concerne le financement et les reçus, le défi de collecter les fonds nécessaires pour répondre aux besoins de la communauté demeure. Cela peut s’expliquer en partie par l’effet cumulatif des impacts persistants de la crise du coût de la vie et de l’incertitude économique qui continuent d’inciter de nombreux donateurs(rices) / financeurs (ses) individuel(le)s à être hésitant(e)s ou réticent(e)s. Il ne faut pas non plus oublier les réductions de l’aide internationale qui ont un effet indirect sur la manière dont les gens soutiennent les bonnes causes en Afrique.

Nous devons admettre que nous avons encore des demandes de financement pour lesquelles nous n’avons pas encore reçu de réponses de la part de donateurs (rices) / financeurs(ses) / organismes de subvention potentiels. Cela signifie qu’il y a une raison de croire qu’il y a encore une possibilité de réponses positives de leur part ou de générer des fonds.

En ce qui concerne le compte des fonds en espèces, nos fonds en espèces ont maintenu leur tendance à la hausse. Au cours de l’exercice financier 2024/2025, nous avons enregistré une augmentation de presque 71 %. En termes comptables, cela signifie que nous avons réussi à augmenter nos recettes par rapport aux paiements, nos recettes ayant presque souligné une augmentation de 71 %.

Nous avons continué à réaliser des économies sur le budget à l’étranger, les coûts des bénévoles, la publicité et la communication, la traduction, le matériel de bureau et de mobilier, les bénéficiaires de projets, la recherche et le développement, ainsi que les coûts de collecte de fonds. Cette augmentation et les économies réalisées sur les paiements ont abouti à un solde net positif de notre compte de recettes et de paiements pour l’année.

Nous espérons que le rebond de nos fonds de trésorerie se poursuivra régulièrement et sera même perceptible au cours de l’exercice financier 2025/2026. Nous pouvons également nous attendre à ce que les fruits de nos efforts de collecte de fonds liés à des modèles de financement alternatifs et à nos nouveaux modèles commerciaux apparaissent pleinement dans le nouvel exercice financier (2025/2026) et au-delà.

Des détails supplémentaires sur l’Examen d’Impact Annuel de CENFACS 2024/2025 peuvent être demandés auprès de CENFACS.

 

Image

 

Main Development

 

Back-to-poverty-relief Programme 2025: Programme for Pre-autumn Season 2025

 

The following covers our programme for this pre-autumnal season:

 

∝ Back-to-poverty-relief Projects

∝ Open Days under Back-to-poverty-relief Programme

∝ Back to Humanitarian Relief Work by Supporting Crises-impacted Children in Africa 

∝ Back to the Upkeep of the Nature This September 2025

∝ Back to Advisory Support This September 2025

∝ Back to the Upkeep of the Nature with the Theme of “Orange Spaces”

Orange Spaces-focused Note for Week Beginning 01/09/2025

 

Let us briefly explain these contents.

 

Image

 

• • Back-to-poverty-relief Projects 

 

These initiatives aim at reducing poverty particularly among multi-dimensional poor children, young people and families (MPCYPFs).  They are designed to work with MPCYPFs to find answers to back-to-school pain points they may be experiencing.

They focus on providing support and services to help them meet their needs after school breaks or holidays; in doing so enabling them to start the school year with less hardship or friction.  These projects are part of a broader effort to assist them and promote a future free from poverty.

As previously mentioned, most of our projects and programmes are organised to take into account the lives and needs of our beneficiaries, supporters as well.  Some of them will be back this week after Summer break.  They are back for the New Academic Year and New Relief, year for which we have prepared projects and programmes to work with them so that they can meet their existing, challenging, changing and emerging needs – the back-to-poverty relief projects and programmes.

Amongst the back-to-poverty-relief projects and programmes, there are these two ones:  Open Days and Support to Children.

