2013 annual report - blue skies · blue skies foundation annual report 2013 2 ... new ventures;...
TRANSCRIPT
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 2
CONTENTS
Introduction………………………….. ….. 03
Structure…….…………………………… 04
Board of Directors……………………….. 05
Staff……..……………………….………… 06
Project overview………………………… 07
Ghana Projects……………….………….. 08
South Africa Projects……………………. 12
Other Projects……………………………. 13
Past projects revisited………………….. 14
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 3
A LETTER FROM THE BOARD
We have now completed twenty four projects since the Foundation was
started in 2009. This year we completed five projects in Ghana and South
Africa including two more KVIP toilet systems, a water system, a new
classroom block and a playground. We also carried out a number of smaller
projects including providing more solar lighting systems for communities and
facilitating the donation of learning materials for schools.
In addition to our usual projects, in 2013 we launched the ‘Get Inspired’
campaign aimed at inspiring the next generation of Ghanaians to be the
change they want to see in the world. The campaign aims to work with schools
to encourage entrepreneurship in response to diminishing interest among the
young in agriculture and industry. The campaign is expected to play an
increasingly important part in the Foundation as it looks to address the needs
of the future.
This year we also welcomed Abena Asomaning-Antwi to the Board of
Directors. Abena joins the Foundation with a wealth of experience in a variety
of sectors including management consultancy and customer care. She also
runs a Ghanaian Non-Profit Organization called the Angel Zoe Foundation
which aims to assist in the rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration of
women in prison and to render support to vulnerable children.
Once again we must say a huge thank you to everyone who has given their
time, energy, money and commitment to the Blue Skies Foundation.
The Board of Directors
The objective of the Foundation is to strengthen the
trading relations within the supply chain so as to
increase the benefit we are able to bring to the
communities where we operate. We aim to achieve this
not only by funding more projects but also by continuing
to trade ethically so that we can provide employment
and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 4
STRUCTURE
The Foundation is structured in such a way that enables projects to be
identified by the communities themselves. Projects are proposed by the
communities based on their needs. Each of six geographical zones
(representing areas where Blue Skies sources its fruit) has an elected member
on the Foundation council – usually a Blue Skies farmer. The communities
present and discuss their proposals in front of the Foundation council, which
will then submit their recommendation to the Foundation board. Projects have
to show a clear management and maintenance strategy by the communities.
Projects are evaluated after completion and again after one or five years
depending on the outcome of the evaluation. The Foundation manager at Blue
Skies supports and overviews the implementation and visits each project
regularly. Projects are owned by the communities.
Funding Parties
Waitrose is a UK Supermarket Company which is part
of the John Lewis Partnership. The company has 197
stores and focuses on selling high quality food and
offering exceptional customer service.
Albert Heijn is Dutch Supermarket Company and has
750 stores in the Netherlands. Like Waitrose, Albert
Heijn also focuses on selling quality food and offering
a high level of customer service.
Blue Skies is a fresh-cut fruit company with factories
in Ghana, South Africa, Egypt and Brazil. The company
prepares fruit at its factories which it sells to shops in
Europe, South Africa and Brazil, including Waitrose
and Albert Heijn.
Advisors ICCO are an independent advisory body who provide
advice on projects on behalf of the Albert Heijn
Foundation. ICCO offer advice on the development of
project applications as well as project
implementation, monitoring, evaluation and impact
assessment.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Abena Asomaning-Antwi Foundation Advisory Director
Abena is a Management Consultant with multi-faceted experience
gained from years of working in different disciplines and sectors.
Her areas of expertise include Identification and Composition of
new Ventures; Results-based Strategic Management and Planning,
Effective Networking and Customer Care. Abena is also Founder &
Executive Director of Angel Zoe Foundation, a Ghanaian Non-Profit
Organization which aims to assist in the rehabilitation, reformation
and reintegration of women in prison and to render support to
vulnerable children.
David Croft Foundation Director, Waitrose
David Croft is Director of Food Technology at Waitrose. David
previously worked for Kraft Foods, Cadbury and the Co-operative
Group, where his senior roles included leading technical and
marketing activity, and tackling a diverse agenda across food safety
& quality, health & safety, environmental management, ethical
trading and sustainability. David is currently a member of the Food
Ethics Council and the Environmental Knowledge Transfer Board,
and has served as a director of the Ethical Trading Initiative and as a
council member at the Campden & Chorleywood Food Research
Association.
