The Gold Star project develops excellence in community linking between Wales and Africa to build peace, prosperity and understanding, through mutual development.

Why Link?

For many years people have built up links between their towns, districts or regions. Often started as links between schools, hospitals, churches, councils or campaign groups, the best have grown to become partnerships that include many parts of their communities. They are characterised by building long-term friendships, by mutual support and by improving lives. People who have been part of such links know that partnership – at its best – can build peace, prosperity and understanding in both communities involved. More about benefits of linking.

Community Development through Linking

The best partnerships produce positive results for both partners in many aspects of their community lives – in the development of social harmony; in the health and well-being of their people; in opportunities for children and young people; in opportunities to build livelihoods; and in improving their environment. These are the five Gold Stars, the inspiration for making a real difference to development through realisation, at the community level, of the UN's Millennium Development Goals. Read more through our case studies from around Wales and Africa:

Mbale Bridal Co-op Penygraig - Ubuntu Cow

Pontypridd - Mbale Penygraig - Langa Llanfyllin - Kamuli

A Scheme Supporting Excellence

Launched by Wales' First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM on World Poverty Day, October 2007, the UN-endorsed Gold Star Communities Award Project recognises excellence in community linking between north and south, founded on principles of inclusivity, sustainability, equality of partnership, and mutual benefit. The Gold Star initiative is managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) on behalf of the Wales MDGs Task Force and BUILD, and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government 'Wales for Africa' scheme.

The 2008 Gold Star Community Awards at the Welsh National Eisteddfod

CLICK HERE for film clips from the Awards (link to Gold Star Youtube site and 'Going for Gold' video documentary)

Gold Star ommunity Awards, Esiteddfod 2009

Gold Star African partners join link communities across Wales for the world's first ever Gold Star Community Awards, at the National Eisteddfod in Pontcanna, Cardiff, on August 4th 2008. Visit the Gold Star Flickr photos site here!

What support can Gold Star provide?

  • Advice, support, networking and events for community links between Wales and Africa, existing and new.
  • Information resources on community linking best practice, developing projects and involving people.
  • The Gold Star Award Framework provides a 'roadmap' to help community links plan activities and projects through different stages of development.
  • The Gold Star Grants Scheme can support groups in progressing through these stages of development, as well as stimulating other fundraising ideas and identifying sources of support.
  • Advocacy and representation for Wales' community linking movement to civil society / voluntary sector, government, and organisations in Wales, UK and internationally.