Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

08 October 2025

Post No. 425

 

 

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!

 

 

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 6^th of October 2025.

For further information about this first note, please read under the Main Development section of this post.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

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

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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 Changes, we 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.

 

 

• 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 Plan, we 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

• • “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).

 

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 06^th 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.

 

 

• • 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.

 

 

• • 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.

 

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

01 October 2025

Post No. 424

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

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

 

 

• “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’. 

 

 

• • ‘MAMBILANGA’ (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 

 

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.

 

 

• 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 Strategies, we 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.

 

 

• 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 Distribution, we 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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

• • • 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.

 

 

• • • 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.

 

2009: CENFACS 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 dance, particularly 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.

 

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

24 September 2025

Post No. 423

 

 

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!

 

 

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 (FAS) Resources 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

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

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• • 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 brown, grey, green 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, grey, blue 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, grey, green 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, brown, grey, blue 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.

 

 

• 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 Track, we 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.

 

 

• 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 Wealth, we 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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

• • • • 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).

 

 

• • • • 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.

 

 

• • • 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.

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

17 September 2025

Post No. 422

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

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

 

 

• 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 Circumstances, we 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• • 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

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 CENFACS.  Restoration 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!

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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.

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

10 September 2025

Post No. 421

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

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

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• • 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 reporting, sharing, learning 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 Run, Play 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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

• • 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.

 

 

• • 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

 

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

With many thanks.

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

03 September 2025

Post No. 420

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

• • 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 poverty; CENFACS 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

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

 

 

• 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.

 

 

• 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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

• • 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.

 

 

• • 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.

 

 

• • 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.

 

 

• • • 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.

Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!

27 August 2025

Post No. 419

 

 

The Week’s Contents

 

• CENFACS Annual Impact Review 2024/2025

• Trend Analysis 2025 Activities from 27/08/2025

• Poverty Reduction Market Trend Analysis

… And much more!

 

Coming This September 2025:

 

Key Messages

 

• CENFACS Annual Impact Review 2024/2025

 

CENFACS Annual Impact Review 2024/2025 is a snapshot of what we did between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.  As it is stated, it is neither a statutory annual report nor an annual return.

It is a summary of the year 2024/2025 in the life of CENFACS that reports back to our supporters, users, project beneficiaries, members, followers and other stakeholders the impact we made; impact through stories, quantitative and qualitative data.  The review considers CENFACS impact on its intended beneficiaries while including any unintended effects which may have occurred.

The review highlights accomplishments made and recollects milestones for the above stated year. It uncovers trends and data-driven insights into outcomes and about the changes that affected our noble and beautiful cause of poverty reduction.

It outlines some highlights from our 2024 Year-in-review Report while including our achievements made by the end of June 2025.

It is as well a performance review and annual impact review story of our finances.

It is finally the impact story of  moving forward to protect the gains or legacies of our building-forward-better-together work while building upon progress to achieve a more equitable and inclusive society.

For more on this review, please read under the Main Development section of this post.

 

 

• Trend Analysis 2025 Activities from 27/08/2025

 

We are continuing to work on the three types of Trend Analysis 2025 Activities, which are:

 

a) Trend Analysis for CENFACS as a Charity

b) User Activity Trend Analysis

c) Trend Analysis of the Poverty Reduction Market by following the Direction of Poverty Reduction.

 

This week, we are working on the fourth focuses of these 2025 Summer trend analysis activities; focuses which are given below.

 

• • Trend Analysis for CENFACS as a Charity – In Focus from Wednesday 27/08/2025: Operational Efficiency

 

Operational Efficiency as an element of this week’s trend analysis includes volunteering levels and costs of having them, and technology adoption.  Let us briefly analyse them.

 

• • • Volunteering level and efficiency

 

CENFACS is a volunteer-based organisation, meaning that it heavily relies on volunteers to deliver its services and mission.  Analysing level of volunteers helping CENFACS, their turnover rates and associated costs can help understand how CENFACS optimise volunteering and resource allocation.

 

• • • Technology adoption

 

It is about tracking the use of technologies (e.g., CRM, online fundraising platforms) that can help identify areas where CENFACS can leverage technology to improve efficiency and reach.  For instance, AI-powered technologies are invading all areas of human life including the charity sector.  Checking how CENFACS is approaching these technologies is also a matter of interest as far as operational efficiency is concerned.

 

• • User Activity Trend Analysis – In Focus from Wednesday 27/08/2025: Increase Product/Service Retention

 

Perhaps, the best way to start this analysis is to explain product or service retention.

 

• • • What Is Product/Service Retention

 

To explain it, let us refer to what ‘shipscience.com’ (1) argues about it, which is:

“Product retention is the practice of maintaining customer loyalty and engagement by keeping them back to use your product or service.  It is a key metric that measures how long customers continue to use your product after their initial purchase or subscription”.

Although ‘shipscience.com’ speaks about customers, it is possible to extend this notion to charities and project beneficiaries.  By extending it to beneficiaries and service users, service retention will be about ensuring that CENFACS beneficiaries and service users stay with the services provided by CENFACS (e.g., advice, advocacy, translation, etc.) for a long period, at least for the duration of the programme and project they are involved in.

Knowing what is product/service retention, it is possible to explain the increase in product/service retention.

 

• • Increase Product/Service Retention

 

The trend analysis of CENFACS‘ increase of service retention will include the study of CENFACS‘ strategies in terms of personalised thank-you messages, communications and data-driven insights, community events, and brand awareness.  Let us explain what these strategies mean.

Regarding personalised thank-you messages, we shall check if CENFACS promptly sent these messages to donors after their contributions to show appreciation and to reinforce their support.

Concerning communications, we shall verify if CENFACS regularly kept in touch with donors and funders through various channels to foster relationships, and provide updates on CENFACS‘ progress.

As to data-driven insights, checks will be made to find out if CENFACS uses data to measure and analyse metrics like donations secured per year, number of donors, number of lapsed donors, and average duration of the donor lifecycle to inform retention strategies.