Anthony Pile Foundation Director, Blue Skies
Anthony Pile is the Founder and Chairman of Blue Skies, which he
setup in 1997. He was a soldier in the British Army for 13 years and
saw active service in the Middle East, Northern Ireland and Cyprus.
He has been a magistrate, attended the post graduate Sloan
Fellowship Programme at the London Business School and was the
Managing Director of Orchard House Foods. In 2011 Anthony
received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cranfield in
recognition of his achievements with Blue Skies.
Henri Zondag Foundation Director, Albert Heijn
Henri is a graduate from Nijenrode Business University in the
Netherlands. After active military service as an Infantry Officer in
the Dutch Army, he joined Procter & Gamble in 1982 where he
spent much of his career in customer development, marketing,
organizational development and general management. In 2007, he
was invited by Ahold to become involved in the development of
their Sustainable Business Development model. Henri currently
oversees community development projects in cooperation with
several African suppliers in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mali
and Ghana.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 6
FOUNDATION STAFF
Simon Derrick Blue Skies Foundation Coordinator
Simon joined Blue Skies in 2005. He looks after the company’s
brand and communications and has taken a lead role in advancing
the Joint Effort Enterprise model which Blue Skies has become
recognised for. He has a Masters in Sustainable Development and
has previously worked for the BBC and for a market research
agency as a data analyst and systems developer.
Alistair Djimtey Blue Skies Foundation Manager
Alistair Derby Djimatey joined Blues Skies in 2002 as a quality
Assurance Officer. He progressed to the position of Audit Controller
in charge of ensuring compliance with BRC, GlobalGAP and organic
standards. He was also responsible for internal auditing of the
quality management system and training of newly employed staff as
well as refresher training for regular staff. Alistair has high affinity
for community service and advocacy. He was the chairman of the
local Union for over two years.
Waydu Matlala Blue Skies Foundation Officer, South Africa
Waydu Matlala was born in Siyathemba and is married with two
daughters. She is a graduate from graduated from Vanderbiljpack
Collage. Waydu joined Blue Skies in 2004 and was elected as
Welfare chairperson. She was appointed as a Quality Assurance
Officer in 2005 and was later made a team leader. Waydu enjoys
working closely with people and devoting time and effort where her
help is needed. In 2006 Waydu was promoted to the position of
Human Resource Manager and currently remains employed in this
capacity. She took on the additional responsibility as Foundation
Officer in 2009.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 7
2013 PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project involved the construction of a 6-seater compost toilet called a KVIP (Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit) for Yaw Krow in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Yaw Krow is home to over 200 people and is close to some papaya and pineapple farms. The community previously had no public toilet and had experienced outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
The objective of this project was to construct a three classroom block for a primary school in Dobro near to the town of Nsawam in Ghana. The school has over 200 students who were previously accommodated in overcrowded and poorly lit classrooms. Students are now using the new fully furnished facility which includes a staff common room.
This project provided two boreholes with hand pumps for a papaya farming community in Ghana. The community and the surrounding areas previously relied on a stream several miles away for water, and a well which often dried up. The provision of boreholes has ensured clean drinkable water is continuously available to inhabitants of the community.
This project involved the construction of a 12 seater KVIP for the village of Nsakye in Ghana which is near to where many of our pineapple growers are located. Like many rural villages in Ghana, Nsakye previously had limited toilet facilities thereby increasing the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. This KVIP is therefore intended to reduce this risk and improve health within the community.
Projects completed in South Africa in 2013 include a new playground for a primary school near to the community of Greylingstad, and equipment including furniture, toys and computer harware for Bright Sparks Learning Academy in the town of Grootvlei.
Other projects completed in 2013 include the provision of sports kits for the netball and football teams at Blue Skies South Africa, facilitating donations of learning materials including pens, books and computers for schools in Ghana, and the launch of the ‘Get Inspired’ campaign to inspire the next generation to be the change they want to see in the world.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 8
GHANA PROJECTS
This project is to construct a 6 seater KVIP for
the village of Yawkrow in the Akuapim South
District of the Eastern Region of Ghana.
