I’m delighted to introduce our 2018/19 Supporter Review. At the end of each year, it is always good to reflect on and take stock of the incredible work our organisation does globally. I’d like to invite you to read about some of the incredible people we have had the privilege of working with and to find out more about the exciting projects we run.
Last year, we reflected deeply on our approach to our vital development work, as well as to safeguarding and our organisational culture. The people and communities we have the privilege of working alongside are at the centre of everything we do. In this context, the way in which we respond to development challenges is just as important as what we actually do to respond. We have worked hard to create a deeper awareness of how our words and actions have the potential to create unhelpful power dynamics.
At United Purpose, we are proud to deliver community led programmes where people are in control of their own development. In this report, you will read many inspiring stories from our work, but as you will see our ultimate goal is to leave people and communities with agency over their own lives. We believe it is only this that will bring true independence to those living in some of the world’s most challenging places, and empower them to move beyond aid.
One of the ways we do this is through our growing portfolio of social enterprises (see page 28 in the Supporter Review). These include CUMO, our successful Malawi-based microfinance organisation that provides people in remote areas with vital financial services to start and strengthen businesses. There’s also our carbon initiative – an innovative funding model where we sell carbon credits and reinvest the money we raise into vital community development projects.
Last year, we reached 3 million people across 16 countries. I am, as always, so grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, partners and community of supporters – thank you so much to you all. I look forward to making this year an even bigger success in our endeavour to create a world where justice, dignity and respect prevail for all.
Read our Supporter Review here.
Kathryn Llewellyn
CEO United Purpose