Appointment of Ambassadors, Testimonials and Tour de Talents 2024

Appointment of Five Talents Ambassadors

We're thrilled to announce two new ambassadors this month: Alan Smith and Rita W Bologna FRSA .

Alan, the First Church Estates Commissioner, brings a wealth of experience from his senior roles in the Church of England , 汇丰 and KPMG . He's a champion of environmental and social responsibility investments, focusing on strong financial returns to build thriving, resilient communities.

Rita Bologna, an award-winning entrepreneur, has crafted a successful portfolio in publishing and marketing. Beyond her business achievements, she’s deeply involved in philanthropy and is Junior Warden at The Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs .

Their combined expertise will drive us forward, amplifying our mission and impact.

Trustee Testimonials

‘It’s extraordinary’ - Gordon Seabright is a trustee at Five Talents UK, and was recently appointed CEO of The Horniman Museum and Gardens. Here he reflects on the work of Five Talents and his first hand experience of the impacts of programmes in central and eastern Africa:?

I've been lucky enough to see the difference that the work of Five Talents makes to female entrepreneurs in DR Congo, Uganda and Kenya.?It's extraordinary.? Individuals start small businesses, employ people, grow them into larger businesses - they use their earnings to send their children to school, serve their communities, and build resilience so they are better able to cope with life's challenges.?The Five Talents model is unique - the charity funds business skills training & literacy, the infrastructure behind savings schemes - enabling women to help themselves and their communities.?Once the savings schemes are thriving, Five Talents steps away, avoiding the risk of creating dependency. This is all about a helping hand so that people can take care of themselves and their families with dignity and entrepreneurship.??

Five Talents is an unusual charity. It operates in the most challenging environments, focusing on female entrepreneurs, working respectfully with local partners.?Savings groups are places where people support their neighbours, and they often feature joyful singing and dancing as well as classes and discussions.?Five Talents is committed to clear eyed analysis of the impact and effectiveness of its work.? That's why I'm proud to be a supporter.

Tour de Talents - a virtual South Sudan expedition to raise funds for Five Talents

This year, help us travel 3,000 miles along the borders of South Sudan, which is home to our newest partner programme.? Every mile each participant walks, runs, swims or cycles will be counted to the total, and will raise ￡3 for a grand total of ￡9,000? across the three days of the August Bank Holiday. If we reach our 3,000 mile goal our sponsors will top up the fundraising total with a bonus donation to reach ￡10,000! If you register for the event we will update you on progress throughout the weekend, and tell the story of Five Talents through the various waymarks we will be passing by on our journey.

To sign up, visit www.fivetalents.org.uk

Stay tuned for more updates, and as usual, please share and subscribe.