Changing the World one MP at a Time

For a small organisation such as African Initiatives it is hard to have the impact we would like on policy change, particularly when the policies which need changing are on the other side of the world. In fact we learn a lot from our partners in Africa, especially CASEC, on the ways in which they influence change and their ‘softly, softly’ approach of building relationships over time and then making requests of their change makers. When we find a member of parliament who listens to the issues we are shouting about it is something to celebrate.

Recently, our CEO heard that her local MP in Wells, Tessa Munt had a keen interest in Africa and East African history in particular. When Rosie met her she was able to talk frankly, and face to face about the difficulties faced by Tanzanian pastoralists who are fighting for their land and those daughters who are fighting to go to school. This means a direct link into parliament; one more MP who knows what is happening and who can help to direct the British government’s reaction to these injustices. Ms. Munt talked to Rosie about the potential for African Initiatives to benefit future generations of young Africans with the programmes we and our partners are running. To gain the interest and support of a local MP with an existing understanding of Africa will be vital for African Initiatives as, with our partners, we continue to fight for justice and equality.

To see more on Rosie’s meeting with Tessa please click here