Testimonials
Case Study 1
I've lived in Glasgow now for 11 years. I'm a single mum, and I have three boys. All of them have autism, but at different levels, from mild to severe. Because I am their full-time carer, I cannot work because they need around-the-clock care. This makes it financially challenging to meet their every need.
We live on the ground floor and for health reasons, we use a lot of power to keep our flat warm. Sometimes I've had to choose between having the heating on or buying food. So it's a relief to know that we have support from African Challenge Scotland and to know we have a food parcel each week.
Because of the food parcels, I've been able to use the money I've saved to pay my energy bills.
Most of the time, there are a lot of charities that want to help, but some of the things they offer don’t necessarily meet your needs. So African Challenge Scotland is so vital for the African community in Glasgow. It's really refreshing and really good to know that everything that you are receiving is actually what you really need. It's tailored to our needs.
They have helped us with food parcels, including lots of rice, meat, vegetables and other ingredients I could not afford otherwise. It enables me to feed my sons with food they like and will eat. If you go to the African food shops, everything is so expensive that the food parcels are helpful.
For the first time, through this project I have something I need and will use for myself and my family.
They have also supported me with making my home more energy efficient. I've learnt so much about energy savings and received one-to-one energy advice. They've supported me throughout, making sure to check back in. I found everything very helpful.
This project has given me something to look forward to every week. It's made me realise that there is real help. I feel like I am being seen and my voice is being heard, not just me but the other people who have been supported.
All of the things I have mentioned about my situation, it comes with a lot of stress. And I know in the long run this level of stress can lead to depression and social isolation. So having this help is such a relief. They have relieved some of my stress and I can't thank them enough.
I'm so thankful that The National Lottery Community Fund is able to support this project.
Case Study 2
When I attended the programme, I gained more insight on how to manage my energy consumption. I got to know of the different way my energy supplier could help me save more on my energy bills and so more. I learned what appliances consumed the most energy and alternative appliances that consume less, which had helped me saved a lot during winter.
Case Study 3
The activity has had an impact on my life by providing me with all the food items. Instead of buying, I saved the money to buy other items I needed. I have learnt to make new friends and share ideas with other people. I would like to thank all the organisers for all their financial support and concern towards me and my family.
Case Study 4
This program has had a great impact on my understanding of energy saving. One significant example is how I used to boil more water in the kettle than I needed. Through the program, I learned about the effect of the longer boiling time on my energy usage. This awareness has not only changed my kettle habits but has also made me more mindful of other energy-saving tips. For instance, I now ensure to turn off lights when not in use and unplug appliances that are not being used. These small changes have contributed to reducing our household energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a more sustainable lifestyle.
The provision of food parcels has been a particularly thoughtful idea, especially during this period of high living costs. The relief these parcels bring lasts for up to three months for my family, which is highly commendable. Additionally, the cheque provided towards our energy bill has been a significant help. This support has also fostered a sense of community, bringing more people together and encouraging collaboration that can enhance growth.
I have observed notable growth in the organization of activities over time, and I believe this trend will continue. The patience and dedication of the team have been commendable, and I would encourage the team to maintain this level of commitment. One unexpected positive outcome has been the increased interaction and support among participants, which has strengthened community bonds. Overall, the program's impact has been overwhelmingly positive, addressing immediate needs while also promoting long-term community growth and sustainability.
Case Study 5
The Home energy fuel support has really helped me and my family a lot by helping out in payment of the bills. It really a big relief and am grateful for the help I received. It makes a huge difference cause without it I would have struggled.
Also I’ve learnt that removing plugs and switching off unused light saves energy. That things like kettle can cause big bill well depends on how often you use it.
Am grateful for the free food parcel it really went a long way in helping reduce the cost of buying African food for some times. Thank you all for all your help. As you are helping others may you and your organisation receive help too. More blessings.
Case Study 6
The difference I have seen is clear such as this difficult time of cost-of-living crisis. Also, it was a chance to heard about the choices and options available from everyone to control electricity bills Also the food packs and cash provided were very supportive. Children were happy to get healthier food. I would like to thanks the funder that provide the opportunity to share ideas which can impact on our lives.
Case Study 7
The difference that African Challenge Scotland had offered my family is beyond my comprehension. Learning about energy saving and providing food parcels all together makes a huge difference in my family because it’s difficult to cater for the children during the holidays by providing three square meals in very difficult situation for us as a family.
Instead of buying rice and chicken to feed them I got them from the African Challenge Scotland for Free which gives me more options to pay my energy bills. Thanks to the funders for helping me and my family through the African Challenge Scotland.
Case Study 8
The activity has been supportive to my family most especially in this period of high cost of living. The food parcel is highly appreciated. The African Challenge have been able to bring together Women from Ethnic Minority Group to socialize through most of their program.
I have been able to make friend from other African countries, which is very interesting.