With respect to community events, we shall look at if CENFACS  organised or participated in local fundraising events to create a sense of community and connection among donors, which can significantly impact donor loyalty and trust.

As far as brand awareness is concerned, it will be appropriate to analyse whether or not CENFACS has increased its brand awareness by keeping itself top of mind for potential donors and funders, especially during the times of urgent and demanding humanitarian need or the cost-of-living crisis.

If CENFACS did apply these strategies, there would be a lot of chance for it to retain its donors and funders, while building a loyal base of supporters.

 

• • Trend Analysis of the Poverty Reduction Market by Following the Direction of Poverty Reduction via the Integration of Nature and UNSDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) – In Focus from 27/08/2025: The Integration of Nature Goal A and UNSDG 15

 

Let us consider Nature Goal A  as given by ‘unep.org’ (2). Nature Goal A is Protect and Restore (that is, Ecosystems will be maintained , enhanced or restored, the extinction rate has been reduced tenfold, and we have an abundance of native wild species on healthy and resilient levels).

UNSDG 15 is Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

If one considers ecosystems maintenance from Nature Goal A and UNSDG 15, it is possible to integrate ecosystems maintenance and the elements of UNSDG 15.  This integration can be approached via the eight links below.

 

Link 1: Between ecosystems maintenance and protection of terrestrial ecosystems

Healthy ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services, such as clean air, water and food, which are necessary for both environmental health and human well-being.  Protecting and restoring ecosystems halt land degradation and biodiversity loss, ensuring that the land can continue to support human activities, industries, and future generations without depleting its natural resources.  The maintenance of these natural systems directly enables the protection and sustained use of terrestrial services.

 

Link 2: Between ecosystems maintenance and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems

Ecosystems maintenance is a continuous effort that enables restoration by preserving the necessary conditions for a functional, self-sustaining ecosystem; while restoration is a targeted intervention to reverse degradation and recover lost functions.  Restoration efforts rely on existing maintenance to be successful by establishing foundational processes like nutrient cycling, soil health, and biodiversity, which are themselves dependent on long-term maintenance to persist.  So, ecosystems maintenance provides the steady-state environment that restoration aims to rebuild, creating a cyclical relationship where both are vital for conserving terrestrial ecosystems, such as carbon sequestration and water purification.

 

Link 3: Between ecosystems maintenance and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems

Ecosystems maintenance is the foundation for sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems because it ensures the continued provision of vital ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, food, and climate regulation.  By conserving and restoring ecosystems, we maintain their ability to function, which supports biodiversity and protects against land degradation, therefore enabling the long-term, healthy use of land and its resources by humans.

 

Link 4: Between ecosystems maintenance and sustainable management of forests

Ecosystems maintenance is integral to sustainable forest management, as healthy, functioning ecosystems provide the vital biodiversity, ecological productivity, and resilience that enable forests to thrive and provide benefits for future generations.  Sustainable forest management involves a holistic approach to forest use and care, actively maintaining these ecological functions and ensuring the continued supply of ecosystem services, thereby linking the two concepts.

 

Link 5: Between ecosystems maintenance and combating desertification

Maintaining healthy ecosystems is crucial for combating desertification because healthy ecosystems provide essential services like water retention, soil stability, and biodiversity, which are directly eroded by desertification.  By restoring and conserving these natural systems through sustainable land management practices like reforestation and agroforestry, community can reverse land degradation, enhancing ecosystem services and building resilience to drought, thereby preventing and even reversing the process of desertification.

 

Link 6: Between ecosystems maintenance and halting land degradation

Land degradation harms ecosystems by reducing their ability to provide vital ecosystem services, creating a negative feedback loop that accelerates further degradation.  Maintaining ecosystems through practices like sustainable land management is crucial for halting land degradation because healthy ecosystems provide essential services, such as soil stability and water regulation that prevent soil erosion, desertification, and loss of fertility.

 

Link 7: Between ecosystems maintenance and reversing land degradation

Maintaining ecosystems is essential for reversing land degradation because healthy ecosystems provide the ecological process and services – such as soil ability, water regulation, and nutrient cycling – that prevent and repair land damage.  Restoration efforts, focused on ecosystem recovery, directly counter degradation by re-establishing functional ecosystems and improving biodiversity, which in turn creates a positive cycle of land improvement, enhanced ecosystem services, and a stable resource base.

 

Link 8: Between ecosystems maintenance and halting biodiversity loss

Maintaining ecosystems provides the foundation for biodiversity; diverse ecosystems support a wider variety of species and provide them with the habitats and resources they need to thrive, while diverse species, in turn, contribute to the health, resilience, and stability of ecosystems.  Therefore, ecosystems maintenance is a crucial strategy to halt biodiversity loss because it preserves the essential conditions for species survival, while the intrinsic value of biodiversity helps ensure ecosystems to continue providing vital services like clean air, water, and food, which are essential for human health and well-being.

 

So, it is possible to follow the Direction of Poverty Reduction via the Integration of Nature Goal A and UNSDG 15, via the above-mentioned links.  As these links show, Nature Goal A and UNSDG 15 can have joint, even multiple effects on poverty reduction.  Therefore, it is feasible to observe or follow the journey of poverty reduction via the integration of Nature Goal A and UNSDG 15, and their joint or multiple effect.  To follow with us the direction of poverty reduction via the Integration of Nature and UNSDGs, please contact CENFACS.

For any queries and/or enquiries about the Trend Analysis Month, please do not hesitate to communicate with CENFACS.

 

 

• Poverty Reduction Market Trend Analysis

 

Besides following the direction of poverty reduction via the integration of Integration of Nature and UNSDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals), we are analysing poverty reduction market or simply getting informed from what trend analysts are saying about poverty reduction market trends.

