Drivers of change

             Ali Balunywa, recognised in the Netherlands 

                as an inspirational African Diaspora

The NCDO, HIRDA, MWPN and Africa Diaspora Policy centre organisations came up with the idea of recognising te most imspirational African Diaspora.  10 African Diasporans were identified. The decision was arrived at after considering their different efforts like building schools, empoering women, stimulatinmg entreprenuership, teaching and other such tasks. 

What sets apart these Africans from the rest is not only their steadfast commitment to peace and development, but also the fact that they are experts by experience. The list includes: Ali Balunywa from Uganda, Bioli Ikele from Congo, Debritu Lusteau from Ethiopia, Juliano Da Silva Rodrigues from Angola, Mekka Abdelgabar from Sudan, Sulaiman Bangurra from Sierra Leone, Rachael Tocklu from Eritrea, Stella Ismail from Somalia, Stephanie Mbazondere from Burundi and kon kelei from sudan.

On Wednesday 23 September 2009, the organising organisations organised the Africa Diaspora night in the Dutch capital of The Hague at the Nuthuis centre in the city centre.The programme was divided into 3 parts. The introduction was given by the hostess of the evening; Amma Baddoo-Asante followed by recital of a poem by Ali Balunywa.

Part one included powerpoint presentations by Rachel, Sulaiman and Stella. This was followed by a shortbreak before the second part. This included presentations by Stephanie, joseph and Bioley. And the third part; Debritu, Mekka and Ismail Awil of Oxfam Novib. In between the parts 2 interviews were conducted by the hostess and her guests were Kon Kel;ei of Sudan and Julie Ndaya of Congo.

The presentation methopd used was the Japanese Takahashi method were a presenter is given only 5 minutes to make his presentation. The methgod is easy to do  and it helps the presenter get organised and keep him/her on track. It provides a clear visual support for the audience and helps to make the content more memorable.

The media was well presented at the function. Already some newspapers and magazines like the Amsterdam bulletin and IS magazine had run these stories. Many websites have also picked the story. Roughly 150 people attended the function. After the presentations, as is the custom drinks and informal networking closed the function.