AN INTERNATIONAL rights campaigner has given a Vale charity a leading endorsement saying it has helped transform the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.
Mary Makokha gave Cropthrone based charity APT Action on Poverty a massive thumbs up when she spoke at an event which celebrated its 30th anniversary at the House of Lords.
The charity, which was awarded almost £500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund earlier this year, aims to help some of the world’s
poorest by providing families with food, education and healthcare.
Mary, who is also the director of REEP (Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme) in Kenya, addressed more than 100 people at the famous London setting along with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International
Development MP Lynne Featherstone
Last year, despite intimidation for the work she does, Mary mounted an international campaign to highlight injustices.
She most notably challenged gender based violence and abuse against children and young women. The international concerns she raised led to changes in child protection policy in the Busia district where she is based.
Mary Makokha, who has experienced personal threats and abuse as a result of her work said during the event: “The impact of APT support is that we have grown from 4 struggling staff to 27 staff and 1,452 volunteers.
“APT pull you up and leave you very strong. Your contributions literally transform lives in Africa.”
Andrew Johnston, chief cxecutive of APT Action on Poverty, added: “It is a great honour to welcome two outstanding women to our 30th Anniversary celebrations. Lynne’s focus on global women’s and girl’s issues at DFID marks her out as an exemplar
of what a positive influence the UK can have in the world today.
“In welcoming Mary we were delighted to be able to share some of the stories first hand of the change that APT brings to local communities in rural Kenya.
“Along with our supporters, we look forward to building even stronger partnerships in Africa and Asia in the next 30 years.”