Bristol Link With Beira
Bristol Link with Beira is a charity that 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.
Roger James
Trustee
The Trustees are saddened to hear that Roger passed away on 4th June 2024. Roger bought experience in International Development and Sustainable Development, having spent 40 years at Oxfam, initially as a political affairs officer, rising to Team Leader for South West Regional Campaigns. He continued to research and campaign on these issues, in particular global climate change and social justice. Roger also served as a local parish councillor. He will be sorely missed and all at BLB send their sincere codolences to all his family and friends.
Peninah Achieng-Kindberg
Trustee Chair
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.
Dave Spurgeon
Trustee and Secretary
Dave Spurgeon has been involved with SARC and with BLB since their inception including helping to decorate the shop and offices we originally opened in Old Market in 1989! His interest in Southern Africa and Mozambique stems from his involvement in the Anti-Apartheid Movement over a number of decades. He Chaired Bristol AAM and its successor Bristol ACTSA (Action for Southern Africa) and has been a member of the NEC and ACTSA’s Advisory Council. He has been fortunate to have visited Beira and is Secretary of BLB, and leads the Operational Working Group.
Sharon Foster
Trustee
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.
Caroline Pitt
Trustee and Treasurer
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.
Bethan Simpson
Volunteer
My responsibilities as a volunteer have involved attending organisational meetings, contributing to the creation of newsletters, producing social media content, and extending assistance wherever necessary to ongoing projects. I am currently working on the creation of a “Where is our Twin” teaching pack, designed to educate primary school students in Bristol about Beira and Mozambique. The team’s support and inclusiveness have created a positive and accommodating volunteer experience, with the work being both flexible and enjoyable. I am grateful to be a part of Bristol Link with Beira and for the insight I have gained into the development sector.