Help Us Deliver the Greatest Gift This Christmas: A Life-Saving Ambulance!

Dear Friends,

This Christmas, we’re asking for your help to deliver the best gift imaginable – the gift of life.

In rural Tanzania, when emergencies strike, the difference between life and death is often a matter of distance. Imagine going into labour, suffering a severe injury, or battling a life-threatening illness, and knowing there’s no ambulance to get you to the care you need. For too many in our community, this is a harsh reality.

We are committed to changing that. This year’s Christmas Campaign is dedicated to raising $60,000 to purchase a brand-new 4WD ambulance for our hospital in Tanzania. This isn’t just any vehicle; it’s a lifeline for people in remote villages, capable of navigating treacherous roads to deliver patients to the safety of our hospital.

A gift from you this Christmas means:

• 🚑 Safe and swift transport for mothers in labour and newborns needing urgent care.

• 🚑 Quick response for emergencies like accidents and severe illnesses.

• 🚑 A chance to save hundreds of lives every single year.

Your donation, big or small, will make a real difference. Here’s how you can help:

• $50 could help fuel the ambulance for a week.

• $200 could provide life-saving medical equipment for the vehicle.

• $1,000 could get us much closer to get this brand-new 4WD ambulance delivered to Tanzania!

Remember, whether your contribution is private or by a compnay, we have DGR status and any contribution over $2 is tax deductible!

This Christmas, let’s come together to ensure that no one is left without help when they need it most.

🎁 Donate Now and give the gift of hope, health, and life.

Thank you for being part of our mission to create a healthier, brighter future in Tanzania. Your support means the world to us.

My baby and I would have died....

… had the health centre not been there.

That is what Mama Karen stated on this video. She is speaking the reality of many other mothers in rural Tanzania.

In rural Tanzania, childbirth can be a perilous journey. With limited access to healthcare, many mothers give birth unassisted, facing immense risks for themselves and their newborns. But did you know that a lack of skilled assistance during labour can lead to life-altering consequences such as cerebral palsy, untreated epilepsy, or even maternal death?

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. It often occurs when a baby experiences a lack of oxygen during childbirth. This condition can lead to lifelong physical and developmental challenges, affecting not just the child but also their family. Similarly, epilepsy—a condition causing recurrent seizures—is another common outcome of unassisted births and frequently goes untreated in rural areas, leaving children vulnerable to stigma and further health complications.

For mothers, the stakes are equally high. Unassisted births often result in severe complications, including haemorrhage and infections, which tragically claim many lives. Yet, these outcomes are preventable.

Having skilled birth attendants is vital, but access to healthcare facilities can be nearly impossible for those living in remote areas. This is where a 4WD ambulance can be a literal lifesaver. Equipped to navigate rugged terrain, an ambulance ensures that women in labour can reach health centres quickly and safely, even from the most isolated villages.

By providing timely transport, a 4WD ambulance not only reduces the risk of complications for mothers but also prevents life-altering conditions for babies. This simple yet transformative resource could mean the difference between life and death for thousands of families.

At Australia for Cedar Tanzania, we’re committed to making safer births a reality. Your support enables us to equip health centres, train midwives, and provide resources like 4WD ambulances to bridge the gap between families and lifesaving care.

Together, we can ensure every mother and child has the chance to thrive. Thank you for being part of this mission.

Drive hope this Christmas: Help deliver a lifesaving ambulance to Tanzania

This Christmas, we’re asking for your help to put something incredible under the tree—a lifesaving 4WD ambulance for rural Tanzania. Now, before you think, “An ambulance? That’s not very Christmassy,” let us introduce you to Mama Farhad.

Mama Farhad is a true hero of her village. She’s a mother, a farmer, and the heart of her family. But one day, her life took a scary turn when she faced a medical emergency. Picture this: her village is miles away from the nearest clinic, and the road is more pothole than gravel. The only way to get her to care was a rickety motorbike ride that took hours and felt like days.

Thankfully, Mama Farhad made it — but the truth is, not everyone in her situation does. That’s why we’re stepping in to change the story.

Why a 4WD Ambulance?

