Let's Talk | The African Diaspora in Australia (and Asia Pacific) Project
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
The email below sent to Diaspora organizations and people, gives an insight of the proposed Diaspora initiative.
Dear Leaders and Friends
I am pleased to inform you of a plan to establish "The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project", in collaboration with The African Heads of Mission in Australia.
I have spoken to the Dean of the African Heads of Mission in Australia who warmly welcome this initiative. His Excellency would be discussing this project at a meeting with the African Heads of Mission in Australia. Likewise, please see the attached letter from the Nigerian High Commission encouraging the mobilization of the African Diaspora in Australia towards strengthening Africa Australia relationship.
"The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project" is a neutral initiative, not affiliated with any organization. The idea is to amalgamate the collective strength and voice of the African Diaspora in Australia, Asia Pacific towards a common goal. A series of consultative forums of all stakeholders from organizations to intellectuals, entrepreneurs and youths will be scheduled soon. The purpose of these consultative forums is to give all stakeholders an opportunity to contribute towards the project's formation, including setting its objectives, structure, processes and appointment of Board Members.
A team of strategic project managers and I will work as facilitators to coordinate the administrative tasks for the project's formation and sustainability. Already, I have discussed with a host of leaders, intellectuals, diplomats and stakeholders who are willing to participate.
The conduct of this project will be guided by the objectives and processes articulated in the attached AU DECLARATION OF THE GLOBAL AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT and REPORT ON THE AFRICAN UNION DIASPORA MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE.
Likewise, the project's spirit is embodied in relevant African Union Decisions including and among others:
- Decision Ex.CL/Dec. 5 (III) on the Development of the Diaspora Initiative adopted by the Third Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Maputo, Mozambique, in July 2003;
- Decision Ex.CL/Dec. 221 (VII) on the Africa-Diaspora Process adopted by the Eighth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in January 2006;
- Decision Ex.CL/Dec. 406 (XII) on the First African Union Diaspora Ministerial Conference adopted by the Twelfth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January2008 on the modalities for Diaspora participation in the organs and activities of the Union;
- Decision Ass/AU/Dec.205 (XI) adopted by the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in July 2008 on the African Diaspora Summit;
- Decision, Ass/AU/Dec 354 (XVI) of the Sixteen Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2011 on the Roadmap for the Diaspora Summit, including the convening of a Technical Experts meeting in Pretoria, South Africa in February 2011;
- Decision Ass/AU/Dec 367 (XVII) of the Seventeenth Ordinary Session of Assembly of the Union on the convening of a second Ministerial Conference on the margins of the Diaspora/Assembly/AU/Decl (I) United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2011; as well as
- Decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 393(XVIII) endorsing the outcome and conclusions of the Second Ministerial Conference held in New York in September 2011.
Thank you. I look forward to receiving your response and support.
Kind regards
John Nze-Bertram
Principal Convenor & Chairperson - Celebration of African Australians Inc
Watch video about Celebration of African Australians National Award: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZIQJp7zJEo&feature=player_embedded
Australian National Coordinator – Organization for the Harmonization of Business Laws in Africa (OHADA) Club, Australia.
Mobile: 0449061457
Email: jo...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Website: http://www.celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Celebration of African Australians Inc ARBN 155772759
Registered Office: 48 Dundee Avenue, Holden Hill, South Australia 5088
Liability of Members is limited.
*************************
Friday 23 May 2014 06:51 SABC News
Ntebo Mokobo
Thabo Mbeki says with all their skills academics should help in finding solutions to Africa's problems.(SABC)
Former
President Thabo Mbeki has urged African intellectuals to help produce
the political leadership that Africa needs to address its challenges.
He says if they sit back and lament, Africa will continue with all
its crises. Mbeki was addressing the fourth annual African Unity for
Renaissance conference in Pretoria on Thursday night.
The gathering was attended by African academics and students.
The four-day annual African Unity for Renaissance conference is
taking place under theme: “African Solutions to African Problems”.
This is part of the celebration of Africa Day which marks the formation of the Organisation of African Unity 51 years ago.