 

• • Open Days under Back-to-poverty-relief Programme

 

Since we set up hybrid way of delivering service as a legacy of the coronavirus, we continue to operate virtually/online and in-person.  There are reasons we operate both ways.

One of these reasons is that it is not always easy for people, especially those who have some physical handicaps and parents with small kids, to in-person move and meet service providers if this service provision cannot physically come to them even if the need is pressing.

Where we are in a position to in-person organise the service requested, users can in-person access the given service prior to arranging an appointment.

So, our open days will be both virtual and in-person.  They are virtual days to enable those in need but cannot move physically to access services.  They are in-person for those who prefer in-person open days.  For the latter ones, they need to book an appointment for in-person open day to happen.

 

• • • What are virtual and in-person open days?

 

Virtual and In-person Open Days (VIODs) are days and hours when CENFACS Community members and the members of sister communities can have real chance or taste of poverty reduction experience with CENFACS.  They are part of a back-to-poverty-relief initiative or campaign organised by CENFACS during this September 2025 to enable people in need to access our advice service and other similar services in order to reduce or end poverty linked to their situations or conditions of life.

 

• • • How VIODs work

 

Our Virtual Open Day (VOD), which will be every Fridays of September 2025, will be held from 10 am to 2 pm.

You can access VODs by contacting CENFACS.

You do not need to register with us.

Every Fridays, you can either email or phone or even text between 10 am and 2 pm.

Our In-person Open Day (IOD), which will also be every Fridays of September 2025, will be held from 10 am to 2 pm.   An appointment needs to be booked to have in-person open day.

For more on CENFACS’ Virtual and In-person Open Hours and Days as well as how they work, please contact us.

 

Image

 

• • Back to Humanitarian Relief Work by Supporting Crises-impacted Children in Africa 

 

Another back-to-poverty-relief initiative for this September 2025 is Support for Crisis-impacted Children in Africa, particularly the Children of Conflict-stricken and Climate Change-affected Areas of Africa in this September and beyond. The majority of these children may not start school or return to school this September because of the following events:

 

> the outbreak of fighting internally displacing them (like the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo)

> violence against them as it is happening in the Central Sahel region of Africa

> severe weather conditions (e.g., flooding in Cameroon)

> severe acute malnutrition (e.g., in East Africa)

etc.

 

As a result of these events on children not starting or returning to school this September, we shall revisit the following ten humanitarian appeals, which are:

 

√ End Mpox! as an Influence Appeal for Health Emergency, Prevention, Preparedness and Response to the Monkey Pox Disease

√ The Internally Displaced Persons of Kwilu Need Your Support

√ Rescuing Children Education in Africa

√ Giving Hope to the Humanitarian Needy of Mali in 2025

√ The Internally Displaced Persons of Masisi Want Your Support

√ Halving Poverty for and with the Internally Displaced Orphans in Africa

√ Lighting a Blaze of Hope for Peace, Security and Poverty Reduction for the Conflict Victims of Goma and Its Vicinity in the Democratic Republic of Congo

√ The Double Crisis Impacted Peoples of Kinshasa and Tanganyika Ask for Your Help

√ Orphaned Children in Africa Are Searching for Support: Can You Help?

√ Support Vulnerable Children in Africa Left Without Hope by Foreign Aid Cuts.

 

These appeals were launched under the Light projects.

The people on whose behalf these appeals were made included children. Children were amongst displaced persons, the victims of conflict, the impacted of natural events and food insecure as part of appeal beneficiaries.

While one can still ask the progress made to save and rebuild these crises-impacted lives, one can also question about the support that the children affected by these crises are receiving and/or received, especially at this challenging time of the pressures of the costs of living.

This questioning is relevant as we are in September when a new school or academic year starts in many parts of the world and of Africa.  This questioning is even founded at this time when many parents will struggle to provide school uniforms and equipment to send their children back to school.

Parents and children have another battle where school infrastructures and buildings were destroyed because of events like wars and natural disasters, or simply occupied as refuges by the war and climate change victims.

