Bristol Link With Beira
Bristol Link with Beira is a programme of the charity Southern Africa Resource Centre. Bristol Link with Beira promotes people-to-people networks between the cities of Bristol and Beira and benefit local communities in the city of Beira making sure no one is left behind.
The work is based on the strong twinning relationship between the two cities since 1990. We support the city in a number of different ways, through programme development, projects and research. For example, we have long-standing schools programmes, cultural exchanges and many local council initiatives.
Our main partner in Beira is the NGO ADEL Sofala, which helps identify, support and deliver programmes through people-to-people networks.
Sharon Foster
Trustee Acting Chair
Sharon is an experienced Directors’ Assistant at Bristol City Council, having previously worked in the public sector. She has been involved in the trade union for 35 years and is now an active steward. Sharon is committed to working through the different strands of equality and diversity. She finds this challenging, encouraging, and educational to everyone. Sharon gets satisfaction when progress and achievements are made especially around Women, Black & Minority Ethnic issues. Sharon is an experienced Magistrate and serves as the 2023 -2024 High Sheriff of Bristol.
Peninah Achieng-Kindberg
Trustee
Peninah works passionately for social justice and is keen to ensure that Bristol Link with Beira adds value by driving community initiatives. An accountant and financial consultant, she has worked in various public sector organisations, most recently the Ministry of Justice. Peninah is also a Board member for African Voices Forum, HealthWatch, the Perivoli Africa Research Charter, the Independent Residents Panel for Avon and Somerset Police, and is a mentor for the Princes Trust. She promotes inclusive leadership through addressing under-representation and inequalities whilst also tackling issues of Afriphobia by promoting positive images of African culture and heritage. Originally from Kenya, she has been in UK for over 20 years, as a community activist.
Caroline Pitt
Trustee, Treasurer, Secretary
Caroline worked for 10 years in Mozambique, based in Beira, designing social and civic infrastructure for urban populations and for the resettlement of rural refugees. She is very aware of global inequalities, including the effects of climate change, in particular rising sea level and severe weather events, on vulnerable communities. Since her return to the UK in 2001, as an Architect and Urban Development Planner, Caroline has engaged with sustainability issues in the built environment, with an emphasis on the educational sector. She leads the Programme Working Group for Bristol Link with Beira. She is active in West Bristol Climate Action and is a Trustee of Bristol's Global Goals Centre.
Angela Lowe
Trustee
Angela is an independent marine environmental consultant. Her connection with Mozambique began in 2009 when she went to volunteer for six months for a marine megafauna research centre in Inhambane. Through both living in a small coastal community, and working on large infrastructure projects in Mozambique, Angela has a good understanding of the complex challenges and inequalities faced within Mozambique, from community to national scales. As a volunteer she helps support BLB’s partner ADEL Sofala with marine and community focused projects and proposals, as well as taking the opportunity to enhance her Portuguese learning by assisting with translation of documents. Angela is proud to be contributing to the work of such a well-established and impactful organisation.
Zoe Gibbons
International Twinning Officer
Zoe Gibbons is the International Twinning Officer, working for Bristol International Twinning Association through Bristol City Council. Zoe has been involved with international grassroot football groups for over 22 years, who advocate for equality and inclusion through sport, fostering cultural understanding and friendship. Zoe is also an established artist, and facilitates creative workshops in schools and community settings. Zoe is committed to promoting global citizenship in Bristol, organising workshops in schools and at city events.