The first shipping container with handmade Bolga bags from Ghana has arrived in the Czech Republic

In the second half of August, we managed to successfully implement a long-planned change in the transport of bags to the Czech Republic. Until now, we have delivered the bags by air via national carriers (Ghana Post, German DHL and Czech Post). We are very grateful that our foundation is gradually getting the word out (so far without any advertising costs). As a result, we can order even larger quantities of handmade products at a time. In addition, we have found a company in the Czech Republic called “Health from Africa”, which has shared the container with us. We are very happy that the cooperation is working and hope that shipping by container will become a standard in the future. The shea butter products that Health from Africa imports can now also be purchased in our regular stores. Buying shea butter products at fair prices from local Ghanaian suppliers also puts local people to work, helping to raise the standard of living of the local population. At the same time, transport by container has two additional effects. Apart from reducing the carbon footprint of air freight, the total cost of transporting each bag is much lower. It therefore means more money for the local community in Bolgatanga.

Concerning the main occupation of the founder (ophthalmologist), we are planning to conduct an eye disease screening of all weavers and their families in October. For those who need further medical care, whether it be medication or surgery, our foundation will fully cover the care. We will keep you informed of the progress of this project. Thanks to all those who support our foundation.

Material and football collection for young talents from the poorest strata in Kamonyi district in Rwanda

At the moment, a material collection of soccer shoes and other football equipment for players from the poorest people in Kamonyi district in Rwanda is underway. The collection runs until 26 April. You can bring your little used or second-hand soccer shoes to Mercia Chrudim, instructions are below:

1. You can bring soccer shoes on Monday to Friday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM to Auto MERCIA (Dašická 1228, Chrudim), spare parts store
2. Please put the shoes in a bag labelled with the name/li>
3. In case of questions, please call 777 626 115 (Kristýna Urbanová)

For those who would like to support the fundraiser financially, you can send a donation to the foundation’s account: 334466847/0300 (please write “fotbal” in the message to the recipient) With the funds raised, we will then purchase the necessary football equipment locally in consultation with local football coaches. Thank you in advance for your material and financial donations.

Video from a year in Rwanda

In August 2022, our family moved to Rwanda for a year. Jirka worked at the local eye clinic Rwanda Charity Eye Hospital run by Dr.Piet Noë. There are only a little over 20 eye doctors in Rwanda with 13 million people, so there was plenty of work. We also tried to get involved in other areas, more in the video. Thank you to all of you who have supported our projects in any way.

Establishment of the foundation

After several years of various activities in African countries, we decided to set up a foundation. We were particularly encouraged by the positive response to the idea of supporting the community in Northern Ghana through the sale of handmade bags and baskets made from Ghanaian elephant grass. At a time when plastic bags have already been banned in over 40 countries around the world, we think that Bolga products can be an interesting and eco-friendly alternative. As we have gained a lot of valuable experience and contacts during our years of work trips, we are also able to help effectively in other areas. We believe that through the foundation, supporting individual activities in African countries (not only the sale of Bolga products) will also be logistically easier and completely transparent.