Indeed, poverty reduction has a market where there is a demand and supply; a demand from those who are looking for relief and a supply for those who can meet this sort of demand through their support.  If this is the case, what is poverty reduction market?   To explain it, let us start with market trend analysis?

 

• • What Is Market Trend Analysis?

 

According to ‘explodingtopics.com’ (3),

“Market trend analysis is a systematic approach to evaluating the direction and momentum of market movements over time.  It involves examining historical data, current market conditions, and potential future developments to identify patterns that inform business strategies”.

It can also inform charity strategies.  Because it can inform charities as well, in particular their work on poverty reduction, what is poverty reduction market?

 

• • Understanding Poverty Reduction Market

 

Within the poverty literature, it emerges that a poverty reduction market refers to the economic activities and mechanisms that aim to alleviate poverty by increasing the access of low-income individuals and communities to goods and services, creating economic opportunities, and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

It is possible to analyse the trends relating to this market.

 

• • Poverty Reduction Market Trend Analysis

 

This analysis concerns both the UK and Africa markets as they are CENFACS areas of operation.

 

Concerning the UK market, it emerges from the study by Joseph Rowntree Foundation (4) that economic growth alone will not be sufficient to reduce poverty levels, without additional actions.  That poverty and deep poverty are expected to remain broadly flat between late 2024 and the end of 2028, even if the UK has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita growth in the G7 .  The same analysis highlights that the importance of addressing the needs of the middle-income group, as their incomes are likely to continue to pull away from those of lower-income groups due to their higher contribution of earnings to their incomes.

According to ‘statistica.com’ (5),

“The UK economy grew by 0.4 percent in May 2025 after shrinking by 0.1 percent in May.  Since a huge decline in GDP in April 2020, the UK economy has gradually recovered and is now 4.4 per cent larger than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic”.

 

Concerning Africa market, the African Development Bank’s 2025 Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook report (6) forecasts an acceleration of Africa’s real GDP growth to 4.1% in 2025, then to 4.4% in 2026, driven by economic reforms, decline inflation, and better fiscal and debt management”.

However, there are studies that show that the current level of Africa’s economic growth will not be enough to lift more people out of poverty there.  Therefore, African Charities like CENFACS‘ Africa-based Sister Organisations are forced to look for alternative funding models and business models like social enterprises, charity-private partnerships, etc.  In other words, to continue to address the root causes of poverty in Africa, they may try to look for the power of market solutions without loosing their integrity and independence as charities.

For any queries and or enquiries about the above-mentioned trend analysis, please contact CENFACS.

 

 

Extra Messages

 

• The Victims of Escalating Flood Crisis in Africa Need Your Help

• Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness Journal – Creative Activity No. 6: Create Your Journal of Freedom to Choose and Capabilities

• Coming Next Week: Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families

 

 

• The Victims of Escalating Flood Crisis in Africa Need Your Help

 

Climate pressure continues to increase vulnerability in many African countries that experienced torrential rains followed by floods.  Among these countries are Mali, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and so on.

According to ‘africacenter.org’ (7),

“Flooding caused by the extensive rainfall impacted roughly 11 million people, resulting
in an estimated:

• 2,500 fatalities
• 4 million people displaced
• Millions of hectares of croplands inundated
• Hundreds of thousands of livestock lost
• Hundreds of healthcare facilities destroyed or damaged
• 10 million children in Niger, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and
Mali being unable to attend school as thousands of schools were flooded or converted
into temporary housing for displaced people”.

 

These numbers can grow as the crisis lasts.  These Victims of Escalating Flood Crisis in Africa need safe drinking water, food, sanitation, health and hygiene products. Floods destroyed critical infrastructure like schools, healthcare facilities and agricultural lands.

The Victims of Escalating Flood Crisis in Africa Need Your Help.  Your help will

 

~ enable to acquire flood-resilient infrastructure and advanced early warning technologies

~ provide access to innovations like AI-powered forecasting technologies

~ improve preparedness

~ stop the outbreaks of water borne diseases

~ promote climate smart agriculture

~ train farmers in floor-resilient practices

etc.

 

Those who wish to support this appeal can donate money and/or donate in kind or their influence.

Please donate or influence immediately as the needs are pressing and urgent NOW.

To support or enquire about this humanitarian appeal, please contact CENFACS.

The Victims of Escalating Flood Crisis in Africa are looking forward to your generous support to make a meaningful difference to their lives.

Thank you for your generosity.

 

 

• Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness Journal – Creative Activity No. 6: Create Your Journal of Freedom to Choose and Capabilities

 

The last episode of our Summer series of Journal of Happiness, Healthiness and Wellness is about Freedom to Choose and Capabilities.  It is about writing on the things that have expanded your freedoms (i.e., liberty or independence) and opened more choices for you to find your own development paths according to socially acceptable values rather than being prescribed to follow a particular path.  As Armarthya Sen (8) explains in the following words:

“Freedom implies not just to do something but the capabilities to make it happen”.

Yet, personal circumstances and external factors (e.g., extreme temperatures, higher costs of living) have restricted the freedom to choose, incapacitated people, and limited the choice one can make about their happiness, healthiness and wellness over Summer 2025.

Despite these restrictions, limitations and incapabilities; one can create or write a journal of freedom or unfreedom to choose to reflect their conditions and circumstances of life brought by the lingering effects of these circumstances and factors.

Before embarking on writing this journal, it is better to get some clues about the relationships between happiness and freedom, between healthiness and freedom, between wellness and freedom.

Equally, it is better to understand the relationships between happiness and capabilities, between healthiness and capabilities, between wellness and capabilities.

 

• • Relationships between Happiness and Freedom, between Healthiness and Freedom, between Wellness and Freedom

 

• • • Relationships between Happiness and Freedom

 

There could be a link between happiness and freedom.  Ruut Veenhoven (9) explains that

“Freedom is the possibility to choose, and involves both the opportunity and capability to choose…  Freedom does not always contribute to happiness, but it does not destroy it either.  The data strongly suggest that economic freedom leads to happiness, especially for those in conditions of poverty and low capability.  The effect that political and private freedom can add to happiness has been restricted to rich and capable countries”.