In Tanzania, healthcare is often out of reach — not because of a lack of doctors but because of the literal distance to get there. Villages are scattered across rugged terrains, and when emergencies strike, every second counts. A 4WD ambulance can navigate those impossible roads, bringing people like Mama Farhad to safety.

With this ambulance, we can provide fast, reliable access to care, saving lives that would otherwise be lost. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a lifeline.

Your Gift = Real Impact

When you donate to our Christmas campaign, you’re giving more than just a ride to the hospital. You’re giving families a chance to stay whole, mothers a chance to raise their children, and communities a chance to thrive.

And the best part? You’ll see exactly how your generosity transforms lives. Mama Farhad’s story is just the beginning. With your help, we’ll share more smiles, more recoveries, and more hope.

How You Can Help

Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, every donation brings us closer to our goal. And what better way to celebrate the season of giving than by saving lives?

So, let’s make this Christmas unforgettable — for Mama Farhad, for countless others in Tanzania, and for you. Together, we can deliver the best gift of all: the gift of life.

Happy holidays, and thank you for making miracles happen!

Local City Council Praises Our Work In Tanzania

Below article was issued by Sengerema City Council - the local City Council our work falls under.

The original is in Swahili of course, so I have translated and provided necessary context where needed.

FINANCE COMMITTEE OF SENGEREMA PRAISES CEDAR TANZANIA FOR PROTECTING KAMANGA HEALTH CENTRE

The Finance, Administration, and Planning Committee of Sengerema District Council has commended Cedar Tanzania, an locally registered NGO, for its support in constructing a flood barrier wall to protect against Lake Victoria, and its ongoing efforts to strengthen Kamanga Health Centre.

The appreciation was expressed today, November 12, 2024, by committee members during a visit to inspect development projects implemented by Sengerema District Council from July to September 2024.

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The Chairman of Sengerema District Council, Hon. Yanga Makaga, who is also the councillor of Nyamatongo Ward, thanked the organisation for its consistent support and the construction of the barrier wall. He noted that the wall will help protect the health centre, which has been frequently affected by flooding from Lake Victoria, disrupting services and damaging staff housing.

"The construction of this wall will greatly help to protect this centre from frequent flooding caused by the lake. This is an expensive project, and without your support, the Council would not have been able to build this wall due to the high costs," said the Chairman.

Presenting the progress report on the construction of the barrier wall along the shores of Lake Victoria, the project supervisor from Cedar Tanzania, Musa Victor, stated that the project began in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in January 2025 at a cost of 266 million shillings (AUD $155,000). The project is being executed by SIMR Company from Mwanza City.

Nina’s Field Update from Tanzania 🌍

I’m writing to you with a full heart from Tanzania, where I’m currently on the ground with our Cedar Tanzania team. It’s been an inspiring and transformative experience, and I’m excited to share what we’re accomplishing here with your support.

In the next few days I will be working with our team, seeing our projects in action — from health initiatives to sustainable agriculture efforts. Meeting with local leaders and community members, I’m reminded of the strength and resilience that fuel our shared mission to reduce poverty and uplift these vibrant communities.

To bring you along on this journey, I’m recording a video diary that I’ll be sharing on our social media platforms. Through these videos, you’ll see the faces behind our mission, hear stories of impact directly from the community, and get a sense of the progress we’re achieving together.

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Thank you for standing with us and believing in the work we’re doing here in Tanzania. I can’t wait to share more updates in the coming days, so please join me on social media and follow along as I document this transformative trip.

Together, we’re creating lasting, meaningful change in Tanzania.

Warmest regards,
Nina

The Great Wall of.... Kamanga!

For the last three years, flooding has been a real hassle for our hospital in Tanzania, making it tough for patients to get the care they need and putting vital medical equipment at risk.

We're excited to share that we're taking action to tackle this ongoing issue and make healthcare more accessible for the community.

We're kicking off the construction of a retaining wall towards the lake, which will help protect it from future floods. This project is super important because it will not only keep the hospital safe but also help us move forward with building a new maternity ward — something that’s crucial for improving maternal healthcare in the area.

We're teaming up with local engineers and a trusted construction company to get this done using sustainable practices that respect both the environment and the local community. Together, we want to create a safe space for people to receive the care they deserve.

