BSWN were introduced to Zulayiha from a local heritage and history project Kuungana Kuungana at a BSWN Voluntary and Community Sector network meeting in August 2019. She approached BSWN to ask for support with a project idea which consisted of planning and organising a series of Black History events in the city. The events were to be very much community focused, with a view to invite black historians and members of the public to share knowledge in the form of a number of regular engaging weekend events.

Kuungana’s commitment to honouring and showcasing black heritage is reflected in their mission statement; “We would like to promote the history and the culture of Africa through our African eyes and intellectuals! We do not want our history to be presented by others anymore but by our African intellectuals. That’s why Kuungana will be only produced with African writers, poets, authors, intellects, scientists and so on.”

During the initial stage, we helped Kuungana assess which project needs, and asked them to produce a clear project outline which they produced swiftly and enthusiastically. The greatest barrier to their project sustainability was lack of funding. In order to support their work, we offered Kuungana the opportunity to have a number of surgeries with Sona Mahtani, founder of Beyond Just Now and BSWN community development associate. Sona supported the project in formulating a fundraising strategy which included:

setting up of Go Fund Me page which raised £741 to date
advertised their project and funding site on Ujima radio to raise local awareness of their
project and passion
and applying with the Quartet Community Foundation for a project grant
As application for grant funding required the project to hold a bank account, BSWN agreed to act as the grant holder organisation, receiving funds on their behalf in order to prevent this barrier from impacting their chances at receiving a grant. Zulayiha was happy to share that “Thanks to BSWN, we are doing so well. Thanks for your support”.