One can use Veenhoven’s view or other views on the relationship between happiness and freedom to narrate their experiences, feelings, sentiments and thoughts in terms of happiness and freedom over this Summer.

 

• • • Relationships between Healthiness and Freedom

 

The pursuit of healthiness can lead to some degree of freedom.  For some people, healthiness can facilitate freedom and be dependent on a personal orientation towards freedom.  For other ones (like the neo-liberals who value individual responsibility), they blame the health victims.  From this blame perspective, De Jong et al. (10) explain that

“Freedom is understood from an individualistic, neoliberal point of view, which is characterised by voluntarily demonstrating individual responsibility, prudence, health consciousness, health commitment and productivity regarding the construction of one’s healthiness”.

One can use the argument of De Jong et al. or other arguments regarding the relationship between healthiness and freedom to write their experiences, feelings, sentiments and thoughts in terms of healthiness and freedom over this Summer.

 

• • • Relationships between Wellness and Freedom

 

Let us first explain wellness.  Di Martino et al. (11) quotes Prilleltenskj to define wellness in psychology as

“A positive state of affairs brought about by the simultaneous and balanced satisfaction of diverse objective and subjective needs of individuals, relationships, organisations and communities”.

This positive state of affairs can lead to freedom.  In return, freedom (e.g., freedom of movement and occupation) can contribute to well-being.

One can use the link between the positive state of affairs and freedom to journal their experiences, feelings, sentiments and thoughts in terms of wellness and freedom over this Summer.

 

• • Relationships between Happiness and Capabilities, between Healthiness and Capabilities, between Wellness and Capabilities.

 

Capability can be related to happiness, healthiness and wellness.  But, what is capability?

According to ‘cloudassess.com’ (12),

“A capability represents a blend of personal and technical skills, knowledge and behaviours that allow an individual or an organisation to perform effectively.  For individuals, it is about the potential to apply skills and knowledge in different situations”.

Armarthya Sen goes further in its capabilities approach by pairing functionings and capabilities.  Tom Jacobson and Leanne Chang (13) refer to Sen’s capabilities approach and write this:

“Capabilities refer to real opportunities citizens have to enjoy a functioning rather than to the actual enjoyment of the functioning”.

Still for Jacobson and Chang, Sen believes that development must focus on a range of doings and beings, or functionings, which are much broader than material well-being.

One can refer to the definition of capability by ‘cloudassess.com’ and Sen’s capabilities approach or any other perspective on capabilities, and journal their experiences, feelings, sentiments and thoughts in terms of the relationships between capability and happiness, between capability and healthiness, between capability and wellness over this Summer.

 

• • Create or Write a Journal of Freedom or Unfreedom to Choose and Capabilities for Any Life Circumstance

 

To reflect the above-mentioned restrictions or limitations or even incapabilities as well as relationships, one can create or write a journal of freedom or unfreedom for the things that have made them to feel happy, healthy, well, capable and free during this Summer 2025.  Alternatively, one can consider journaling the things that have made them unhappy, unhealthy, unwell, incapable and confined this Summer 2025.

Since, the work of CENFACS is on poverty reduction, one can as well think of writing a journal that explains the freedom and ability they have to choose solutions to reduce or end poverty and hardships.  Such a journal can include things like being able to choose items within the basic necessities of life (e.g. kinds of food, shelter, education, information, health, etc.).

For example, one can write about fostering their own or people’s competence to make their own choices to exercise their own agency or about the freedom to meet their own needs.  One can as well write on deficit in freedom to choose.

You can create your journal for any aspects of Summertime linked to freedom to choose.  You can explain your experiences, feelings, sentiments and thoughts in terms of happiness, healthiness and wellness about freedom to choose and capabilities over this Summer.

In short, you can create or write a journal of the following:

 

∝ Things that have made you to feel happy, healthy, well, free and capable over this Summer 2025

∝ Things that have made you unhappy, unhealthy, unwell, incapable and confined over this Summer 2025

∝ Explaining the freedom and capability you have to choose solutions to reduce or end poverty and hardships over this Summer 2025.

 

• • Impact Record and Share of Your Journal of Freedom to Choose and Capabilities

 

You can impact record your thoughts, feelings, sentiments, experiences, souvenirs and memories in relation to happiness, healthiness and wellness regarding the freedom to choose and capabilities.  This can be recorded in your journal and be shared by the end of Summer 2025.

To impact share the contents of your journal of happiness, healthiness and wellness relating to happy, healthy, good, capable and free livelihoods during this Summer 2025 as well as to help build a better Summer holiday experience, you can contact CENFACS.

 

 

• Coming Next Week: Intergenerational Financial Planning for Families

 

Eliminating (inter/intra) generational poverty among women and children is the fifth poverty goal of CENFACS’ 2020s Development Agenda and Poverty Reduction Programme (14).  To eliminate it, it requires financial planning amongst other things.

In order to implement this goal, we are running a 6-week support for those would like to dive into intergenerational financial planning to help not only to manage and transfer wealth to their future generations, but also to avoid or reduce intergenerational poverty.

Perhaps, the best way of introducing this support is to explain intergenerational financial planning and intergenerational poverty.

 

• • What Is Intergenerational Poverty?

 

To understand intergenerational poverty, we have selected the following online definition given by a Commission on Poverty of Hong Kong (15):

“Intergenerational poverty refers to the poverty induced by the socially/economically challenged background of a person’s parents”.

Like any type of poverty, intergenerational poverty has its channels of transmission.

 

• • What Is Intergenerational Transmission of Poverty?