This project is all about hope and resilience for the community, ensuring that healthcare services keep running smoothly, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. With financial support from Capital Drilling, we can help build a brighter future for healthcare in Tanzania.

Join Us at Africa Down Under 2024 – Let's Connect and Collaborate!

I’m excited to share that Australia for Cedar Tanzania will be participating in this year’s Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference, taking place from 4th to 6th September 2024 in Perth. This event is one of the most significant forums for fostering relationships between Australia and Africa, particularly within the mining industry.

Africa Down Under is a unique platform where industry leaders, government officials, and various stakeholders gather to discuss opportunities and challenges in the African mining sector. As we continue our mission to reduce severe poverty and improve health outcomes in rural Tanzania, this conference offers us an invaluable opportunity to engage with current and potential partners who share our vision for sustainable development.

During the conference, we will be meeting with key players in the mining industry to explore how we can work together to achieve shared goals.

Our discussions will centre around:

• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Services: Showcasing our expertise in helping companies meet their ESG obligations while creating positive social impact in local communities.

• Partnership Opportunities: Identifying new collaborations that align with our commitment to sustainable development in Tanzania.

• Impactful Projects: Highlighting the success stories from our ongoing projects and exploring how we can scale these initiatives with the support of the mining sector.

If you're attending ADU 2024, we'd love to connect and explore how we can support your company’s CSR and ESG goals. Our work is not just about compliance; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where you operate.

By partnering with us, you’re not just fulfilling regulatory requirements — you’re investing in the future of Tanzania.

If you’re attending the conference and would like to schedule a meeting with us, please reach out to me on nina@cedarfoundation.org

We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and create impact together.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you at Africa Down Under 2024!

Help Us Win the Kickstarter Challenge! Vote for Our Mushroom Farming Project!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you and to request your invaluable support.

Our Mushroom Farming project has been submitted to the Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge, and we are in the running to win a share of the $60,000 equity-free funding! This funding could significantly enhance our efforts and impact in Tanzania, enabling us to support even more women and uplift the communities we serve through Australia for Cedar Tanzania.

How You Can Help:

1. Vote for Our Project: Click on the link below and cast your vote for our Mushroom Farming project. Vote Here! (it is entered under Swahili Sensations - our retail shop)

2. Share with Your Network: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to vote as well. Every vote counts and brings us one step closer to making a bigger difference.

Why This Matters: Winning this challenge will provide essential funding to:

• Empower more women and artisans in East Africa by giving them access to larger markets.

• Enhance our capacity to create sustainable change in rural Tanzanian communities.

• Continue our mission of reducing severe poverty and improving health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

Your support has always been the backbone of our success, and now, more than ever, we need your vote to help us seize this incredible opportunity. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and create lasting impact.

Thank you for your continued dedication and belief in our mission. Let’s rally together and make this happen!

Do you have any questions?

The last newsletter contained a video. That video was the pitch I delivered in Perth a couple of months ago.

In the last year, I have been very fortunate to have taken part in a program called Scale Advisory, delivered by Emersyn. Emersyn focuses on female founders and helps women like me grow our businesses skillfully and successfully. It has been a fantastic journey.

At the end of the program, we had the opportunity to practice delivering a pitch. If you have had to do that before, you know how nerve-wracking it can be.

Having only 5 minutes to tell you about all the amazing things about what we do is incredibly hard. What parts do you leave out?

It is a great exercise in being concise and precise - although I always hope for some good follow up questions, and always enjoy a deeper conversation afterwards.

Did you have any questions after watching the video last newsletter? (You can watch it here if you missed it)

You can always send me a mail, or we can meet up for a coffee if you are in Perth.

Can you give me 5 minutes of your time?

Thank you! I know time is precious.

Today, instead of writing a newsletter I put it in a video for you.

Please watch the video below - and feel free to share it with your friends.

Thank you so much watching - your support means the world to us!

Do you struggle watching yourself on video?

I sure do…. :D

All I seem to be able to focus on is all the things I didn’t do right. Why did I not look at the camera? OMG, there are so many ‘ehhhms’ and ‘ahhhms’ and ‘sooo’… What happened to my hair? What did I forget to say? Didn’t I just mess up that sentence?

