Transcription
My aim is to give voice to the self-builders who stayed the course to create Fusions Jameen’s outstanding success. Please watch the video.
Hear how Colin created a community for his son. Listen to Beverley’s joy at her children and grandchildren living in the award winning home she built. Feel Peter’s gratitude for having followed his dream.
In the week of Lorraine’s 21st birthday she gave 30 hours of her sweat to create the first social housing in London with sedum roofs. Be inspired by Prince’s journey from 20th floor tower block to national recognition for his gardening skills.
‘We Africans will fight, we find it necessary and we are confident of victory.’ We are Black-led because it was the only way we could ensure our families got equal access to high quality permanent social housing. Chinbrook Meadows our third scheme is completely open.
I worked for three years unpaid as a self-build consultant overcoming institutional barriers to ensure Fusions’ hard won wisdom was incorporated into their scheme. Chinbrook transpired to be women-led and by far the most efficient SLFHA self-build scheme.
Absorb the inspirational stories of how Charmaine, Hanna and Theresa became community leaders. Marmot highlights how mainstream regeneration is worsening health inequalities. I believe community self-build for rent shows us a way forward. People in housing need can be co-creators in their own housing solutions.
In Jose Ospina’s seminal book ‘Housing Ourselves’ he illustrates that social housing is a process and how ordinary people can be empowered to do extraordinary things. The freedom fighters of Zimbabwe aged 12 left their villages to create a more just society, they taught and inspired me.
Andrew, Beverley et al saw their parents build their own homes and were inspired to do the same. Our children and grandchildren live in the homes we built. We invite you to come together and hear the cry of our next generation and just as we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, let’s debate how the tomorrow we seek can be built today.
TIM OSHODI (2022)
(T2)
If for any reason you wish to withdraw your name or memory, contact us at engage@gold.ac.uk