Thanks to African Challenge.
Case Study 9
This food parcel was part of climate change project. The food was really a big help to all family and reflect the African test and the food we usually eat with our kids. we enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits and most of the time we do cook food from peeling fresh onions and potatoes and bananas. another from only collecting food parcel we do get to meet and talk with each other’s and networking as well as a talk was given by Home Energy Scotland group about how to save energy and help to understand how we can minimise our energy bills.
Case Study 10
I have known African Challenge Scotland during COVID 19. They were moments of confusion, of security, very sad moments. The news was not encouraging, people died from everywhere, known and not. and we saw a generation leave without having a final goodbye to their families. A silence of total desolation.
When they called me from African Challenge Scotland it was an encouragement that there are people who support us and receiving the food was a blessing. Because sometimes the purchase was limited. Afterwards I wanted to know more about the association's projects.
And after COVID, the association continued providing food in a sufficient amount that helps us a lot. Very grateful to be part of the project. I received help to pay for electricity and I learned to use a sewing machine and making clothes as in Africa. We are having a sewing course, these are fabulous moments, not only that we learned something new, being in a group and meeting others is a pleasant experience with different but united cultures. We shared three days a week, that's 6 hours that we enjoyed together. It is a privilege to be part of the project.
This sewing opportunity helped me to reconnect with my best passed memories.
Case Study 11
“Learn to ride for my daughter.
This has been directed from loading bay activities we went with our kids that was organised by African Challenge Scotland. My boy who was 11years old managed to get a bicycle after the training and my daughter who is still learning she was told she will get the bicycle after completion. Training for my daughter is at Springburn leisure centre indoor every Sunday 10.30 to 1100 off now due to school holiday. My daughter really enjoyed and looking forward to start again after the holiday.”
Case Study 12
“This project has significantly improved the perception and living standards for many deprived and social excluded people within the African community in particular but has also served as a bridge project between locals and people from different backgrounds in Scotland.
Case Study 13
“It’s important we have the correct information for us and our kids so we can keep them safe. This is what African Challenge Scotland do, the organisation provide us with right and useful information that enable us to understand the culture and the environment that we live in. Their activities are very useful and enable us to support and assist the development of our children's.”
Case Study 14
“Our kids meet regularly with others in their youth club and take part in activities, experiences and opportunities. We call this the programme. Leaders and their youth volunteers are amazing, and they have a special responsibility to plan and deliver a programme with plenty of chances for young people to know they can do anything.”
Case Study 15
“The benefits of African Challenge Scotland Youth is Fantastic. The programme is designed for young people to:
Learn about themselves.
Find their voice, discover how to use it and feel empowered to do so.
Gain skills and confidence so that they know they can do anything.
My kids always enjoyed to attend their activities and programmes.”
STEAM
Participant A said: “I came alone to the UK so finding an organisation with other Africans meant I could have a community of people who understood my circumstances and I could also make friends and not feel alone. I also received advice and learned different skills.”
Participant B said: “I graduated 2 years ago with a BSc in computer science from the University of Strathclyde. I have made many jobs application on my field of study, and I am still not able to succeed in gaining a graduate job. To put food on the table and help my parents, I ended up doing some KFC and McDonald job. I came to African Challenge Scotland for help. I am currently working to improve my resume and interview skills. I am confident with the right support that I am gaining from the organisation, I will get the job in my field of study.”
Participant C said: “Currently a third-year student and studying a BA (Hons) Degree in Business at the Caledonian University in Glasgow. With the existing society that we lived in, I am worried to get a job when I will finish my university degrees. The reason I am saying this is because, currently in Glasgow and in our Black community, it is difficult to get a graduate job. Some of my friends who graduated were unable to secure graduate jobs. Few were lucky to secure jobs downside in England. I have joined African Challenge Scotland, because I have seen the good work they are doing in the community and also, they are helping young people to secure apprenticeships, internships and graduates’ jobs. The organisation is helping me to build a good resume and advising me on different opportunities that exists.”
Participant D said: “I am grateful to African Challenge Scotland. I am now working as a Mechanical Engineer Apprentice for a local firm in Glasgow. This was only possible because of the support and mentoring I received from the organisation. The opportunity to learn practical skills and gain invaluable experience whilst also earning a salary is undoubtedly one of the greatest benefits. Thank you.”
Participant E said: “I joined African Challenge Scotland as a young person seeking support with my school homework from secondary school; and after years, I worked my way up to become a youth ambassador and giving back and supporting other children and young people. Today, I am very grateful because I secured a civil engineer apprentice job with a local engineering company in Glasgow. As a woman, I continue to promote women in engineering as well as talking about apprenticeships and how beneficial they can be. I did really well in my GCSEs and felt that an apprenticeship was the right option for me. Thanks to African Challenge Scotland for their strong mentoring opportunity.”