And then there’s my accent :D

I don’t notice my accent when I speak - but gosh, I can hear it when it is played back to me on video.

Oh, and I really should lose some weight too…

Does that sound like you, too?

But what I really wanted to focus on was none of this…

What did I want to focus on Instead?

Lance, from Ninja Digital, is also a Board Member for MCCC, my local Chamber of Commerce. He was very kind to invite me as the first guest on their new podcast, “The Chamber.”

We had a very candid conversation about how Australia for Cedar Tanzania started, what our day-to-day work looks like, and how it is to live without many of those things we take for granted. I wanted to tell you about the differences between living here in Australia and living in Tanzania.

You can watch or listen to the full interview here. It’s 20 minutes long, just about long enough for your commute home.

I also explain how we partner with companies here in Australia and internationally. It doesn’t even need to be a big commitment—$5,000 can make a huge difference.

Swahili Sensations

I share how Swahili Sensations works, how I curate every item, and how I meet the makers. Through Swahili Sensations, we have created a window to the international market that these makers wouldn’t have otherwise had access to.

With every purchase, you support the maker directly, and 10% of all profits are donated back to Australia for Cedar Tanzania.

Have a look here:

I am so grateful I am having a tough time.

The last month has been harder than usual.

I have osteoarthritis - like so many other people get when they age. For me, that meant a herniated disc and compressed nerves that threatened my long-term mobility. Worst case scenario, if nothing was done and it was allowed to progress further, it could have left me double incontinent and/or paralysed from the waist down. Not a fun prognosis.

Major surgery ahead, taking the bad parts out, fixing those bits that could be fixed, and stabilising the rest with a couple of screws and rods.

I spent 1 week in hospital. I had physio in the hospital from day one - it was not easy, and I may have said a bad word here or there - but I am sure it is the reason I could walk home (even if it was slowly) just 6 days later.

After two weeks, I was back driving, and now 4 weeks later I am back full-time at work.

I still have a lot of rehab to do. Some days it is hard. I have to dig deep to find the strength and the willpower to get on that treadmill or do those exercises. It is hard. I am having a tough time. Yet I am grateful.

Why am I grateful?

Through my work in Tanzania, I see and hear stories about people. I get to meet people in person when I travel across. Some of these people are doing it really tough. They could only wish to have access to medical care like I had. But they don’t.

On my last visit to Tanzania, I met this boy. I took this picture.

Look at his spine. This boy has severe kyphosis caused by spina bifida - a birth defect happening in the uterus. This has caused several issues, amongst others the extreme curve in his spine. The curve is slowly increasing pressure on his lungs… There is no good ending to that.

We see many cases like this where we work in Tanzania. The proportionally higher occurrence is due to a lack of a good nutritious diet for the mother during pregnancy. The deficiencies of vital minerals and vitamins can lead to severe disabilities. Spina Bifida is one of them.

We are working on getting help, not only to this boy but also to the rest of the 35,000 people we are delivering services to.

If you want to help, please donate now.

You can also get your workplace to partner with us on a project. We have a whole catalogue to choose from.

Download it here:

Innovation Spotlight! Watch Our Feature & Join Our Pitch Event

Spotted on Channel 9!

We're excited to share that Australia for Cedar Tanzania recently was featured on Channel 9's Innovation Nation!

The program showcases innovative business in WA - we seriously have some innovative thinkers her in Western Australia!

You can watch the 3 minute clip below - or click over to Channel 9 to watch the full episode.

Join us at the Emersyn Pitch Event

Mark your calendars!

We'd love for you to join us at a pitch event this Monday, 29th April 5:30pm - 7:30pm.

We'll be giving a 5-minute presentation alongside other inspiring female founders. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our organisation and see what the future holds!

The event is FREE and you can register below.

Are you meeting your CSR goals?

In an era where corporate responsibility is not just a buzzword but a crucial aspect of sustainable business growth, we are thrilled to unveil our latest initiative: The CSR Product Catalogue.

We have also added a whole new section to our website: "CSR for Companies". As leaders at the forefront of shaping corporate strategy and direction, we understand the imperative to integrate social responsibility into every facet of your organisation's operations.