 

Briony Smith and Karen Moore (16) point out that

“Intergenerational transmission of poverty can be defined in terms of the type of transmission, the type of poverty, its irreversibility, and the individual/household/contextual factors which enhance or interrupt transmissions” (p. 4)

From the points made by the above named authors, we can now borrow the definition of intergenerational transmission of poverty from Kate Bird and Kate Higgins (17), who argue the following:

“The intergenerational transmission of poverty can be described as the private and public transfer of deficits in assets and resources from one generation to another.  Poverty is not transferred intergenerationally as a package; but as a complex set of positive and negative factors that affect an individual’s chance of experiencing in the present or at a future point in their life-course” (p. 9)

In terms of our work with families, we are talking about private intergenerational transfers of these deficits in assets and resources.  We are and will be as well working on poverty transmitted from parents to children and grandchildren, but not the one transmitted from young generation to old generation.

To avoid this type of poverty to happen or to reduce its impact if it happens, one needs to set up an intergenerational financial plan.

 

• • What Is Intergeneration Financial Planning?

 

According to the website ‘dysifa.com’ (18),

“Intergenerational financial planning is essentially a strategy designed to ensure the smooth transfer of wealth down the generations, in a controlled and tax efficient manner.  In essence, it involves integrating financial planning decisions across generations, with grandparents, parents and children all working collaboratively to support each other, while ensuring family wealth is protected and opportunity for growth maximised from one generation to the next”.

The website ‘dysifa.com’ adds that

“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”.

This definition will help to design projects/activities to work with families/households making the CENFACS Community.

 

• • Working with the Community on Intergenerational Financial Planning

 

The following topics and dates will be part of our work with the community:

 

∝ Equipping Children with Financial Literacy (01/09/2025)

∝ Involving Children in Financial Discussions (08/09/2025)

∝ Assessing Family Financial Position (15/09/2025)

∝ Creating a Roadmap for Passing on Wealth (22/09/2025)

∝ Wealth Distribution (29/09/2025)

∝ Strategy for Regular Review of Intergenerational Financial Plan (06/10/2025).

 

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.

 

Message in French (Message en français)

 

• Mises à Jour Financières – Au centre d’intérêt pour l’édition 2025 : Un Journal Financier pour Votre Ménage afin de Réduire la Pauvreté

Comme tout ménage, les ménages formant la communauté CENFACS gagnent des revenus et dépensent leurs revenus. Cependant, lorsque nous avons demandé combien d’entre eux tiennent un journal financier, seulement quelques-uns ont pu répondre. D’autres parmi eux ne savaient même pas ce qu’est un journal financier et si un ménage particulier peut en tenir un.

Dans le but de travailler ensemble avec les ménages qui composent notre communauté, l’édition de cette année des Mises à Jour Financières Estivales (MJFE) se concentrera sur la façon de tenir un journal financier de ménage et de l’utiliser pour mettre à jour les finances des ménages, voire même pour réduire la pauvreté. Mais, qu’est-ce qu’un journal financier pour un ménage?

• • Compréhension de Base d’un Journal Financier pour un Ménage

Il ressort de la littérature financière qu’un journal financier pour un ménage est un enregistrement détaillé de tous les revenus et dépenses, en espèces et non en espèces, sur une période spécifique. C’est un outil utilisé pour suivre les habitudes de dépenses, identifier les domaines où l’argent est dépensé et finalement aider les ménages à gérer leurs finances de manière plus efficace.

Il y a des écrivains qui préfèrent utiliser d’autres terminologies au lieu de journal financier. Par exemple, le site ‘bestegg.com’ (19) parle de journal monétaire. Selon ‘bestegg.com’,

« Un journal financier, également connu sous le nom de journal des dépenses, est un enregistrement de vos dépenses quotidiennes et de vos décisions financières. C’est un compte-rendu détaillé de vos habitudes financières, capturant à la fois les gros et les petits achats effectués chaque jour ».

Le journal financier dont nous parlons ne doit pas être confondu avec les journaux financiers utilisés comme méthode de recherche par les scientifiques sociaux pour étudier comment les ménages gèrent leurs finances, en particulier les personnes ou les ménages à faible revenu ou vulnérables. Cela ne nous empêche pas de nous référer à ce que les scientifiques sociaux avancent au sujet des journaux financiers.

Le journal financier ne se contente pas d’enregistrer les transactions financières quotidiennes. Il peut également être utilisé comme un outil pour réduire la pauvreté.

• • Journal Financier comme Outil de Réduction de la Pauvreté

Le journal financier pour un ménage sera utilisé comme outil pour soutenir les foyers pour aider notre communauté durant cet été 2025 à réduire la pauvreté. En effet, selon ‘korzhykcapital.com’ (20),

“Pour les personnes pauvres, l’argent s’écoule entre leurs doigts comme de l’eau. Elles ne comprennent même pas où va leur argent et en quelles quantités. Elles ne tiennent également aucun registre de leurs économies.”

Cette déclaration de ‘korzhykcapital.com’ peut ne pas être vraie pour tous les pauvres. Cependant, ce qui est vrai, c’est que le journal financier, qui aide à suivre les transactions financières quotidiennes d’un individu ou d’un ménage, peut jouer un rôle crucial dans la réduction de la pauvreté en fournissant des informations précieuses sur les modèles de dépenses, les comportements financiers et l’impact de l’inclusion de cet individu ou ménage.

Ainsi, l’édition de cette année des Mises à Jour Financières ne considère pas seulement le journal financier comme un outil/méthode de comptabilité pour la gestion financière des ménages, mais aussi et principalement comme un moyen de les aider à réduire la pauvreté, car il offre une manière perspicace de comprendre le type de pauvreté que ces ménages rencontrent et de développer des stratégies efficaces pour la réduire.

Pour des informations complémentaires sur l’édition 2025 de MJFE, veuillez contacter le CENFACS.

 

 

Main Development

 

• CENFACS Annual Impact Review 2024/2025

 

This impact review aims at those who are interested in the work that CENFACS does to get a glimpse of the impact on beneficiaries and what happened during the financial year 2024/2025.  It is a summary of our activities, performance, achievements and accounts for the financial year 2024/2025.