These negative effects are even greater for children from poor places in developing countries (like of Africa) where educational opportunities have been denied to many of them regardless of the current global economic situation.

So, during this September we will be working on this back-to-poverty-relief initiative to explore ways of keeping education alive for these unfortunate children living in those parts of Africa in crisis.  Through this initiative, we will help get education and learning back on track for these children.

For further details about this initiative, please contact CENFACS.

 

  Back to the Upkeep of the Nature This September 2025

 

September is also the month we resume our advocacy work on the upkeep of the nature.

Back to the Upkeep of the Nature this September 2025 will revolve around three areas of work, which are: a new advocacy project called “MAMBILANGA, access to natural spaces with the theme of “Orange Spaces” and an e-discussion on circular economy (on how to improve circularity inside your household).  Let us summary the contents of these three areas.

 

• • • “MAMBILANGA” Project

 

Normally, our advocacy work on the upkeep of the nature starts from the protection and care of animals in Africa from illegal killings, extinction and poaching.  This year, our work will be on those species that have been considered as the most endangered in Africa in 2025 (13).  To name the few, we can mention Black Rhino, African Elephant, African Wild Dog, Addax Antelope, and Amur Leopard.

In the last week of September 2025, we shall focus on saving endangered amphibians (i.e., frogs, toads, caecilians and salamanders) through our new initiative called ‘MAMBILANGA’ (that is, Mind Amphibians for Maintaining the Balance of Insects in the Lives of Aquatics and Nutrients, and for Guarding Agriculture).  It is an advocacy for the endangered amphibian species.

MAMBILANGA is a new advocacy project planned by CENFACS to help protect critically endangered amphibian species and keep  them up in their natural habitat in Africa.  Amphibians like Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgill), Whitebelly Egg Frog (ptodactylodon albiventris), and Western Nimba Toad are critically endangered.  Likewise, Western Leopard Toad, Gohath Frog, Big-eyed Forest Tree Frog, and Perret’s Night Frog are endangered species.

It emerges from the Second Global Amphibian Assessment making the State of the World’s Amphibians (14) that Amphibians are the most endangered vertebrate group, with 41% of species facing the threat of extinction in Africa.  There are major trends that explain this threat.  Among these trends, the literature on amphibians mentions habitat loss, climate change, and diseases.

There are ongoing efforts to prevent further extinctions.  As part of these efforts, we are setting up the ‘MAMBILANGA project. The ‘MAMBILANGA project, which has already kicked off, will help us to advocate for a safe life for amphibian species.

 

• • • Orange Spaces

 

Another initiative featuring this September 2025 is our advocacy on lands which will be conducted under the theme of “Orange Spaces“.  Orange Spaces take stock of the advocacy on spaces and spatial analysis of poverty or spatial poverty theories which we worked on since September 2019.

In September 2019, we worked on the Protection of the Oceans (particularly the waters surrounding Africa and the rivers and lakes in Africa). 

In September 2020, we carried on with the advocacy on waters through the theme of “Blue Spaces”. 

In September 2021, we had a 3-week work on sea level rise as notes for the “Blue Spaces”. 

In September 2022, we had three weeks and five days of advocacy work on safe, inclusive and accessible Green spaces

In September 2023, we continued our space analysis and advocacy with the theme of “Grey Spaces” and space implications for poverty reduction and sustainable development. 

In September 2024, we advocated about Brown Spaces, the redevelopment of these spaces (that is, brown space or brownfield redevelopment).

This September 2025, we are working on “Orange Spaces”.  An “Orange Space” does not have a standard definition.  It refers to areas shown as orange on a poverty map.  It represents locations with rising poverty rates or increasing spatial concentrations of deprivation.

The notes for this new advocacy, which start from this 3rd of September 2025, are given below.

 

• • E-discussions on Circular Economy

 

To conclude the month, we will be hosting some discussions on ways of improving circularity inside households.   The themes for circular economy discussions will be centred on shifting from a ‘take-make-waste’ linear model to a ‘reduce-reuse-recycle’ system by adopting practices and strategies that minimise waste, keep products and materials in high-value circulation and regenerate nature.

