3rd Annual “Chickens 4 Africa” photo competition winners

Congratulations to the winners in our third annual ‘Chickens For Africa’ fundraising photography competition, continuing on from last year’s success. The aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the importance of village poultry for rural communities in Africa and raise funds for training community vaccinators in Malawi through the work of our main partner there – the Rural Poultry Centre (RPC). This year we raised AUD 4600. A big thank you to all who donated to the campaign and to those who contributed photographs.

This year’s photographs were outstanding. The submissions showed originality and skill in portraying the lives and characters of the people and animals we work with.

First place was awarded to Lynn Clifford, with a group of women proudly showing off their chickens. Lynn manages the Wildlife Action Group in Malawi with whom we work to help protect the Thuma Forest Reserve. By supporting vaccination and improved chicken production, we help communities reduce their dependence on wildlife and forest resources for their livelihoods. A flow-on effect for women’s economic and social empowerment in communities is also evident – especially when women are trained as community vaccinators.

2nd prize – photographer Karmen Martin, Australia

3rd prize – photographer Charles Sokoso, Malawi

1st prize – photographer Lynn Clifford, Malawi

Second place was awarded to Karmen Martin, whose backyard chicken, Jett, Queen of the Coop, is here waiting for her favourite treat, meal worms.

Third place went to Charles Sokoso, who is shown vaccinating village chickens with just one liquid drop in the eye. The photo portrays just how easy (and painless for the chicken!) this technique is and indeed how much interest and enthusiasm the vaccination campaigns generate in the communities we work with. Less chickens dying from Newcastle disease every year means a growing flock. What does this simple fact mean for families? It means more chicken and eggs to eat and a greater capacity to earn extra cash from chicken sales to pay for other food for the table, medicines when needed and school fees to send children to school.

The funds raised through this campaign will be combined with funding from the Australian Government to reach more people. Our new project in Malawi (in the Mchinji district) with the RPC is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us achieve #nopoverty #zerohunger #goodhealthandwellbeing #qualityeducation #genderequality for all.