Tag: legacy

Mrs Adams: A Beekeeping Matriarch

Mrs Adams: A Beekeeping Matriarch

September 17, 2023

In our previous blog, we had the privilege of introducing you to the incredible journey of Mrs. Adams, the grandmother of beekeeping in her Nigerian community. Today, we’re excited to share more about her beekeeping journey and how she earned a reputation that saw demand for her quality honey grow quickly and organically. 

Mrs Adams honey stall - nearly sold out!

Mrs Adams honey stall – nearly sold out!

A Honey Stall with Heart

Right after completing the beekeeping training provided by Bees Abroad in 2006, Mrs. Adams wasted no time in putting her newfound knowledge to good use. She established her very own honey stall, a humble yet effective setup that serves as both a point of sale and a powerful advertisement for her honey. While her stall may not be grand or elaborate, it has proven to be the perfect platform for showcasing her honey. Even today, many years later, Mrs. Adams continues to use this trusty stall to connect with her customers. 

A stellar reputation and ambitious plans

Thanks to Bees Abroad’s training on quality harvesting techniques, Mrs. Adams and her family have not only become skilled beekeepers but also producers of high-quality honey. The word quickly spread, and their reputation soared. With a loyal customer base that they’ve cultivated over the years, they are in the enviable position of demand for their honey being five times the volume they produce. Their customers know and trust them, making it unnecessary to invest in costly social media or specialized marketing efforts. 

Mrs. Adams and her family have ambitious plans to take their beekeeping enterprise to new heights. To achieve this, they are looking for support in two crucial areas: the manufacture of beekeeping inputs such as bee suits, smokers, and brushes, and value-added training. These elements will not only enable them to expand their honey production but also open doors to tourism visits to their apiary. 

Mrs Adams (right hand side) with Bees Abroad’s Bisi (middle) back in 2006

Change that lasts a lifetime

Mrs. Adams’ remarkable journey from a shy observer at the back of a training hall to the matriarch of a thriving beekeeping family is a testament to the enduring impact of education, support, and a simple act of kindness. She was trained by Bees Abroad 18 years ago, a span of time that some might call a lifetime. Mrs. Adams, the grandmother of beekeeping, has left a lasting legacy. Her story reminds us of the profound impact that even the smallest acts of generosity can have in transforming lives and communities. 

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with individuals like Mrs Adams with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

This blog is part of Remember a Charity campaign week. Through the Remember a Charity campaign week, we will celebrate the impact made by our small but mighty initiatives and those who have supported us.

We’re spreading the small but mighty message. You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave a legacy through your Will. Help us spread the buzz about legacy giving and show the word that we can all be ‘Willantropists’ – creating a legacy that truly matters, no matter the size. 

Find Out More About Legacy Giving
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Mrs Adams honey stall - nearly sold out!

Mrs. Adams: The Grandmother of Beekeeping

Mrs. Adams: The Grandmother of Beekeeping

September 14, 2023

In the world of beekeeping, there are stories that stand out as shining examples of the transformative power of knowledge and support. One such story is that of Mrs. Adams, a woman with a remarkable and notable journey into beekeeping . Let’s delve into her story and discover how she became the grandmother of beekeeping in her community.

Photo: Mrs Adams at Bees Abroad training back in 2006

Quiet strength

In 2006 Bees Abroad volunteer and trustee Bisi New delivered beekeeping training to a community farming group in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State in South West Nigeria. Ogun State is also the location of Okun Owa school, featured in our last blog.

Among the participants at the beekeeping training was Mrs. Adams, a woman who, at the time, was quite shy and often found at the back of the training hall. During practical demonstrations, she preferred to observe from a distance. However, her attendance was unwavering, and she paid meticulous attention, absorbing knowledge and information with a keen and curious mind. She was determined to learn the art of beekeeping.

A small gift, a lasting impact

Mrs. Adams, like many aspiring beekeepers, needed more than just knowledge; she needed support and basic resources to put her newfound skills into practice. After the training Bisi took it upon herself to provide Mrs. Adams with a personal gift – Bisi’s own bee suit. With this gift, Mrs. Adams had the means to start her beekeeping journey immediately.