We have planned to approach three themes, which are:

 

a) Responsible/Mindful Consumption

b) Product Longevity and Maintenance

c) Resource Efficiency. 

 

These e-discussions will involve new technologies (like Artificial Intelligence) to help bring further circularity inside home and to find out how our community members are doing in terms of economic circularity.

Briefly, Back to the Upkeep of the Nature this September 2025 will include the “MAMBILANGA advocacy project, access to natural spaces with the theme of “Orange Spaces” and e-discussions on circular economy (on how to improve circularity inside your household).

 

• • Back to Advisory Support This September 2025

 

As above mentioned, Advice is CENFACS’ main theme for September.  We provide advice to both individuals and organisations.

 

 

• • • Advice Service for Individuals

 

Some of you are aware that most of CENFACS services in the UK are designed to support multi-dimensional poor children, young people and families (CYPFs).  After the summer break, many of them will come back to start their life again.  From September onward, they will go back to school for CYPs and to work and training for parents and guardians. 

They may need or ask for support to restart or look for occupational opportunity or even just resume their routine activity in September.  Their needs could include the following:

 

∝ Finding a new school or a nursery for children

∝ Registration to health services

∝ Finding accommodation or relocating

∝ Accessing training opportunity or employment

∝ Looking for a new occupation to deal with the economic effects of the costs of living 

∝ Finding help to adjust their life after Summer break or any period of inactivity

∝ Looking for direction to overcome the lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis 

∝ Finding ways of resetting or changing their systems of living

∝ Moving forward to protect gains underscored on poverty relief

∝ Building upon progress made on poverty reduction

Etc.

 

Besides the above main menu, we shall have Transitioning Back-to-school Programme.  This is an experiment or experience of working with parents or families who may struggle to manage back-to-school transitions for children suffering from mobility to cope with changes, new routines and meeting new people.

We can provide advisory support to them. Where our capacity is limited, we can refer and/or signpost them to relevant specialist services and organisations to help them meet their needs.

We do it under CENFACS’ Capacity Advice Service which was established since 2004 (through CENFACS’ Capacity Advice and Development project for Croydon’s African and Minority Ethnic People) to help individuals gain various types of help.

 

The types of help we provide include:

 

√ Translation (English to French and vice versa)

√ Interpreting

√ Generalist advice

√ Guidance

√ Signposting

√ Referral

√ Advocacy

Etc.

 

As we are in a digital era, we adapted the provision of the above listed help while still retaining its essence. Four years ago, we introduced leaves in this service to make it Leaves-based Advice Service.

You can contact CENFACS for the range of issues included in this service and to find out if your problem can be dealt with.

Regarding Translation service, we would like to remind everybody that the 30th of September 2025 is the International Translation Day.  For those who need a translation service, they can contact us on the day for translation.  But, they need to let us know at least three days before so that we can include their request in our plan.

 

 

• • • Advice Service for Organisations 

 

The same advice service applies to overseas and Africa-based Sister Organisations. 

Under our international advice service, we can advise them on the following matters:

 

√ Capacity building and development

√ Project planning and development

√ Poverty reduction within the context of Africa Continental Free Trade Area

√ Not-for-profit investment and development

√ Absorption capacity development

√ Fundraising and grant-seeking leads

√ Alternative funding strategies

√ Income generation and streams

√ Sustainable development

√ Not-for-profit investment and impact investing

√ Monitoring and evaluation

Etc. 

 

Again, where our capacity to advise is limited, we can refer and or signpost them to relevant international services and organisations. This advisory support for Africa-based Sister Organisations is throughout the year and constituent part of our work with them.  However, they can take advantage of our advice-giving month to seek further advice on any of the above matters.

To access advice services, please contact CENFACS.  To register for or enquire about advice services, go to www.cenfacs.org.uk/services-activities.

