In association with Open Lens Productions presents
‘Aspire to Africa: Opening the Doors to A World of Education’
New documentary by up and coming documentary filmmaker explores the impact of a North Birmingham charity’s philanthropic efforts to improve the quality of education and life for children in Tanzania.
Based in the heart of North Birmingham, Aspire Sports Trust is a growing charity transforming lives through physical activity and sport. Operating within the UK and Africa, the charity aims to improve the education of children and young people by enhancing the employability and skills of young people in the UK, helping schools in Africa create sustainable learning environments and improving their general health and well-being.
The charity has now launched its 2018 campaign to raise funds and bring awareness to its Aspire to Africa project. The project was set up in 2010 with a mission to develop and educate schools and local communities in Africa through physical activity, sport and supporting them to build their infrastructure.
The impact of the Aspire to Africa project’s arrival at the school so far has seen an improvement of sanitary conditions and installation of solar panels; allowing electricity to be run into classrooms and teachers’ houses meaning teachers can plan lessons more effectively. The project has also part refurbished the teachers’ accommodation, including new secured windows, doors and roofs. The water supply installation has led to the extension of the medical centre which now services the community in a much more effective way. In addition to this the school has moved up the regional league tables. Two years ago, the school was rated 78th out of 90 schools in the district; since Aspire’s engagement they are now rated in the top 10 (7th). Prior to the Aspire to Africa project’s involvement only 4 out of 50 children who took their secondary progression exam passed; in 2017 42 out of 50 children passed their secondary exam.
Speaking on the impact of the project, project Founder and Trustee, Paul Griffiths said:
“I am immensely proud of the work the Aspire to Africa project has achieved at Buyuni One Primary School. Every penny we raise for the Aspire to Africa project goes directly to helping us achieve our goals. Sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds and we’re currently researching ways in which we can aid teaching and learning at Buyuni One using technology. I’m excited to see what developments will happen over the next few years and plans are in place to roll this out to more primary schools in Tanzania.”
‘Film Premier’
On the 18th January 2018, the impact of the Aspire to Africa project will be premiered in the breakout documentary ‘Aspire to Africa: Opening the Doors to A World of Education’ from Birmingham’s up and coming documentary filmmaker, Daina Anderson. The film’s premier, to be held at the Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham’s Custard Factory will be hosted by BBC News Presenter Amy Coles and will include keynote talks from some of Birmingham’s most influential role models. The event will be attended by supporters and sponsors alike in an attempt to raise awareness of the project’s continued efforts in Tanzania.
This is the first independent release from Daina under her newly established company, Open Lens Productions. Daina has a career spanning more than 15 years within television, radio and social development. When asked her thoughts on the impending release of the documentary, she said:
“My aim as a filmmaker is to widen audiences’ understanding of the gaping holes that charities and businesses alike try to fill when addressing social issues, whilst also garnering more support for their efforts in the process. All too often I’ve seen these organisations work tirelessly to address needs caused by issues such as social deprivation, struggling economies and government cut backs to front line services. Sometimes they do it with little support or public awareness of just how vital their organisations are to our communities. This documentary is special to me as it’s my first attempt to use my voice to address this through combining my passion for filmmaking and social development to really raise awareness of a charity doing fantastic and vital work. I’ve evidently seen first-hand the massive impact the project is having on children’s lives in Tanzania and how it is giving them tangible hope of a much brighter future”.
NOTES
On Thursday 18th January, you are warmly invited to attend & celebrate the premier screening of our documentary
ASPIRE TO AFRICA: OPENING THE DOORS TO A WORLD OF EDUCATION
at The Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen in Birmingham from 5.30pm until 8.30pm.
Refreshments will be available throughout the evening.
To reserve your place, please email daina.anderson@outlook.com
Or call 07961 759 975 for further information.
The evening will include some keynote talks from Birmingham’s most influential role models, as well as a chance to meet the brilliant people who have supported and continue to support the project.
Aspire Sports Trust are excited to showcase the incredible impact our work has had on the pupils and teachers at Buyuni One and we welcome you to join us.