AFRICAWAD RECYCLING CIC is a social enterprise. The organization was founded by a group of African British women. Africawad Recycling has created a unique working and learning environment for African women who have the right to work in the UK but face employment difficulties due to language and/or social barriers. Through a "cash for clothes" recycling business serving both the UK and foreign markets, individuals gain skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and are prepared for employment. This has helped improve family quality of life in the UK. Our organization has also helped prevent tons of clothing from ending up in landfills each year, contributing to the resolution of global environmental issues.

 

Africwad Recycling CIC operate within the following values:

Equal Opportunities - As both a service provider and employer, Africwad Recycling CIC promote equality of opportunity and believes in challenging discrimination of all kinds.

Community Cohesion – Africwad Recycling CIC is committed to helping create a strong and prosperous community in which individuals from all cultures, backgrounds and beliefs are able to develop mutual understanding and respect.

Democracy and Accountability – Africwad Recycling CIC is a membership organisation and its management committee is accountable to the community.  It regularly communicates with and consults with the community to ensure that it continues to reflect locally identified priorities for African women.

Partnership Working - Africwad Recycling CIC believes that collaboration with voluntary and community groups, public bodies and private sector organisations improves its ability to develop and deliver enhanced services.

Independence and Financial Sustainability - Africwad Recycling CIC recognises that it is in the best interest of the communities it serves for it to plan for a financially sustainable future based on sound management, cost effectiveness and increasing its own income generation. 

Environmental Sustainability – Africwad Recycling CIC recognises the need to meet the challenge of climate change through adopting good environmental practices and promoting all aspects of environmental sustainability throughout its operations.

In order to achieve its Vision, Africawad Recycling CIC has as its mission: 

To develop activities in the local area that increase participation in civic life, including through providing opportunities for self development and involvement in employability skills

To pursue a successful community-based business with the primary aim of creating jobs for women who have the right to work in the UK, but are struggling to find a job because they are not fluent in English

To create volunteering opportunities for people who have language and other social barriers so they can gain sales and retail experience which develops good transferrable skills.

To develop sufficient amount of turnover to pay all personnel at a minimum of the national living wage, grow the business to maximise investment in our target communities.

To raise awareness of textile recycling and the major environmental, social and economic benefits both here and in other parts of the world  and provide advice on how to protect our environment. 

Conquer the market for the 6 aforementioned countries by the end of the five years and increase the number of customers served by 20% per year to enable profit to be generated to support our educational projects

Africawad Recycling CIC's vision is as follows:  

To create a sustainable community enterprise in which all African women living in the neighborhoods of North Tyneside and surrounding districts enjoy a high quality of life, are able to achieve their economic, social, and educational goals, and are part of a strong, thriving, and supportive local community.

Working at North East Refuge Service, Afi witnessed the negative impact of isolation on the mental health of women It became apparent that this was a bigger issue that affects several women in the North East struggling to find work and integrate into society.