Mrs. Adams cherished the bee suit gifted to her. In fact, she held onto it for many years, until it no longer fitted her. At that point, she passed the suit on to her son. Her son, too, became involved in beekeeping, using the same bee suit to manage the family apiary alongside his siblings. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of a simple but thoughtful gift.

Mrs Adams journey

As time passed, Mrs. Adams aged, and her ability to actively manage practical beekeeping diminished. However, her mind remained sharp and filled with beekeeping wisdom. She assumed the role of a matriarch, guiding her children in their beekeeping endeavours. She handled logistics, offered advice, and played a crucial part in sustaining the family’s beekeeping business. She has built up her family beekeeping business though she still uses the same ‘for sale’ sign she made after her initial training.

Today, Mrs. Adams is a true beekeeping matriarch, passing on her knowledge through the generations. Beekeeping, in this instance, has become an inter-generational tool for economic stability and sustainability. Her entire family is involved in the bee business with innovations such as taking people to meet the bees i.e., exo tourism introduced over time by the younger generation. Each beekeeper in the family has their own customer list and specialism. Mrs Adams’s stall continues to cater very small quantities for individuals like widows who seek out a quality product.

Change that lasts a lifetime

Mrs. Adams’ remarkable journey from a shy observer at the back of a training hall to the matriarch of a thriving beekeeping family is a testament to the enduring impact of knowledge, support, and a simple act of kindness. She was trained by Bees Abroad 18 years ago, a span of time that some might call a lifetime. 

Mrs. Adams, the grandmother of beekeeping, has left a lasting legacy all thanks to the gift of knowledge and a bee suit that started it all. Her own endeavour and support from her local beekeeping group have sustained and extended her success. Her story reminds us of the profound impact that even the smallest acts can have in transforming lives and communities.

Watch the video above to meet Mrs Adams and her family of beekeepers

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with individuals like Mrs Adams with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

This blog is part of Remember a Charity campaign week. Through the Remember a Charity campaign week, we will celebrate the impact made by our small but mighty initiatives and those who have supported us.

We’re spreading the small but mighty message. You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave a legacy through your Will. Help us spread the buzz about legacy giving and show the word that we can all be ‘Willantropists’ – creating a legacy that truly matters, no matter the size. 

Find Out More About Legacy Giving
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Budding beekeepers: Okun Owa school’s legacy

Budding beekeepers: Okun Owa school’s legacy

September 10, 2023

In the last blog about Okun Owa school we learned about the many benefits that beekeeping has brought to the school including increased crop yields and a new water tank bought with the income generated from the hives. However, the story doesn’t end there. Like the hum of a bee colony, the impact of this project continues to resonate and spread, creating ripples of positive change that go far beyond the original vision. 

Paul Lawrence: A Budding Beekeeper

Paul Lawrence, a student who initially embarked on his beekeeping journey at Okun Owa primary school, serves as a perfect example of how Bees Abroad beekeeping projects often set something in motion. Paul’s interest in beekeeping was more than just enjoying a fun activity in school; he was bitten by the beekeeping bug and decided to take it to the next level. 

Starting with three hives, Paul ventured into creating his own apiary. Paul soon found he wanted to expand his new apiary further but struggled to find a carpenter to build the much-needed new hives. Determined not to let this get in the way Paul took matters into his own hands – quite literally. He decided to build his own hives, and now, he proudly tends to five hives, cultivating a thriving apiary of his own. 

Beekeeping's Influence Beyond School

Paul isn’t the only student who has embraced beekeeping as a path to success. The school beekeeping club is still going, with beekeeping added to the school curriculum and many students taking the skill with them after graduation. The school reports that several pupils from the senior school, who have since left, continue beekeeping independently. These young beekeepers are not only gaining valuable skills but also generating income for themselves and their families. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of beekeeping education at Okun Owa School. 

But the influence of Bees Abroad’s project doesn’t stop at the school gates. The ripples have spilled into the wider community surrounding the school; Okun Owa has had enquiries from other agricultural schools regionally about setting up their own bee club. Even individuals in other professions, such as the local motorcycle taxi drivers known as “Okadas,” have expressed a keen interest in beekeeping. They’ve witnessed the success and enthusiasm of beekeeping activities at the school and have been inspired to explore the opportunity for themselves. 

