Justin Nsiko Bankwa, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, set up The Discovery Of The Talents in 2006. It aims to help develop the potential of young people in Birmingham and has recently received funding for an allotment project following work with David Hirst, the Basis Project Organisational Development Office for the West Midlands.
Here's a link to the transcript of the video below.
Justin Nsiko Bankwa - Volunteer co-ordinator and founder of The Discovery of the Talents
In April 2007 we received an email from the Aston Pride regeneration programme about different training courses that were available at Trafford Hall (home of The National Communities Resource Centre).
We chose the course on running an allotment because this word was new to us and we were curious to learn more. Also, we weren’t aware of any other refugee community organisations running allotment projects in Birmingham.
The training lasted three days and, when it had finished we devised a plan to set up an allotment project in Birmingham for refugees. Our hope was that this would give refugees the opportunity to work in the community, meet other people, and hopefully involve people from the host community. Trafford Hall invites funding bids for up to £3,000 once training is finished, so we went ahead and made an application.
At first we weren’t successful getting the funding, although we did get a plot at a local authority site. Then after a long meeting with Trafford Hall, and a lot of help from David Hirst from the Basis Project, we finally got a cheque for £2,173.
With this money we were able to buy some equipment and have since started work on the site. We plan to grow lots of lovely fresh food and expand the allotment to accommodate as many people as wish to join us.
David Hirst - The Basis Project Organisational Development Worker in the West Midlands
I have known this small self-help RCO for over 12 months, initially through my previous job with Birmingham City Council.
I met with the group again shortly after two members had attended an Allotment Training Course at Trafford Hall National Communities Resources Centre in Cheshire. I was asked to provide references for them. As a result of attending the training, the group decided to put in a funding bid for equipment, rent, insurance and so on to Trafford Hall who administer a small grants scheme as part of a community action programme.
I joined the Basis Project in February 2008 and saw an opportunity to expand my work with The Discovery of the Talents. I was invited to attend a meeting with three group members and a representative from Trafford Hall in Ladywood, Birmingham in May 2008.
The purpose of this meeting was to explain to the group the criteria for grant aid. My role was to act as a referee and help convince the funder that the group were able to deliver the project and meet the criteria set by Trafford Hall.
I also helped support the group in making an allotment application to Birmingham City Council. I signposted them to the appropriate Council department and helped chase up an application that was lost in the post.
At the end of August 2008 this year, the group secured their plot at The Uplands Allotment in Handsworth, Birmingham. They still have a lot of hard work to do clearing the ground. This year, they hope to plant, grow and harvest from the plot.
In the meantime, as the Basis Organistional Development Worker (ODO) working with this group, I have so far reviewed their existing health and safety policy; I have also helped them review their existing Child Protection Policy. I’ll also be working with them soon to review and help them devise robust financial management procedures for their organisation.
