Manchester Sudanese Tree Development Community
Community Development
Daniel Yupet - MSTDC Chair
Daniel Yupet - MSTDC Chair
The Community Organisation's prime mover - Daniel Yupet, graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1996 with a degree in Environmental Management. He subsequently obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Agro-Forestry from Cranfield University's Silsoe College in Bedford, UK and a Diploma in Forestry from South Sudan Forestry College.
After graduation in Environmental Management, he was unemployed and quickly thought of writing an article on environmental issues in South Sudan. His first paper presented to Sudan Educational Society in UK - 'The environmental degradation in Juba environs, South Sudan - Some lessons;' brought more ideas which motivated him to travel to South Sudan war-torn areas controlled by the Sudan People's Liberation Army / Movement in January 2000 and covered the environmental destruction of the country. This was a risky trip but he was able to return with some deforestation pictures to the UK.
On return to UK, he organised a community meeting to raise the issues of deforestation in South Sudan, where it was agreed to set up a community organisation to promote Environmental Education among ethnic minorities within Manchester.
The first project established was the Homework club teaching Sudanese children who were under performing in the main schools, mainly Environmental Education and other GCSE subjects.
Second, was the tree planting in Glasgow by the South Sudanese Youth in Manchester.
Third, was the planting of Bean tree in Longsight behind the Pakistani Community Centre in Manchester.
Manchester Sudanese Tree Development Community logo
Fourth, they worked in partnership with the Environmental Law Foundation in educating the community about planning laws that affect them.
They also ran the heritage project which drew people from all over Europe - including participants from Finland who really wanted to learnt about their culture.
The organisation which has been funded by the European Union has helped not only the Sudanese community in Manchester, but inhabitants of Manchester in money advice and sign posting them to relevant authorities.
The organisation continues to work with the BME communities in Manchester in sourcing accommodation for Manchester's newly arrived refugees.
Tickets:
https://trumpetmediagroup.com/gab-awards/tickets/tickets-21st-gab-awards-manchester-nov-30-2019/