Intellectuals and students from around continent are meeting in
Pretoria to discuss how they can best find solutions to African crises
using culture, science and technology as well as governance and the role
of civil society.
In his address, Mbeki told delegates that it is not helpful for
African academics to fold their arms and denounce crises in Africa. He
says with all their skills, academics should help in finding solutions
to Africa's problems.
Mbeki, who is tasked by the African Union to mediate in the South
Sudan crisis, said the lack of leadership in the continent is at the
centre of that country's civil war which has led to the deaths of
thousands and the displacement of more than one million people since war
broke out five months ago.
Mbeki says the conflict there needs strong leadership. He also
decried the demobilisation of civil society organisations in the
continent.
The former President said the non-governmental
organisations were necessary to keep their respective governments on
check calling on African intelligentsia to reactivate such
organisations.
Speaking on African Solutions to African Problems and Civil
Society, Professor Patricia McFadden said with the liberation of the
continent more and more civil society organisations were sucked into the
system and lost their watchdog role within society.
The conference continues until Sunday and some intellectuals and
government officials will present their contribution to African
solutions within the next three days.
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
UK
Greetings John Nze-Bertram, Principal Convenor & Chairperson - Celebration of African Australians Inc
Thank you for informing us of your work in Australia. We salute and congratulate you and your pioneering Team.
Once again, it is being demonstrated that, wherever Afrikans found themselves on Our Planet, whether they arrived there through being kidnapped and made chattel slave for centuries, by immigration or refugee flights, there is a NATURAL desire and magnetism for us to turn our faces with pride, to MOTHER AFRIKA, Our Ancestral and Spiritual Home, without which we consider ourselves culturally and spiritually unfulfilled.
We noted your reminder of the various African Union decisions relating to the Afrikan Diaspora, pointing to the creation of Afrikan’s 6th Region. This is an important and necessary reminder.
Our Global readerships, no doubt will be delighted to know that Afrikans are working to amalgamate the collective strength and voice of the Afrikan Diaspora in Australia, Asia Pacific towards a common goal. We hope your organisation’s protocols will accommodate permanent working partnerships with members and organisations of the Aborigines Community in Australia.
Please keep us informed of the progress of your work, and we recommend that your Team also contact the Afrika and Diaspora Institute (Adi), a Global Collective, with an active interest in Global Afrikan affairs and the Global Leaderships by Afrikans everywhere.
Editorial Collective
Self-Help News – “Giving Voice to the Voiceless”
USA
FYI,
Please, read attached info from Africans in Australia and Asia Pacific.
The Continental African Diaspora all over the world got it. Please, see info below from our brother John in Australia.
No matter where we are in this world, we should all form a strong partnership and help our people on the continent (we don't have to like each other. Just work together). Just like other communities such as the Jewish, Asian, Latino, Caribbean etc.
Let's please, think of the future generations and work to preserve whatever we can for them.
Let's heed President Mbeki's call. We all must work together with our authorities to bring meaningful and positive change in the lives of our people. Else, the continent will sink into far greater poverty and economic slavery than ever before.
The way things are going on the African continent at this critical juncture (instability everywhere), in the long run, no winner will come out of it except for few individuals perhaps.
Please, add john in your list serve to share info.
Best regards,
Binta
Binta Terrier
Chair, Partnership League for Africa’s Development
"A well informed mind is well prepared."
NEW YORK
Dear Brother,while doing this with Continental Africans in Down Under to include New Zealand where I met A Nigeria in the New Zealand Customs Deparment,Please extend same to Fijians,Papua New Guineans and interested Aborigines to be part of the Diaspora. I have raised this issue with the Nigerian High Commisioner on two ocassions that Ih ave visted Australia and New Zealand in the last 4 years.I even suggested that a Conference be organised along this line.
I will forward you an invitation for an activity(6 and 7JUNE) here in New York for you to find an African-Australian Business person who may wish to participate.
