BEES ABROAD LAUNCHES IN THE USA

Bees Abroad, a U.K.-based nonprofit specializing in overseas beekeeping, has officially launched in the United States. For over 25 years, Bees Abroad has empowered communities around the world through beekeeping, offering hands-on training in beekeeping techniques and related skills.
Several factors led to the decision for Bees Abroad to launch in the U.S.; last year the group brought on board a Michigan-based Supporter Care Manager, Niki Backes, and earlier this year they became an environmental partner of the U.S. based nonprofit 1% for the Planet, an organization that partners approved nonprofits with businesses looking to make a positive impact.
Just a day after its September 2024 registration, the U.S.-specific website www.beesabroad.org received its first donation — an encouraging sign of the community support Bees Abroad hopes to build in the coming months.
“Expanding into the U.S. was the natural next step for us,” said Backes, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the launch. “The support from U.S. donors has been incredible, and with the increasing demand for sustainable beekeeping practices worldwide, we’re eager to grow our impact here.”
International solidarity through beekeeping is at the heart of what Bees Abroad does. With more than 100 successful projects in 13 countries, the organization has helped thousands of individuals develop sustainable livelihoods, in places with little to no job market and low literacy. In Uganda, for example, one community reported that the income from only five hives generated enough money to send a child to school for one year. At over $100 per year for education, in a country where minimum wage is around $1.17 per day, beekeeping is changing the lives of children and families.
Beekeeping projects usually start with foundation training, and successful groups will be trained in more advanced techniques. Beekeeping in Africa, where most of Bees Abroad work is carried out, has many interesting technical differences to beekeeping in the U.S.; varroa mites for example are not as much of a problem in Africa, but termites can cause a challenge.
Looking ahead, Bees Abroad is excited to grow a community in the U.S. and is hopeful that the U.S. supporters can get them to the next level in terms of positive impact.
“We have ambitious plans for the future,” the team shared, “and we are confident that with the support of the American community, we can make an even greater difference in the lives of people around the world.”
To learn more about Bees Abroad and their work, visit their dedicated U.S. site at www.beesabroad.org. The organization also encourages anyone interested in getting involved to reach out via email at info@beesabroad.org.uk.