Why CSR Matters:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) transcends mere philanthropy; it is about aligning business values with societal needs, thereby fostering a positive impact on communities while driving long-term success. Today's consumers, investors, and employees are increasingly gravitating towards companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, social equity, and ethical practices.

Our Approach:

Our CSR Product Catalogue will show you examples on specific projects that are ready to be tailored to meet the specific needs of top-level executives like yourselves. We recognize that integrating CSR initiatives seamlessly into corporate strategies requires strategic insight, innovative thinking, and actionable plans.

We Offer:

• a wide range of CSR products

• products, that are tried and tested, and ready to launch

• products, that are customisable in impact and financial commitment

• easy implementation on your behalf

• long-time presence in East Africa

• expertise partnering with the mining sector

Easy Solution:

• guaranteed financial transparency and legality through our Australian organisation

• no need for vetting or follow-up on local organisations by you

• regular financial reports provided

• impact milestones and reports issued throughout project duration

• storytelling products delivered ready for publication

Do you want to know more? Nina, our CEO, is happy to deliver a presentation on how we can you and your company have a meaningful and sustainable impact.

Contact Nina here

Thank you

Fish for Christmas?

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you that will have a lasting impact on the lives of those in rural Tanzania. As we continue our journey to reduce poverty and improve health outcomes, we are launching a groundbreaking Fish Farming Project that aims to enhance food security and create sustainable job opportunities for the local community.

Fish farming is a relatively new concept in Tanzania, and we believe it holds tremendous potential to address pressing issues such as malnutrition, unemployment, and poverty. By cultivating a sustainable fish farming initiative, we envision a future where families have access to nutritious food, and individuals have the chance to gain meaningful employment.

Project Overview:

Our initial phase involves starting small with an expected yearly harvest of 3 tonnes of fish. This modest beginning, however, is just the first step in our larger vision to expand and make an even greater impact on the community. We plan to learn, adapt, and scale up, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of this initiative.

The Impact:

Food Security: The fish farming project will contribute to increased local food production, reducing dependence on external sources and ensuring a more stable food supply for the community.

Job Creation: As the project grows, so will the need for skilled individuals to manage and operate the fish farm. This will provide valuable employment opportunities for local residents, fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency.

Health Improvement: Fish is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. By incorporating fish into the local diet, we aim to improve overall health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Economic Growth: As the project grows the created surplus will cover expenses to Kamanga Health Centre so we can continue to deliver quality health care to the 35,000 local residents we serve.

How You Can Make a Difference:

To turn this vision into reality, we need your support. We are reaching out to you, our dedicated supporters, with a call to action. We aim to raise $25,000 to kickstart the Fish Farming Project and ensure its success. Your donation will directly contribute to the purchase of necessary equipment, construction of fish ponds, and the implementation of sustainable farming practices.

Donate today

https://donorbox.org/our-christmas-wish

Whether large or small, every contribution brings us one step closer to transforming lives in rural Tanzania. Together, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial 3-tonne harvest, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.

Thank you for being a crucial part of our mission to make a meaningful difference. We look forward to sharing updates on the progress of the Fish Farming Project and celebrating the positive impact your generosity will have on the lives of those we serve.

Why domestic violence is more common in poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa

Let's talk about a tough issue: domestic violence.

It's a problem that affects people all around the world, but in Sub-Saharan Africa - including Tanzania - it's often more common in communities struggling with extreme poverty.

Domestic violence isn't just about physical abuse - although we often see this too. It can be emotional, economic, or psychological. And it's not limited to one group of people – it can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, or how much money they have. But in poor communities, domestic violence tends to rear its ugly head more often.

Why is that?

Money Stress

One big reason is the stress that comes with not having enough money. Poverty means not having a stable job, not being able to make ends meet, and not knowing where your next meal will come from. All this financial uncertainty can lead to frustration and, unfortunately, violence can sometimes become an outlet for that frustration.

Gender Inequality

Sub-Saharan Africa, like many places, deals with gender inequality. Traditionally, men are expected to be the primary providers, while women are supposed to take care of the family. In poor communities, these roles can become even more rigid. Men who can't fulfill their provider role may feel like they're losing their status, and this can lead to violence as a way for them to regain control.