 

Image

 

• • Back to the Upkeep of the Nature with the Theme of “Orange Spaces”

  

The following will help deal with this theme: theme statement and key notes covering this theme.

 

• • • Theme statement 

 

The theme of “Orange Spaces”, which is under the back to the upkeep of the nature (which is part of our back-to-relief programme), will be looked at in terms of poverty reduction.  This theme refers to the concept of the orange economy, which symbolises creativity and cultural identity.

 

• • • Orange economy

 

The orange economy (also known as the creative economy) is a sector based on creativity, culture, and intellectual property, generating goods and services from human ideas and talents.  This economic model emphasizes the importance of cultural activities, such as art, music, and design, as a means to foster economic growth and alleviate poverty.  By promoting creativity the orange economy aims to create jobs and improve the quality of life, ultimately contribute to poverty reduction efforts.

During CENFACS Creative Economic Development Month in June, we dealt with the orange economy and its capacity in helping to reduce poverty, particularly but not limited to orange poverty.

 

• • • Orange poverty

 

Orange poverty refers to the concept of financial insecurity and the need for support to combat poverty.  It highlights the struggles many individuals face in affording basic necessities like food, housing and healthcare.  Reducing orange poverty can be added to our goal of the month of reducing back-to-school poverty.  This involves working with the members of our community experiencing these two types of poverty.

This September’s work is also about spatial poverty.

 

• • • Spatial poverty and theory

 

Spatial poverty refers to the geographic concentration of poverty and disadvantage, often found in remote rural areas and slums in urban centres.  It is characterised by areas where people live in conditions that limit their ability to access resources and opportunities, leading to persistent poverty and limited economic growth.

Spatial poverty theory links poverty with spatial geographical factors, and it emphasizes the important role of spatial geographical location in the formation and even maintenance of poverty.  One of these theories comes from Kate Bird, Kate Higgins and Dan Harris (15) who speak about Spatial Poverty Traps.

This month, we are looking at spatial poverty and spatial poverty theories via orange spaces.

 

• • • What is an Orange Space?

 

Within the literature about spaces, orange space does not have a standard definition.  It refers to areas shown as orange on a poverty map to represent locations with rising poverty rates or increasing spatial concentrations of deprivation.  The existence of orange spaces signals areas where economic well-being is worsening and they can be used to identify where new poverty traps are forming or where existing ones are intensifying, influencing urban planning and the provision of resources.

This orange space is the subject of our work this month.

 

• • • Four key notes to work on Orange Spaces

 

To materialise what we have said above, we have planned four key notes or topics (as shown on the above figure relating to orange space theme) which include:

 

1) Orange Space as a visual indicator of poverty and unsustainable development

2) The relationship between Orange Space and spatial poverty

3) Elimination of poverty linked to Orange Space

4) Interaction between Orange Spaces, Brown Spaces, Blue Spaces, Green Spaces and Grey Spaces in the process of poverty reduction and sustainable development.

 

The notes or topics will be the vehicle by which we shall illustrate the central theme or message of the Orange Spaces.   Through these notes, we hope users in their journey with us will undergo change in the long term in the way they approach Orange Spaces.

Let’s now summarise the first note or topic of our September 2025 work on Orange Spaces; note which starts from 03 September 2025.

 

Image

 

• • • In focus from 03/09/2025: Orange Space as a visual indicator of poverty and unsustainable development

 

To deal with this first topic, we are going to briefly look at the following:

 

σ Orange as colour used in map

σ the contribution of spatial factors to poverty

σ ways of working with the community here in the UK and in Africa on orange space as a visual indicator of poverty and unsustainable development.

 

• • • • Orange space as a colour-coded map

 

Orange space refers to colour-coded map showing areas where poverty is increasing, as opposed to areas with falling poverty (often depicted in green).  In other words, orange areas are those undergoing a rise in poverty rates, indicating worsening conditions.

