Projects – The Calabash Hub

Projects & Community Programmes

The Calabash Hub promotes and supports community projects in UK, Ghana and Caribbean. There are many ways to assist a community that will benefit economically, environmentally and spiritually.

"It takes a village to raise a child, and a community to raise a village."

OKURASE VILLAGE

In the Eastern region of Ghana, West Africa is a small village called Okurase. The village is known for its rich cultural craftsmanship in making drums. I was introduced to this village in 2010 by Brother Powerful and his sister Nana whilst planning the first Ghana Experience tour for 2011. During the tour we visit the Nkabon Centre, Junior High School and participate in drum and dance workshop. We have raised funds for Classroom Electricity, Stationary, Female sanitary towels and Sportswear. Check out what we have been up to in Okurase

WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE

In September 2010, I was fortunate to visit several Shea Butter villages in Tamale, Northern Region of Ghana, for the purpose of sourcing raw Shea Butter to sell and use to make home made moisturisers. I was overwhelmed by the vast majority of women who were happy and hard working in keeping with the traditional method of processing Shea Butter.

RITES OF PASSAGE (UK)

We In 2015 I jointed The Akuah Rites of Passage programme to become a mentor for girls in London. AKUAH provides a positive context for female development to assist girls in attaining the knowledge, skills and acceptance of the responsibilities, privileges and duties of an adult member of society thereby promoting positive, and effective life choices.

SHEA BUTTER – CARIBBEAN

Shea Butter Caribbean Project was first organised in 2010 and repeated in 2012 in St Martin. This also included teaching the young people about branding and sales. Three young people volunteered to make some shea butter smothers. The kitchen mixtreses had fun measuring, mixing, blending and piping. They chose to use rose and lemongrass essential oils for their aroma and property values. They purchased their packaging from a local store and designed the labels. The highlight of the project was securing a stock purchase from a local natural shop called ‘Limboland’ in the town capital of Marigot.