Greetings eveyone!
Welcome to our annual review aa we approach the end of our 7th year in existence, something I never expected to happen when I first started Friends of Pakati officially on 16th January, 2019.
Let me start by giving a HUGE “THANK YOU” to everone who has been involved with us in any capacity, including our prospective Trustees as we step towards formal charity status, the host & all guests on our podcasts, the Heads, staff & students of both Pakati schools & the local community, partner organisations & key local leaders, and of course, everyone who has donated, bought merchandise, read liked & shared our posts & stories on various platforms. Last but not least, all associated with Scunthorpe United FC who continue to be so supportive to the cause!
I published a 6-month review as usual, so here is the link taking us from January to June this year, a momentous time for us: https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/07/08/6-month-review-friends-of-pakati/
So now I can look at the period from July to December, and we can see good progress being made, but it begins with a wonderful day for my friend & our podcast host, Bradley Mell, as he married his partner April, in July this year!
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/08/09/friends-of-pakati-podcast-host-brads-big-day/
In this last 6 months of 2025 there were some recurring themes:
1. Donations
2. School Activities
3. Podcasts
So, starting with donations, here are the links to key posts…
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/08/16/a-donation-to-friends-of-pakati/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/09/16/surprise-donation/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/11/12/former-pakati-students-amazing-donation/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/12/21/a-donation-explained/
Next, various posts about school activities at Pakati Primary & Secondary schools…
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/09/02/end-of-term-at-pakati-secondary-school/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/09/09/new-term-at-pakati-primary/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/09/26/updates-for-friends-of-pakati/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/10/13/new-security-measures-at-pakati-secondary-school/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/10/17/part-1-of-3-the-need-for-power/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/11/14/part-2-of-3-payment-for-power/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/12/12/pakati-primary-school-prize-giving-2025/
Laarly, Podcasts. It haa been a real pleasure talking to special guests & recording them for the blog, & this year has been no exception…
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/09/07/new-podcast-2/
https://friendsofpakati.com/2025/11/21/new-podcast-in-conversation-with-james-moody/
So that is it for 2025!
I know there is a lot of work ahead for Friends of Pakati in 2026, with meetings, events, discussions, podcasts, blogs, pictures, stories, donations, merchandise, media, and I hope, some good surprises along the way…
To everyone involved in Friends of Pakati, including those who read this blog, let me wish you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!