Ishola Williams
Maj-Gen. (Rtd)
WASHINGTON, DC
Dear our Peaceful Minds, Green Hearts, Peace & Green Makers Fellow Travelers, Supporters, Friends and Readers: It is an honor to share the following information, we been shared to share.
We do not know the organizers, their legal status but we at PGIA support such spirits of African and Africans and Friends unity calls.
We call upon our at home and universal Africana Family and Friends of Peaceful, Healthy and Green Minds of the Highest Spirits- የሰላም የፍቅር ቀና መንፈስ መልካም ምግባር to look into it this noble Africans call.
PEACE IS NOT ONLY THE ABSENCE OF WAR BUT THE VOID OF SELF-PEACE, PEACEFUL MINDS, LOVING HEARTS, RESPECTING, FORGIVENING SO ONE IS FREE SO IS ONE IS AT PEACE!!!
In the spirit of Peaceful, Healthy, Green, Natural, Organic, Humanity and Spirituality, African Peace and Greening Africa Mind of WE FOR WE BY WE,
Gashe Tamiru Degefa
Director
Peace And Green Initiative For Africa
The email below sent to Diaspora organizations and people, gives an insight of the proposed Diaspora initiative.
Dear Leaders and Friends
I am pleased to inform you of a plan to establish "The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project", in collaboration with The African Heads of Mission in Australia.
I have spoken to the Dean of the African Heads of Mission in Australia who warmly welcome this initiative. His Excellency would be discussing this project at a meeting with the African Heads of Mission in Australia. Likewise, please see the attached letter from the Nigerian High Commission encouraging the mobilization of the African Diaspora in Australia towards strengthening Africa Australia relationship.
"The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project" is a neutral initiative, not affiliated with any organization. The idea is to amalgamate the collective strength and voice of the African Diaspora in Australia, Asia Pacific towards a common goal. A series of consultative forums of all stakeholders from organizations to intellectuals, entrepreneurs and youths will be scheduled soon. The purpose of these consultative forums is to give all stakeholders an opportunity to contribute towards the project's formation, including setting its objectives, structure, processes and appointment of Board Members.
A team of strategic project managers and I will work as facilitators to coordinate the administrative tasks for the project's formation and sustainability. Already, I have discussed with a host of leaders, intellectuals, diplomats and stakeholders who are willing to participate.
The conduct of this project will be guided by the objectives and processes articulated in the attached AU DECLARATION OF THE GLOBAL AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT and REPORT ON THE AFRICAN UNION DIASPORA MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE.
Likewise, the project's spirit is embodied in relevant African Union Decisions including and among others:
- Decision Ex.CL/Dec. 5 (III) on the Development of the Diaspora Initiative adopted by the Third Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Maputo, Mozambique, in July 2003;
- Decision Ex.CL/Dec. 221 (VII) on the Africa-Diaspora Process adopted by the Eighth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in January 2006;
- Decision Ex.CL/Dec. 406 (XII) on the First African Union Diaspora Ministerial Conference adopted by the Twelfth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January2008 on the modalities for Diaspora participation in the organs and activities of the Union;
- Decision Ass/AU/Dec.205 (XI) adopted by the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in July 2008 on the African Diaspora Summit;
- Decision, Ass/AU/Dec 354 (XVI) of the Sixteen Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2011 on the Roadmap for the Diaspora Summit, including the convening of a Technical Experts meeting in Pretoria, South Africa in February 2011;
- Decision Ass/AU/Dec 367 (XVII) of the Seventeenth Ordinary Session of Assembly of the Union on the convening of a second Ministerial Conference on the margins of the Diaspora/Assembly/AU/Decl (I) United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2011; as well as
- Decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 393(XVIII) endorsing the outcome and conclusions of the Second Ministerial Conference held in New York in September 2011.
Thank you. I look forward to receiving your response and support.
Kind regards
John Nze-Bertram
Principal Convenor & Chairperson - Celebration of African Australians Inc
Watch video about Celebration of African Australians National Award: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZIQJp7zJEo&feature=player_embedded
Australian National Coordinator – Organization for the Harmonization of Business Laws in Africa (OHADA) Club, Australia.