Lack of Education

Education is power, but in many poor communities, access to quality education is limited. This lack of education can mean people don't know their rights, and harmful stereotypes and ideas about violence can go unchallenged. Education can be a game-changer in raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting gender equality.

Cultural Beliefs

Cultural norms and the way society looks at domestic violence can also be a problem. Some communities might see it as a private matter or even as a form of discipline. Victims often face a lot of shame and stigma when they try to speak out or get help, which makes it even harder to break free from abuse.

Legal Challenges

Having laws against domestic violence is one thing, but enforcing them is another. In many poor communities, access to legal help is scarce. Victims often struggle to escape abusive relationships or get justice. We need better legal protections and law enforcement that takes domestic violence seriously.

What Can We Do?

Addressing the link between poverty and domestic violence is a big task, but there are steps we can take:

Economic Support:

Programs that help lift people out of poverty, like our saving clubs and skill training programs, can make a huge difference.

Gender Equality:

We need to change how we think about gender roles and empower both women and men. Everyone should have equal opportunities and responsibilities. Changing societal norms takes time but we have to start now.

Education and Awareness:

Better access to education and awareness campaigns can help people understand their rights and the damage that domestic violence can cause.

Legal Changes:

We need stronger laws against domestic violence and better enforcement. Victims should have access to legal support and protection. In Tanzania, we have previously successfully supported the need to have a ‘gender desk’ at the local police station specifically handling domestic violence cases against women and children.

Support Services:

Creating safe spaces, shelters, counseling, and legal aid for victims is crucial. They need a way out and help to rebuild their lives. Currently, our hospital often plays that role.

The connection between poverty and domestic violence in Sub-Saharan Africa is a serious issue. To tackle it, we need a comprehensive approach that includes helping people out of poverty, promoting gender equality, educating everyone, improving the law, and providing support for victims. By addressing the root causes of domestic violence and offering help to those who need it, we can work toward safer and fairer communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

You can help us changing lives.

It only takes a click on a button.

Thank you! You are amazing.

What Can You Get For 3 Cents?

Not much, you’d probably say.

But what if I told you that is all it takes to change a life?

It costs just $0.03 per person per day to deliver healthcare and poverty reducing activities to the 35,000 people living in the Nyamatongo Ward.

By donating as little as $10 you are helping more than 300 people! That is unbelievable, isn't it?

If you donate $50 you are helping 16,667 in one day. If you choose to make that donation monthly you have supported more than 200,000 people in one year. Incredible!

Your donation changes lives every day.

You can read all about our projects on our website: https://www.australiaforcedartanzania.org/

What is Swahili Sensations anyway?

Have you seen Swahili Sensations pop up in your feed on Facebook or Instagram?

Swahili Sensations is a Social Enterprise based in Australia. They have made it their mission to deliver handmade luxuries to you and your home. Jewellery, baskets, rugs, throws, books, toys, bunting, and lots more - all handmade, and all of amazing quality.

And here’s the best part: 10% of their profits are being donated to us! That means every time you buy something you have automatically contributed to our existence. Isn’t that just amazing?

Why Swahili Sensations?

Nina Hjortlund, who has founded Swahili Sensations says: “Our goal is four-fold. We want to bring handmade luxury to you and your home. Unique and one-of-a-kind items of the best quality that you can’t find anywhere else.

We want to showcase the exquisite handcrafts coming out of East Africa. Giving you an opportunity to see some of the amazing things that otherwise doesn’t make it to the Australian nor international market.

We want to give you the opportunity to support a local artisan for their skilled and talented work. By supporting the makers directly you are providing them with a pathway out of poverty not only for themselves but for their entire families.

And of course, we want to support efficient and effective change through Australia for Cedar Tanzania. That’s why we donate 10% of our profits to them.”

Full disclosure

You may have recognised the name, Nina is also the CEO of Australia for Cedar Tanzania. Isn’t that confusing?

“Being the CEO of Australia for Cedar Tanzania is an amazing job and allows us to see the positive and sustainable change our projects provide. Being a not-for-profit sometimes has it limitations and there are certain things that are harder to do within the concept and framework that provides. That is why I decided to personally create Swahili Sensations. Having a social enterprise opens up for a whole other set of ways we can support people to lift themselves out of poverty - and at the same time provide you with some of the beautiful and amazing thing that are being produced across East Africa.” Nina says.