Yawkrow is small farming community of
about 200 people which has never had a
public place of convenience, and has
suffered from outbreaks of cholera in recent
years. The community hosts two of the Blue Skies Farmers who supply Papaya
and Pineapple. Most people in this community work for these farmers during
the season. The provision of this facility will promote good hygiene, minimize
contamination, and reduce communicable disease.
Above: The KVIP at the village of Yaw Krow
Project Evaluation Score
Physical condition GOOD
Working Maintenance Plan YES
Overall Status GOOD
No incidents of cholera or
other water borne diseases
have been reported since this project was completed.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 9
GHANA PROJECTS
This project is to provide a three classroom
block for Dobro Primary School near to
Nsawam in Ghana. The school is located near
to the Blue Skies factory and is situated within
a village of 3500 people where many Blue
Skies staff and some suppliers live.
The school had previously suffered from
overcrowding and the bad condition of the
classrooms meant that pupils had to squeeze into a single room during
adverse weather. The new school block has brightened up the learning
environment of the school and created a safer place for the students to learn.
Above: Interior and exterior scenes of the new classroom block at Dobro
Primary School
Project Evaluation Score
Physical condition GOOD
Working Maintenance Plan YES
Overall Status GOOD
This project has led to a 70%
increase in attendance by
students and 90% increase in
attendance by teachers,
Ennrolment has increased from 145 to 250.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 10
GHANA PROJECTS
Krabokesse is a community surrounded by several villages in the Suhum
Krabo Coaltar district of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The Community has a
population of about 500 people mainly farmers of Papaya. The community and
the surrounding areas had been depending on a local stream and a well for
their supply of water. At times the well has dried up so people have had to
travel miles to other communities to get water for household activities. This
has affected economic and social activities of the area especially with children
not going to school. The water condition has also affected the health of the
people since occasionally water borne disease are reported in the village as a
result of bad sources of water being used
by the inhabitants of the community.
The provision of two boreholes for this
community has therefore ensured clean
drinkable water is continuously available
to inhabitants of the community. This has
enhanced their ability to increase productivity and improved academic
performance as no incidents of water borne diseases have been reported
since the project was completed.
Above: One of the new boreholes at Krabokesse and (inset) the well from
where community members previously fetched water.
Project Evaluation Score
Physical condition GOOD
Working Maintenance Plan YES
Overall Status GOOD
90% of the community are
using the new water system.
The local school has also seen
a 40% increase in contact time
and improved academic performance.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 11
GHANA PROJECTS
This project was to construct a 12 seater KVIP for the village of Nsakye, a
pineapple farming community in Ghana. Nsakye is the Royal Seat for the
Akuapim South Municipality. The village has a population of about 1600
people and is the community from where all Chiefs on the Aburi throne
originate. The facility has enhanced the health of the whole community.
KVIP stands for ‘Kumasi Ventilated
Improved Pit’ and is a pit latrine
commonly used in Ghana usually
constructed with hand-washing
stations that collect rain water. This
type of latrine is designed to control
odour and the presence of houseflies.
Above: The Nsakye 12-seater KVIP
Project Evaluation Score
Physical condition GOOD
Working Maintenance Plan YES
Overall Status GOOD
No incidents of cholera or
other water borne diseases
have been reported since this
project was completed.
Education on communicable
diseases in the community has improved knowledge by 60%.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 12
S OUTH AFRICA PROJECTS
This is a project to provide ‘jungle gym’
playground equipment for a rural primary
school in South Africa. The project includes
swings, a slide, a sand pit and climbing ropes.
The photo below shows some of the pupils using
the equipment for the first time.
Project Evaluation Score
Physical condition GOOD
Working Maintenance Plan YES
Overall Status GOOD
This is a project to provide IT equipment, toys
and furniture for a Crèche belonging to a
school in South Africa. The project intended to
closer integrate the crèche with the school by
improving quality of care and education of the
children. The photocopier has enabled the
crèche to circulate more worksheets and
improve administration, the toys have helped
to provide stimulation and engagement for the children and the furniture has
helped the crèche to provide snacks and meals more efficiently. As a result of
the project the number of learners at Bright Sparks has doubled from 30 to just
over 60 people
Project Evaluation Score
Physical condition GOOD
Working Maintenance Plan YES
Overall Status GOOD
In 2013 the Foundation Board approved a project to strengthen the Foundation
Committee in South Africa. The Foundation Committee oversees the selection
and management of Foundation projects on an annual basis. The Capacity
Building Programme is intended to provide training for committee members
to more efficiently identity and implement projects. Whilst this project was
agreed in 2013 it is scheduled to take place at some point in 2014.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 13
OTHER PROJECTS
Among some of the smaller initiatives we
have supported include providing sports
kits for the Blue Skies South Africa netball
and soccer teams, and launching a
campaign with schools in Ghana to inspire
the next generation of social
entrepreneurs.