Mobile: 0449061457
Email: john@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Website: http://www.celebrateafricanaustralians.org
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Please
see below emails from Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe and Dr Joseph Masika OAM.
----------
Dear John, and others
This is a well-timed initiative. Let us put in our utmost energies into it.
Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe
AFAIM, MAHRI, FAFBE, AMICDA, JP.
My fellow Africans in Diaspora
greetings
First, I would like to thank brother John for his efforts to bring us together in this forum. My sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Mr. Molosiwa Selepeng, Botswana High Commissioner and Dean of the African Heads of Mission for being one of us in this forum.
Let me start with where we stand in Africa at the moment. In 2011, as key note speaker, in Tripoli, I had an opportunity to address a large an historic African Diaspora conference in Tripoli. The conference participants included retired presidents, serving ministers, Ambassadors, representatives from African immigrant NGOs, the European Union, the United Nations and the African Union.
I said at the conference that Africa will be a growing investment destination for both advanced and emerging economies for the next 20 years. In order the African Continent to benefit from the growing economy the state governments have to do more to tackle the hard and chronic issues hindering economic growth. However, they will need assistance from the African technocrats and experts in Diaspora. I specifically mentioned that gender inequality; Poverty remains stuck at unacceptably high levels, high mortality rate (MDG 4 and 5) and recurring internal conflict should be given top priority in African. at the conference, I stress the point that, for the last 25 years since the introduction of MDGs, many African countries had improved access to quality education. I urged that, healthcare and infrastructure services were still very low and needed serious consideration in terms of the quality and accessibility in rural and remote areas. If African countries want to see the African continent looks like Europe or United State of America then the African in Diaspora should be considered to be one regional block such that it is an extension of African continent in Diaspora with big ideas, unconditional power of Direct Foreign Investment and technical knowhow which is much needed.
secondly, I said to the conference that Africa’s future lies with itself and its people in Africa and us living in Diaspora. Africa’s greatest potential is its people. For Economic change to happen in Africa, now is the time for the African in Diaspora to work together towards developing sustainable growth strategy for Africa, work with African states governments to initiate change and political will to recognise the contributions of its members in Diaspora through legislative process.
Now is the time to extend the gains that many of us we have contributed to the countries we live (Australia and Australasia region) to Africa and benefit those that have been left behind by helping them overcome premature deaths, poverty and gender inequality and build strong institutions.
I want to remind everyone in this forum that I, Dr Joseph Masika OAM and probably some if not most of us were educated by African peasant and tax payer’s money. Australia never paid for my education. It is a high time now to pay back to Africa. I said this in Tripoli and I’m saying it again in this forum.
I look forward to continuing—and strengthening—this fruitful Diaspora forum.
Dr Joseph Masika OAM
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
****************
I wish to share these remarkable comments by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund.
Africa Rising—Building to the Future
Extract of keynote address by Christine Lagarde
Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
Maputo, May 29, 2014
“Africa’s future lies with itself and its people. True—the outlook for the region is very positive. Africa is expected to grow by about 5.5 percent this year and next, and the poorest countries even faster—close to 7 percent.”
“… Africa is the youngest continent in the world. By 2040, the continent is projected to boast the largest labor force in the world—1 billion workers strong—more than China and India combined. Channeling this increasing reservoir of human capital to productive sectors offers unrivalled economic and social opportunities. To take full advantage of them will require skillful management and vision.”
“Let me be clear: Africa’s greatest potential is its people. They are the key for the region to fully capture the dividends from population growth. By some estimates, a one percentage point increase in the working age population can boost GDP growth by 0.5 percentage points. This is huge.”
“We all know that Africa has tremendous potential—it is home to more than 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves. Properly managed, these endowments offer unparalleled opportunity for economic growth and development. Moreover, these resources can be instrumental in relieving the large constraints in infrastructure that I just talked about.