 

• • • • Contribution of spatial factors to poverty

 

Spatial factors like urban peripheries, economic segregation, and spatial poverty traps also contribute to sustained or growing poverty.  Because of their contribution, it is better to monitor these elements to understand their dynamics.  One can use satellite imagery to do it.

 

• • • Working with CENFACS Community members on orange space as a visual indicator

 

What we are interested in here is to improve our community members’ understanding of Orange Space as a visual indicator.  We are as well interested in the experience that our members had with Orange Space as a visual indicator of poverty and unsustainable development.

By working together with them, they can improve the way they can approach Orange Spaces.  By joining forces, we can identify areas of unmet needs within our community and generate projects or activities to help satisfy those unmet needs.

So, this note will help us to work together with the community members so that they can be empowered on matter relating to Orange Space as a visual indicator of poverty and unsustainable development.

For those of our members who would like to work with us on the above-stated matter, they are welcome to work with us.

For those members who would like to share their experience in terms of Orange Spaces as visual indicators; they are also invited to share it with us.

For those who would like to further discuss with us any other matters or insights relating to the Orange Spaces, they should not hesitate to contact CENFACS.

Finally, those who have any queries and enquiries about this year’s Back-to-poverty-relief Programme and Projects, they can let CENFACS know them.

_________

 

 References

 

(1) https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-summary-and-minutes/2025/august-2025 (accessed in September 2025)

(2) https://www.inflationtool.com/rates/uk#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

(3) https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/news/changes-energy-price-cap-between-1-october-and-31-december-2025#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

(4) https://www.leveragedev.co.uk/average-household-income-uk/ (accessed in September 2025)

(5) https://movingtotheuk.co.uk/living-in-the-uk/uk-cost-of-living-2025-guide-rent-bills-groceries#:~:text= (accessed in September 2025)

(6) www.waldenu.edu/progressas/education/resource/what-is-poverty-and-what-role-does-it-play-in-our-school (accessed in September 2023)

(7) https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/blog/cost-of-back-to-school-shopping/ (accessed in September 2025)

(8) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/log/the-questionologist/202103/how-guide-people-without-giving-advice?msockid (accessed in September 2025)

(9) https://www.financialstrategists.com/financial-advisor/financial-literacy/ (accessed in September 2025)

(10) https://ghpia.com/the-importance-of-teaching-financial-literacy-to-children/ (accessed in September 2025)

(11) https://max-productive.ai/blog/best-ai-tools-summer-holidays-2025/ (accessed in September 2025)

(12) https://www.allaboutai.com/best-ai-tools/productivity/report/#:~:text=… (accessed in September 2025)

(13) https://www.ifaw.org/international/journal/20-most-endangered-animals-wildlife-africa (accessed in September 2025)

(14) Re: Wild, Synchronicity Earth, IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2023: State of the World’s Amphibians: The Second Global Amphibian Assessment. Texas, USA: Re: Wild

(15) Bird, K., Higgins, K. & Harris, D. (2010), Spatial poverty traps: An overview; available at https://media.odi.org/documents/5514.pdf (accessed in September 2025)

_________

 

• Help CENFACS Keep the Poverty Relief Work Going This Year

 

We do our work on a very small budget and on a voluntary basis.  Making a donation will show us you value our work and support CENFACS’ work, which is currently offered as a free service.

One could also consider a recurring donation to CENFACS in the future.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that planned gifting is always an option for giving at CENFACS.  Likewise, CENFACS accepts matching gifts from companies running a gift-matching programme.

Donate to support CENFACS!

FOR ONLY £1, YOU CAN SUPPORT CENFACS AND CENFACS’ NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL CAUSES OF POVERTY REDUCTION.

JUST GO TO: Support Causes – (cenfacs.org.uk)

Thank you for visiting CENFACS website and reading this post.

Thank you as well to those who made or make comments about our weekly posts.

We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support until the end of 2025 and beyond.

With many thanks.