The ‘Get Inspired’ campaign was
launched in October with 200 pupils from
10 schools. Called ‘Get Inspired, Be the Change’ the campaign provided a
new activity book for schools to make young students more aware of the
challenges facing our planet, and inspire them to play a part in creating a
brighter future for the world. You can find out more about our Get Inspired
campaign at www.blueskies.com/inspired As in previous years we also worked with a number of other organizations
including the UK charity ‘Pens for Kids’, Blue Skies UK and Harlestone and
Brington Primary Schools to facilitate the donation of learning resources such
as computers, stationary and textbooks to schools in Ghana and South Africa.
SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
We continue to work in partnership with a limited number of schools in the UK
by supporting class room activities designed to raise awareness of the
Foundation and provide an insight on the people, culture and history of the
countries where Blue Skies sources its fruit.
Schools have also supported the Foundation by donating learning materials
including computers and stationary to schools in Ghana. Some of these
schools are shown below.
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 14
PAST PROJECTS REVISITED
Completed: 2012. Location: Nsawam, Ghana Details: Construction of public toilet block for village in papaya growing area
Completed: 2012. Location: Nsawam, Ghana Details: Construction of public WC for a town in Ghana
Completed: 2012. Location: Balfour, South Africa Details: Renovation of WC blocks for primary school in South Africa
Completed: 2012. Location: Balfour, South Africa Details: Renovation of WC blocks for primary school in South Africa
Completed: 2012. Location: Balfour, South Africa Details: Provision of computer equipment for I M Manchu Secondary School
Completed: 2011. Location: Abortia, Ghana Details: New classroom block construction for Primary School
Completed: 2011. Location: Nsawam, Ghana Details: New multi-use games area for Blue Skies and surrounding community
Completed: 2011. Location: Nsawam, Ghana Details: Renovation of medical training centre for a clinic
Completed: 2011. Location: Balfour, South Africa Details: Provision of computer equipment for I M Manchu Secondary School
Completed: 2011. Location: Greylingstad, South Africa Details: Provision of perimeter fence for Tegwan’s Nest Primary School
Completed: 2011. Location: Greylingstad, South Africa Details: Provision of computers for an orphanage
Blue Skies Foundation Annual Report 2013 15
PAST PROJECTS REVISITED
Completed: 2010. Location: Sekykrom, Ghana Details: Renovation of a Kindergarten and construction of a WC and Kitchen
Completed: 2010. Location: Fotobi, Ghana Details: New classroom block construction for Fotobi Junior High School
Completed: 2010. Location: Amanfrom, Ghana Details: Construction of compost toilet system for Amanfrom village
Completed: 2010. Location: Akraman, Ghana Details: Renovation of classroom block for Akraman Primary School
Completed: 2010. Location: Canaan Farm, Ghana Details: Provision of corn mill and construction of service centre for Canaan Farms
Completed: 2011. Location: Ekumfi Abor and Ekumfi Nanabin, Ghana Details: Mechanized water system for Abor and borehole and hand pump for Nanabin
LOOKING AHEAD
2014 looks set to be another busy year for the Foundation with eleven projects
already approved – the most number we have embarked on in a year!
The projects include teachers accommodation for a pineapple farming
community, a classroom block for a school in the mango growing area,
boreholes for coconut and papaya growing villages, three public toilets for
communities in mango and pineapple growing areas and a water collection
and storage system for a school. All projects are expected to be completed by
August 2014.
In addition we are planning to take our Get Inspired campaign further by
introducing a school farm competition in Ghana. As fewer young people go in
to farming we are looking to reverse this trend by encouraging students to
think about how a farm for their school can be setup and maintained and run
as a viable business.