Bees Abroad
Bees Abroad is a new organisation which is registered as a legally recognised UK charity (Registered Charity No 1079266). We have a single, very simple objective, that is the relief of poverty through the development of beekeeping. Bees Abroad started when various people who were working independently and privately in two countries (Nepal and Cameroon) decided to form a properly recognised group because it seemed better to use each other’s knowledge, experience and skills to best advantage.
We aim to support appropriate and sustainable methods of beekeeping to help people improve their standard of living by becoming bee farmers or to otherwise maximise their benefits from the development of beekeeping and related activities such as improved uses of hive products or marketing.
Bees Abroad offers direct funding and technical support as required for suitable beekeeping projects for a defined period after which they are expected to become self-sufficient. They must be run by a properly formulated local group with a project manager accountable to Bees Abroad. New projects are scrutinised and agreed in detail by the charity’s trustees, who include experienced beekeepers, before approval. They must have a clear and defined goal and a costed means of achieving sustainability within a given time frame.
At present we have three projects, the KOM Beekeeping Project in North West Cameroon, TOBA project in South West Cameroon and the Kwe Danda Project in Nepal. These look set to expand. We have also had enquiries from other countries that we are assessing for the future.
Beekeeping in the developing world is not the same as beekeeping in the developed world and the trustees are keen that sound principles are applied to ensure the tuition is appropriate for the country involved. Bees Abroad, in conjunction with the British Beekeepers Association has developed a standard format of qualification for beekeeping trainers in developing countries. It is envisaged that this qualification will also be available for people in developed countries who wish to understand more about beekeeping in a development context.
Bee farming is a genderless activity that can be carried out by diverse types of people. It has no cultural taboos and already has a strong traditional history, with most people aware of the value of hive products both for food and medicine. The production of good quality honey and other hive products can add significantly to the income of the poorest people in the world.
We undertake to raise the money to help this happen for as many good projects are we are able to cope with. This means that Bees Abroad is first and foremost a direct funding charity.
We raise funds through sponsorship, fundraising events, holidays and member support. By becoming a member of Bees Abroad for just £10 per annum, you can share your beekeeping interests with others, knowing that you are helping to support overseas beekeepers and their families. Members will receive newsletters with progress on the projects and information about the holidays, which offer first hand experience of beekeeping in different countries. We welcome members taking an active part in Bees Abroad. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Pam Gregory, Honorary Secretary, Bees Abroad, Pentrebwlen, Llanddewi Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6PA, Wales, UK.
To join, please contact Mr Rolf Ellis 19, Whaddon Rd, Cheltenham, Glos, UK GL52 5LZ.
WEBSITE: www.beesabroad.org.uk
