Water: An inconvenience for us – a crisis for millions
In mid-August 2022, all of South West England was declared drought-affected by the Environment Agency. That probably means where you live if you’re a SWIDN member. Have you noticed? What have you done differently? Maybe you’ve stopped using the hose to water the garden? But let’s be honest, how many of us really water the…
New University of Bristol research opportunities for SWIDN members could shed new light on sustainability challenges
The MSc Society, Politics and Climate Change, which will investigate the impact of a changing climate on our society, is set to shape the next generation of environmental champions. As part of their course, students can take on a research project with a professional partner. The projects will be rooted in cutting-edge research and academic…
From Send a Cow to Ripple Effect: Why a much-loved charity changes its name
Why would you do that? Ripple Effect Communications Manager Jennifer Stevenson charts the change. There’s no doubt that people loved the name Send a Cow. It had charm by the bucketload, and the kind of Does-What-It-Says-On-The-Tin practicality that cuts through to individual donors. It evoked a bold 35-year history that started with a group of dairy farmers…
What our MPs are saying about International Development
Last Thursday, the UK parliament’s International Development Committee (IDC) published its much anticipated report on Racism in the aid sector. SWIDN were proud to contribute to The Philosophy and Culture of Aid inquiry with our written and oral evidence reflecting the views of some in our community who took the time to complete our survey or talk to…
What our Schools Teach us About Africa and Why it Matters
How much of your childhood education can you remember? Perhaps you remember specific skills you learnt, like when you’re faced with a particular sum or a tricky word to spell. Or perhaps you remember chunks of knowledge about wider topics, like Henry III or the science behind osmosis? Depending on where in the world we…
Addressing Racism in International Development
There is a growing discussion in our sector about racism and its impact on international development. At SWIDN, we want to be clear that we take a zero tolerance approach to racism. At the same time, we also want to acknowledge that dismantling racism in our sector is going to take time, and the action,…