A four-year project, a lasting legacy

What this project has accomplished extends beyond honey and hives. The story of Paul Lawrence and the many other students who have embraced beekeeping is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bees Abroad’s work in Okun Owa. It reminds us that the impact of small initiatives can grow into something truly extraordinary, inspiring individuals to follow their passions, overcome obstacles, and contribute to the greater good of their community. 

As the hum of bees continues to resonate through Okun Owa School and its surroundings, it serves as a reminder that the best stories are the ones that don’t have an ending. 

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with communities like Okun Owa school with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

This blog is part of Remember a Charity campaign week. Through the Remember a Charity campaign week, we will celebrate the impact made by our small but mighty initiatives and those who have supported us.

We’re spreading the small but mighty message. You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave a legacy through your Will. Help us spread the buzz about legacy giving and show the word that we can all be ‘Willantropists’ – creating a legacy that truly matters, no matter the size. 

Find Out More About Legacy Giving
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Beekeeping for a Brighter Future: Okun Owa School’s Story

Beekeeping for a Brighter Future: Okun Owa School’s Story

September 7, 2023

A Glimpse into Okun Owa School

In the heart of Southwest Nigeria lies Ogun State, known as the “Gateway to Nigeria.” Named after the majestic Ogun River that runs across it, this region is home to Okun Owa School. Okun Owa School has a story to share about their journey into the world of beekeeping, a journey that’s enabling the school to achieve its aims and creating ripple effects beyond the boundaries of the school.  

Nestled in a rural area of Ogun State, Okun Owa is an agricultural school with many of the students coming from local farming families on low incomes. Many in the community suffer from poor nutrition, high mortality rates and inadequate access to healthcare that cast a shadow over this community. In September 2017 Okun Owa School and Bees Abroad started working together to teach both pupils and teachers the art of beekeeping, honey production, and marketing hive products.  

A blossoming enterprise

A total of 64 students and 2 teachers were trained in the art of beekeeping. It wasn’t just about bees; it was about building a brighter future. Like bees in a hive, this project buzzed with activity and brought multiple benefits to the school. 

Since the introduction of beekeeping, Okun Owa School has seen remarkable changes in their agricultural yields. Crops like mangoes and pineapples have flourished, leading to increased income as the school sells these fruits. But that’s not all. The hives, honey, and value-added beeswax products have created a new revenue stream for the school. Thanks to this newfound income, the school was able to purchase a water storage tank – a vital resource that makes a big difference to the daily lives of students and staff. 

Mrs. Osibanjo's Beekeeping Journey

One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from this project is that of Mrs. Osibanjo, the vice principal of the junior school. When she assumed her position, Bees Abroad was already working with the school and her predecessor, Mr. Ajayi. Mrs. Osibanjo was determined to learn all she could about beekeeping, asking Mr. Ajayi countless questions. 

Her interest increased after watching how beeswax cream was made and learning about propolis. She even took a honeycomb home to show her family and friends, sparking their interest in the world of bees. Previously sceptical about buying honey from hawkers due to concerns about fake products, Mrs. Osibanjo now confidently purchases honey harvested by the school. 

Small but mighty

The story of Okun Owa School serves as a powerful reminder that even small initiatives can lead to significant transformations. Individuals within the school community have embraced beekeeping at home, creating a ripple effect of positive change. In our next blog post about Okun Owa School, we’ll introduce you to Paul Lawrence, a student who began his beekeeping journey at the primary school and is now thriving in the secondary school. 

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with communities like Okun Owa school with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

This blog is part of Remember a Charity campaign week. Through the Remember a Charity campaign week, we will celebrate the impact made by our small but mighty initiatives and those who have supported us.

We’re spreading the small but mighty message. You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave a legacy through your Will. Help us spread the buzz about legacy giving and show the world that we can all be ‘Willantropists’ – creating a legacy that truly matters, no matter the size. 

Find out more about legacy giving
Facebook Twitter Instagram