The following contents make this review:

 

∝ Theme of CENFACS’ 2024/2025 Annual Impact Review

∝ Annual Impact Review Summary 2024/2025.

 

Let us uncover these contents.

 

• • Theme of CENFACS’ 2024/2025 Annual Impact Review

 

The theme for this impact review is moving forward to protect the gains or legacies of our Building-forward-better-together work while building upon progress to achieve a more equitable and inclusive society.

Moving forward to protect legacies of our work means that we are taking deliberate actions to safeguard and manage what we have achieved together with all our stakeholders for future generations.  Building upon progress made is about using our achievements of this financial year as a starting point to realise further success or develop further initiatives to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development.

 

• • Annual Impact Review Summary 2024/2025

 

The summary of our annual impact review 2024/2025 is presented under the following four headings:

 

∝ Activities Review 

∝ Key Produce or Achievements of the Year

∝ Financial Performance Review

∝ Thank you

 

Let us review the activities, achievements and financial performance of the year.

 

 

• • • Activities Review 

 

• • • • Summary of the Year

 

We started 2024/2025 financial year by trying to find a better way of working with the communities in the UK and in Africa as we noticed that many of our members had problems linked to the lack of economic opportunities.  As a result, together with them we set up strategies to deal with these problems.

As we realised that the majority of Africa-based Sister Organisations (ASOs) working with CENFACS encountered some difficulties in managing their investments, we decided to work with them in order to address these difficulties and their concerns.

While we were working with them, there were crises (or polycrises) and shocks that were raging.  In face of these polycrises and shocks, which did not exempted our members and project beneficiaries, we had no choice than to continue to empower households making the CENFACS Community so that they can stay resilient from these polycrises and shocks.

As those who worked with ASOs were getting older including their volunteers/helpers, ASOs raised the issue of finding the means to cover their retirement.  Yet, pension assets were/are low or even inexistent for most of ASOs.  This suggested that there was a high level of pension poverty amongst our ASOs and their beneficiaries/users.  This provided us with a window of opportunities to work with pension fund managers of these ASOs to fill the gap.  As a result, 40% of ASOs developed pension schemes and policies to help their employees and beneficiaries.

Since conflicts continued to undermine the existence of poverty and poor people in place like the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, many of our supporters and organisations working in conflict areas weighed in to call for the analysis of economic factors that contribute to peace and conflict resolution.  As a result, we worked with African Charities by looking at the ecosystem of peace economics and how these Charities can approach conflict prevention and resilience in order to reduce poverty due to the lack of economic peace.  This is knowing that it is the poor who always bear the brunt of the impact of these conflicts and the lack of economic peace.  Among these poor people were the African Displaced Orphans.  So, launching an appeal to deal with the fate of these orphans was a life-saving enterprise for them.

One should not forget that these conflicts concern also lands and natural resources.  Restoring land became crucial amongst the objectives we set up for 2024/2025, since 2025 has been dedicated as a year of Restoration.  Through a new programme of Land Restoration and Drought Resilience proposed by our ASOs, we started to work on this matter with them.  However, to restore land and stay resilient to drought require finance or climate finance.  Likewise, to reduce poverty it demands finance.  Many of African Charities experienced some difficulties to secure finances for climate change and for poverty reduction.  To enable them to overcome these difficulties, an integration between climate finance and poverty reduction finance became crucial as a way of negotiating funding.

This integration was even important as international and foreign aid were cut.  To keep this integration going and respond to aid cuts we worked together with ASOs on alternative funding strategies via our campaign on Charitable Response to Aid Cuts.  As a result, many of these ASOs reviewed their funding and business models to cope with the new reality.

From the above summary, there are many things one can take away in terms of impact.

 

• • • • Key Takeaways of the Year

 

The points or facts to remember about 2024/2025 from within and around CENFACS are as follows.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of building generational investment management capacity and wealth by African Charities

Working with Africa-based Charities enabled them to develop strategies to better manage investment risks by spreading investments across asset classes and industries.  It also pushed them to balance returns on investment and concerns on the same investments, while continuing to meet the needs of the poor – their project beneficiaries.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of reducing pension poverty or old age poverty by African Charities

With general advice clinics we had together with African Charities, this helped them to use pension fund management as a way of accumulating capital to be paid out as pension to their employees and to support their pension fund management strategy.  Many of them improved their pension funds administration, pension policies, pension and benefit packages, fund strategy and structure.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of reducing poverty linked to the lack of economic peace 

2024/2025 is also a year of using the principles, recipes and ecosystem of peace economics in order to further help reduce poverty ad enhance sustainable development in CENFACS’ areas of operation in Africa.  Together with Africa-based Sister Organisations, we helped in addressing issues leading to conflicts and inequality and enhance social mobility.  This work on prevention and resilience contributed to build and cement economic peace in those areas.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of integrating climate finance and poverty reduction finance

2024/2025 provided a renewed opportunity to engage with African Charities to ensure that funds were channelled towards activities that simultaneously tackle climate change and reduce poverty in Africa receive a fair share or consideration.  Our joint work helped them improve their finance strategies regarding both climate and poverty reduction issues.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of following the direction of poverty reduction via aquatic foods and systems

We followed the direction of poverty reduction via aquatic foods by focussing on four variables as follows: 1) price (affordability of aquatic foods) 2) environment (low-climate impact of aquatic foods) 3) consumption (aquatic food and consumption poverty reduction) and 4) technology/production (low-cost technology to produce aquatic foods).