Handpicked by Nina

Nina personally handpicks each item for Swahili Sensations on her trips. She meets with the artisans in various parts of the region and makes sure each item is of the best quality. On occasion, the artisans will make items exclusively for Swahili Sensations, suited to our valuable customers.

Although Swahili Sensations are an Australia based company they happily ship worldwide.

where to find Swahili Sensations

Swahili Sensations is a fully online shop. You can have look at all the amazing collection of handmade crafts here, or you can follow Swahili Sensations on Facebook or Instagram.

ESG explained

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It's a set of criteria that investors and businesses use to evaluate a company's performance and impact on society and the environment.

Let's focus on the "S" aspect of ESG, which stands for "Social." This part looks at how a company interacts with people, both inside and outside the organization. It considers things like:

Employee treatment: How well does the company treat its employees? Do they provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth?

Diversity and inclusion: Is the company diverse in terms of race, gender, and other demographics? Do they promote inclusivity and equal opportunities?

Community impact: How does the company affect the communities where it operates? Do they contribute positively to society by supporting local initiatives and being a responsible corporate citizen?

Customer satisfaction: Does the company prioritize customer well-being and satisfaction? Do they offer quality products or services that meet the needs of their customers?

Supply chain ethics: Does the company ensure that its suppliers follow ethical practices and treat their employees and the environment responsibly?

ESG vs CSR

ESG is similar to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in that both aim to assess a company's impact on society. However, there are some key differences between the two:

Scope: ESG is a broader concept that considers environmental, social, and governance aspects of a company, while CSR primarily focuses on the company's social and environmental responsibilities.

Integration: ESG is often integrated into the core business strategy and decision-making processes of a company, while CSR may be seen as a separate set of initiatives or projects.

Reporting and Transparency: ESG reporting is becoming more standardized and mainstream, with companies disclosing their ESG practices to investors and stakeholders. CSR reporting can also be a part of ESG reporting, but it tends to be more voluntary and may vary in terms of metrics and disclosure.

Stakeholder Impact: ESG takes into account the interests of all stakeholders, including employees, communities, investors, and customers. CSR may have a narrower focus, mainly addressing social and environmental issues.

To sum up, you can say ESG is about evaluating a company's environmental, social, and governance practices, with a particular emphasis on how it treats people (the "S" aspect). While similar in some ways, ESG is a broader and more integrated approach compared to CSR, which often concentrates on specific social and environmental initiatives.

What does that have to do with you and me?

You see, we often partner with companies to deliver on their CSR goals. We have the expertise and the experience. We can deliver a far better impact for less money - that’s a good ROI (return on Investment), to stay with the lingo.

Does the company you work for us have an ESG plan or even penned out some CSR goals? If not, point them our way and we are happy to have a non-binding and free conversation.

Do you want to hear something interesting?

Then you should get our Founding Director and CEO, Nina Hjortlund, to speak at your event.

She is an experienced speaker delivering both personal stories and reflective insights with passion and wit.

Topics include:

CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE WIN

How to make CSR an equal working relationship drawing on the strengths and expertise of both parties resulting in better impact and sustainable results. What are the flaws and pitfalls with the current hand-out mentality for supporting local organisations?

WHY AFRICA MATTERS TO YOU

Creating sustainable economic growth throughout sub-Saharan Africa is vital for global stability. Growing population in need of jobs and quality of life has more impact on your day-to-day life than you think!

YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON INVESTING IN AFRICAN WOMEN

When we invest in African women it increases economic growth and development. When women are empowered they become powerful catalysts for economic development. Investing in African women reduces poverty, gender inequality, and social injustice leading to better global health and social outcomes.

WHY MUSHROOMS ARE THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING

Growing mushrooms in Tanzania has given us a pathway to reduce poverty, provide better nutrition, create jobs, equality, health, climate change, sustainability, and long-term funding of other projects. Get the details of this inspiring and groundbreaking project stemming from a humble mushroom.

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