In September 2024, Brighter Communities Worldwide had the pleasure of attending the National Ploughing Championships for the very first time, participating as part of the Global Solidarity Hub. This exciting opportunity allowed us to showcase our work in Kenya, connect with supporters, and expand our network in a vibrant environment that celebrates agriculture, rural life, and innovation.
The Global Solidarity Hub was a collaboration of six international development organisations, including Brighter Communities Worldwide, Trocaire, Self Help Africa, Sightsavers, Dochas, and Concern Worldwide. This collective effort focused on raising awareness of Ireland’s role in global development and demonstrating the power of working together for sustainable change. Through interactive exhibits, the hub highlighted connections between local agricultural challenges in Ireland and global issues affecting communities in places like Kenya, emphasizing the need for collaboration, learning, and action to create a fairer, more sustainable world.
Our exhibit showcased several models from our work in Kericho County, Kenya, with a particular focus on climate resilience and sustainable living. One of the key features of our display was the Healthy Homestead model, which demonstrated how a clean, safe, and climate-resilient home can be developed. This model provided an engaging way to highlight practical solutions that address both health and environmental challenges in rural Kenya.
Visitors to our stand learned about some of the innovative solutions we have implemented in Kenya, which resonated deeply with rural Irish communities facing similar environmental and social challenges. Our exhibit included:
- Smokeless Stove: A model of a smokeless stove that reduces respiratory illnesses and uses less firewood than traditional open fires. It’s a vital tool for improving health and reducing deforestation.
- Improved Pit Latrine: This model demonstrated how better sanitation can control diseases and improve health, a key issue in many rural areas worldwide.
- Tippy Tappy: A simple yet effective handwashing station used in areas without running water. It showcased the importance of hygiene and water conservation.
- Reusable Sanitary Kits: These kits promote hygiene, dignity, and gender equality for women and girls, while also reducing waste—a critical issue in many rural regions
Our first experience at the National Ploughing Championships was truly inspiring, and it underscored the importance of global solidarity. Whether working in rural Kenya or here in Ireland, the need for sustainable, community-driven solutions is universal. Brighter Communities Worldwide will continue to build on the connections we made and the awareness we raised at the event, working towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
