Check out this video showing some short clips of our trip to Africa to see the work that Against the Grain has been supporting. The song that features is one that was written for Abedare Ranges Primary school which was set up by the organisation ‘So they Can’. We wrote the song during our time in Kenya and recorded it with the students of the school.

After five years of imagining, a dream became reality when I was given the opportunity to shake hands with the children and families ATG has been sponsoring for the past few years. I know that sometimes aid organisations can cop some flack, but to experience first hand how far the money goes and the joy that it brings people is mindblowing. Having the opportunity to embrace the energy and feel the appreciation of these families is something that money will never buy. World Vision works. I have seen it for myself. I would like to acknowledge all the sponsors who have donated to the cause for the past few years. The below photo is for you.

Renee Xx

Here’s a little piece to say a massive thankyou to those who turned out to the gig on Saturday night. I’m so stoked to announce that over $1200 was raised for the cause. Here’s some more info on exactly where the money is going:

On the 30^th December a friend and I am heading to Rwanda to see the work of the Tubehoneza project where we will meet the kids the organisation (Against the Grain) has been sponsoring. Following this we head to Kenya  to work in a school through an organisation “So they Can” which focuses on education for the poorest of children in partnership with the community and Kenyan government.

One of the key objectives for the trip is to set up book banks in the Tubehoneza area during our time in Rwanda. Each book bank is like a small library which will give the children access to some simple, but life changing; resources. The kind of resources that are taken for granted in more privileged countries like New Zealand but resources that have a massive role in meeting educational needs. Each book bank is $95.

With the money raised, we are now able to purchase 10 book banks for the Tubehoneza community and contribute $200 as part of a donation to the organisation in Kenya (So they Can).

I love this picture. Here is some school kids using the only resources they currently have (cardboard and pencils). With the money raised, the book banks will be able to supply them with proper writing materials as well as additional learning resources! 

Renee