COAL Newsletter, December 2024
Hello,
As 2024 winds down, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the stories, achievements, and partnerships that defined our year at COAL. From global advocacy campaigns to accelerating learning opportunities for both in and out of school children, empowering grassroots change makers, and fostering creative expressions, we’ve had an incredible year filled with purpose and creativity. Here are some of our favourite moments:
In February, we joined author Theresa Ebi for a book reading and arts-based psychotherapy session at the Mangu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Plateau State, Nigeria. With painting, music, and dance, this activity engaged over 500 children affected by conflict in the area. Read key highlight here!
Poets for Avoidable Deaths Campaign: In partnership with the Avoidable Deaths Network at University of Leicester, we launched the “Poets forAvoidable Deaths” campaign, using spoken word to raise awareness on preventable deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative reached over 426,000 people across 19 countries, spotlighting avoidable disaster deaths caused by snakebite, silicosis, and maternal mortality. See campaign videos here!
A key highlight of 2024 is the launch of the “Empowering Citizen Aid Actors” project, kickstarting with the COAL micro education grant. This initiative has supported three grassroots organisations in improving learning outcomes for 125 children and enrolling 13 out-of-school children in Plateau State, Nigeria. Thanks to our partners Claire Aid Foundation, Uplifting our Children through Support and Patris Empowerment Initiative for their commitment to early childhood development. The progress of these young learners is a testament to the transformative impact of small but meaningful actions. See video highlight below of stakeholder engagement led by Claire Aid Foundation.
Capacity strengthening activities
From September to December, 75 grassroots nonprofit leaders across 11 states in Nigeria were engaged in 7 educative workshops aimed strengthening their institutional capacity and processes for enhanced delivery of impactful development initiatives. With expert facilitators from Nigeria, the UK, Netherlands, and South Africa, the sessions were generally seen as impactful. Read training highlights here!
In Q4, we engaged 14 emerging poets in a poetry workshop designed to enhance their poetry writing skills, build their confidence in performance poetry, and increase their exposure to creative market opportunities. Watch a recap of the workshop below!
Open Mics in 2024
Our signature open mic events this year created a safe space for 61 creatives and arts enthusiasts in Jos and beyond. These events continue to foster a thriving community of creative expression, learning and growth for young talents.
Markets for African Authors: This year, we welcomed 20 new authors to our bookstore collection and sold 32 books! Every purchase goes to support education and creativity.
We’re looking forward to continuing and expanding our work in 2025, but this isn’t possible without help from people like you. Support education and creative expression with a kind donation this season!
Wishing you a merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Custodians of African Literature