Rise Africa UK

Exeter alumnus sets up charity to support disadvantaged children in Tanzania

A charity set up by an alumnus in 2011 is expanding its activity programme after recent success.  Topher Faulkner (Engineering Science, 1980), set up Rise Africa UK with his daughter Olivia to support disadvantaged children in the Moshono community in Northern Tanzania.

Topher set up the charity as a result of Olivia  spending four months volunteering in Moshono after leaving school. Olivia shared her experience with her father and the pair were so moved that they decided to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May 2011 with the aim of raising money to make a difference in Tanzania. With the right contacts and support in Tanzania, the charity was born.

Rise Africa UK has made a significant difference to the lives of 80 vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the Moshono community.  Its newest project, the Chicken Project, provides struggling families with the means to create an income for themselves by selling eggs and chickens in the local market.

The charity also helps children to attend school and get the most out of their education. Through sponsorship, free schooling and training programmes, Rise Africa UK helps children shape a life for themselves and escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

Topher described his life and career path since graduating from Exeter, saying: “On leaving Exeter in 1980, I initially served in the Army for 6 years before moving to the food and drink trade. For the past 12 years, I have worked for Brakes as an Account Director/ Change Director and now live in Bedfordshire with my wife and four children from where we also run Rise Africa UK.”

“Our biggest achievement at Rise Africa UK has been overcoming the corrupt practices often encountered in Africa by setting up a local committee and building a great working relationship with a local Tanzanian lady, Penina, who is dedicated to the success of the programme.”

“They are so grateful for our help and now we are helping them even more, specifically the parents and guardians, through the Chicken Project.”

To find out more about Topher Faulkner’s charity visit their website or contact them on info@rise-africa.co.uk.

Date: 5 June 2017