This follow-up enabled our users to understand how aquatic foods and systems can help reduce poverty.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of spatial analysis of poverty with the redevelopment of brown spaces

2024/2025 was as well been a year of engaging space to deal with poverty induced or linked to brown space.  It was a year of addressing spatialisation of poverty.  We explored with poor living in or around brown spaces ways of reducing or ending this type of poverty.  Besides that, we made efforts with them to reduce health hazards from brown spaces.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of advocacy to save critically endangered fish species via Mbisi project

Through the ‘Mbisi‘ project and ‘A la une‘ (Autumn Leaves of Action for the Upkeep of the Nature) campaign, we tirelessly worked with the community and others outside our community to raise awareness of the upkeep of endangered fish species like

Bagrus meridionalis, Treur River barb, Sandfish, Estuarine Pipefish Syngnathus Watermeyeri, Haplochromis granti, Basking Shark, African Wedgefish (Rynchobatus Luebbert) and Barbel spp.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of Matching Organisation-Investor Programme

We quarterly ran four matching 0rganisation-investor projects which were on the following four areas: farming charitable loan, African art investment, land restoration and telehealth.  These projects, which were the matching opportunities of the year 2024/2025, offered to both ASOs and not-for-profit investors a chance to make their dream come true. In other words, there were occasions for ASOs to find the investment they were looking for and not-for-profit investors the organisation to invest in, and both of them could move forward with certainty in their chosen direction.

 

∝) 2024/2025 as a year of household empowerment

Continuing to empower households making the CENFACS Community is what makes these households strong and links us as a community.  During 2024/2025, we relentlessly worked with them through initiatives such as data storytelling and communication skills, economic inclusion programme, financial controls and monitoring, climate-resilient asset building programmes, climate-conscious impact investing strategies, data and insight skills, financial plan updates, etc.  All these initiatives placed these households in a better position to reduce poverty and improve the quality of their lives.

 

∝ 2024/2025 as year of making proposals or ideas for actions for a better Africa

To help reduce poverty in Africa and ensure the public benefit from our work, the following topics were dealt with through CENFACS’ Better Africa Forum:

 

~ Tomorrow’s Leaders Are Women: What Impact Will Women’s Rise to Public Accountability Be on Poverty Reduction in Africa?

~ Are Energy Transition Minerals the Keys to Poverty Reduction in Africa?

~ Sports World Order and Poverty Reduction in Africa

~ Housing Dilemma in Africa: Housing as a Basic Need for Some versus Housing as Wealth Accumulation for Others

~ Ways of Improving Communication-based Financial Systems to Further Reduce Poverty in Africa

~ Transition from Informal to Formal Economy in Africa

~ Public Transport Subsidy to Reduce Transport Poverty or Poverty Due to Lack of Transport Facilities

~ The Impact of Financial Prosecutor’s Office on Poverty Reduction in Africa

~ Poverty Reduction in Africa in 2025 by African Charities

~ The Economic Role of Charities in Africa

~ Unlocking Africa’s Creative Economy to Further Reduce Poverty, etc.

 

 

∝ 2024/2025 as year of making influence work for humanitarian relief in Africa 

Making influence support endangered and, in some circumstances, destroyed lives as war and disastrous natural events were unfolding in some places in Africa is another takeaway.  Further to these events, together with those stricken by them or their representatives we made the following appeals:

 

√ 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.

 

With the support of the community in terms of data and stories from these places or areas of CENFACS‘ operation, we made together appeal so that lives and livelihoods could be saved from civil violence, attacks, gender-based violence, aid cuts, severe climate conditions, other life-threatening and destroying conditions (such as the coronavirus, Ebola, Mpox, etc.) and the cost-of-living crisis. 

In total, we launched ten humanitarian relief appeals.  As a result of these appeals, there have been some support to the sufferers of these events while there is still much to be done. 

There are many good and positive results to take away from this financial year, although we limit ourselves to the above key takeaways mentioned.

 

 

• • • 2024/2025 Key Produce or Achievements

 

2024/2025 was a notable year of wins in poverty reduction produce or accomplishments.  It will be known as the year of the three key achievements below.

 

a) 2024/2025 has been a year of wellness as we added wellness to our Summer Projects of Happiness and Healthiness.  Wellness – that is, the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health, according to the Global Wellness Institute (21) – was the missing piece which many of our users needed and highly demanded in order for them to continue improve the quality of their lives.

b) 2024/2025 could also be remembered as a year land restoration and drought resilience as we responded to the wish of the communities in Africa and worked with  Africa-based Sister Charitable Organisations (ASCOs) on restoration projects in areas such as healthy soils, resilient crops, nutritious foods, sustainable land restoration, etc.  This was just the beginning of a new programme designed to accompany them in their zero net journey and CENFACS‘ dedicated 2025 year of restoration.

c) 2024/2025 has finally been a year of charitable response to aid cuts in Africa as together with our ASCOs we worked to find new ways to fund poverty reduction and to support ASCOs that were recipient of international aid or service linked to investments which were cut.

 

The above are just the few selected accomplishments or produce we wanted to share with our audiences and supporters in this annual-impact-review campaign.  However, for those who would like get more insights into them and other achievements of the year 2024/2025, they can let us know.

 

• • •  Financial Performance Review

 

The following is the summary of our receipts and payments for the year ending 30 June 2025.

On the payments side, the lingering effects of the costs of living continued.  As result of these effects, our costs increased except for volunteers, IT (Information Technologies) consumables, and transport and travel accounts.   We used cheap means of travelling, saved the environment by recycling our cartridges and covered very reasonable expenses for volunteers.

Four accounts (that is, stationery and books, refreshments, IT subscription, and utilities) displayed a huge increase.

Concerning the stationery and books accounts, we had an increase of almost 156%.  Indeed, to respond to users’ preferences and technological changes, we had to maintain a relatively adequate level of stationery stock.  This enabled us to prevent items running out of stock.  We needed to keep a balance between paper and paperless work by having enough stationery to meet the needs of our community where paper is involved.  Also, since the COVID-19 years (between 2019 and 2023) our stock of stationery and books went dramatically low, whereas there is still a minimum of stationery that is required to function as an organisation.

Regarding refreshments, high temperatures we are all witnessing require drinking a lot of water and consuming fluid foods to refresh ourselves and continue work.  As result, there has been a jump in refreshment account for almost 600% to mitigate the impact of climate change on volunteers’ health.

As to our IT subscription, the charge of web hosting service and broadband was increased; meaning that our IT subscription could not stay the same.  There was an increase of 15% in their costs, reflecting the current ascending trends of prices of services of this kind.  Likewise, the price of office space and utilities whether working from commercial premises or from home has also increased to almost 14%.  There were as well accounts that showed a modest increase like tele/mobile phone and internet (1.9%).

Besides these increases, we also registered some decreases, like our postage accounts went down to almost 10% as we were continuing to communicate via emails and postage rates kept increasing.   Another decrease came from the office miscellaneous items as we spent a reasonable amount to meet office administration needs following the savings we made in the previous years on this account.  These office miscellaneous expenses were meant to cover ourselves against the uncertainty in the economy.  The other accounts that experienced decrease were printing and photocopy (-20%).

 

On the fundraising and receipts side, the challenge to raise the funds needed to meet the level of needs in the community remained.  This could be partly explained by the cumulative effect of the lingering impacts of the cost-of-living crisis and the economic uncertainty which continued to drive hesitations or reluctance to many individual donors/funders.  One should not also forget the cuts in international aid which had an indirect effect on the way people support good causes in Africa.

We have to admit that we have still funding applications which we have not yet received replies from potential donors/funders/grant makers.  This means there is a reason to believe that there is still a possibility for positive replies from them or to generate funds.

 

Concerning the cash funds account, our cash funds kept their ascending trends.  During the financial year 2024/2025, we registered an increase of almost 71%.  In accounting terms, it means that we managed to increase our receipts over payments as our receipts nearly underscored an increase of 71%.

We continued to make savings on overseas budget, volunteer costs, publicity and advertising, translation, office equipment and furniture, project beneficiaries, research and development, and fundraising costs.  This increase and savings made on payments resulted in a positive net balance from our receipts and payments account for the year.

We hope that the rebound of our cash funds will steadily continue and be even noticeable in the financial year 2025/2026.  We can as well expect that the fruits of our fundraising efforts relating to alternative funding models and of our new business models will fully appear in the new financial year (2025/2026) and beyond.

 

• • • Thank you

 

The work of CENFACS is a collective endeavour that relies upon the voluntary contribution of others, a key to our success.  As such, there is a number of people and organisations who contributed to the realisation of our financial year 2024-2025.

We would like to indiscriminately acknowledge them.  Without their helpful and altruistic support, we would not be able to achieve the above.  We are grateful to our volunteers, users, project/programme beneficiaries, members, website/blog readers and supporters.

We would like to thank all of them for their unwavering commitment and impactful support for helping us to voice and bring once again our poverty reduction message into the world in development, especially at the very daunting time of the lingering effects of the polycrises.

Many thanks for making 2024-2025 another deservingly memorable year at CENFACS and for being there with us for those in need.

More details about CENFACS Annual Impact Review 2024/2025 can be requested.

_________

 

• References

 

(1) https://www.shipscience.com/what-is-product-retention-a-comprehensive-guide/ (accessed in August 2025)

(2) https://www.unep.org/interactives/biodiversity-sdgs-tool/the-biodiversity-plan/goals/a.html (accessed in August 2025)

(3) https://explodingtopics.com/blog/market-trend-analysis (accessed in August 2025)

(4) https://www.jrf.org.uk/work/economic-growth-and-poverty (accessed in August 2025)

(5) https://www.statistica.com/statistics/941233/monthly-gap-growth-uk/#:~:text=… (accessed in August 2025),

(6) https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/aeo_2025_-_ppt_-_presentation_-_27.05.2027_final.pdf (accessed in August 2025)

(7) https://africacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Flooding-in-Africa.pdf (accessed in August 2025)

(8) https://asiancenturyinstitute.com/development/333-armartya-sen-on-deveptas-freedom (accessed in August 2023)

(9) Veenhoven, R. (2000). Freedom and happiness. A comparative study in forty-four nations in the early 1990s. In E. Diener & E. M. Such (Eds.), culture and subjective well-being (pp. 257-288). The MIT Press 

(10) De Jong, M., Collins, A. & Plüg (2019), “To be free”: how discourses of freedom are used to constraint healthiness among young South African adults, in International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being 2019, Vol. 14, 1603518, available at https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2019.1603518 (accessed in August 2024)

(11) Di Martino, S., Scarpa, M.P. & Prilleltensky, I. (2022). Between wellness and fairness: The mediating role of autonomous human choice and social capital in OECD countries. Journal of Community Psychology, 50, 3156-3180. 10.1002/jcop. 22822, available at https://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9544613/ (accessed in August 2024)

(12) https://cloudassess.com/blog/skill-vs-capability-vs-competency (accessed in August 2024)

(13) Jacobson, 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) 

(14) cenfacs.org.uk/2020/03/11/the-2020s-agenda-and-programme/ (accessed in August 2025)

(15)  https://www.povertyrelief,gov.hk/archive/2007/en/pdf/TFCYPaper4_2005E.pdf

(16) https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/128111/WP59_Smith_Moore.pdf

(17) Kate Bird & Kate Higgins (2011), Stopping the intergenerational transmission of poverty: research highlights and policy recommendations, Working Paper No. 214, Chronic Poverty Research Centre (www.chronicpoverty.org), https://assets.publising.service.gov.uk/media/57a08ae6e5274a27b2000827/WP214.pdf

(18) https://dysifa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/An-Introduction-to-Intergenerational-Planning.pdf (accessed in August 2025)

(19) https://www.bestegg.com/blog/what-is-money-diary-and-how-to-keep-one-to-improve-your-finances/ (accessed in August 2025)

(20) https://korzhykcapital.com/article/why_you_should_keep_a_financial_diary (accessed in August 2025)

(21) https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/what-is-wellness/ (accessed in July 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.