Yet—and let me be frank—in too many countries, the rents from extractive industries are captured by just a few. Mining can account for an important share of output and export earnings, but often contributes relatively little to budget revenues and job creation. This corrodes the fabric of the economy and its social cohesion.”
“And for good reasons, Africa is now a growing investment destination for both advanced and emerging economies—with a record $80 billion inflow expected this year.
Indeed, it is no surprise that ‘frontier economies’ such as Kenya, Uganda, and Botswana are challenging old stereotypes and roaring loud as Africa’s lions.
And yet, the tide of growth has not lifted all boats.
Poverty remains stuck at unacceptably high levels—still afflicting about 45 percent of the region’s households. Inequality remains high. And some countries, still facing recurring internal conflict, are struggling to exit from fragility.”
“Let me conclude:
We are all witnessing a momentous transformation in Africa. Five years ago in Tanzania, Africa’s economies were under challenge as the global economy faced its most severe crisis since the Great Depression. We meet now in Mozambique with an outlook of optimism and high hopes.
The opportunities are vast and the challenges, while significant, can be overcome—through sustained strong policies, both economic and social. Now is the time to go further—to work together towards an inclusive, job-rich and sustainable growth strategy. Now is the time to extend the gains that many countries have enjoyed to those that have been left behind—by helping them overcome fragility and build strong institutions.
I want to end by quoting from the words of Mozambique’s national anthem: “Pedra a pedra construindo um novo dia.” Stone by stone, building a new tomorrow—that is what Africa Rising is all about.
Africa Rising will benefit the lives of people on the continent. Beyond that, Africa Rising will benefit the world. An Africa ever more integrated in the world— and the world learning from Africa.
Thank you – obrigada.”
Read full article: http://www.imf.org/external/np/speeches/2014/052914.htm
John Nze-Bertram
Dear John Nze- Bertram
It has been wonderful and exciting to get your e-mail about the excellent and empowering work that your organisation is undertaking in Australia, to uplift the African Diaspora. I very much wish to commend you and your colleagues for such sterling leadership, drive and engagement. What you and your colleagues are doing takes an immense amount of leadership, sacrifice and effort to achieve, and may God crown your efforts with continued success.
For our part, through the work of the Pan-African Solidarity Education Network (PASEN), we have been working to grow the spirit of solidarity between our African and African-heritage brethren across the globe, through raising awareness of our shared challenges in the Education and Skills spheres.
In this regard, I am particularly delighted that you have been in contact as we have been struggling to make contact with our brethren in the African Diaspora in that part of the world. In this regard, your communication is very timely and fortuitous.
Your initiative is one which we very much welcome, having participated in the AU Global Diaspora Summit here in Johannesburg, in 2012. You can be certain that you can wholly count on our support in PASEN, to circulate this information and promote your work.
We would also wish to engage your network once it has been established in the work of PASEN, so that we can extend the networking and collaborative partnerships to our colleagues in the African Diaspora in that region.
As the Initiator and Chair of PASEN, I would very much wish to support and contribute to your efforts in any way you deem useful.
Forwards ever, backwards never!!!
Yours in Solidarity,
Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala
Chair: PASEN
----
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/africandiasporaaustraliasiapacific.--
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in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
-----
Congratulations and best wishes on the new organization. The Constituency for Africa (CFA), based in Washington stands ready to cooperate with you in the interest of Africa and African people world-wide.
Melvin Foote
President
Constituency for Africa (CFA)
On Monday, June 2, 2014 11:55:55 AM UTC+9:30, John Nze-Bertram wrote:
FYI
Dear John Nze- Bertram
It has been wonderful and exciting to get your e-mail about the excellent and empowering work that your organisation is undertaking in Australia, to uplift the African Diaspora. I very much wish to commend you and your colleagues for such sterling leadership, drive and engagement. What you and your colleagues are doing takes an immense amount of leadership, sacrifice and effort to achieve, and may God crown your efforts with continued success.
For our part, through the work of the Pan-African Solidarity Education Network (PASEN), we have been working to grow the spirit of solidarity between our African and African-heritage brethren across the globe, through raising awareness of our shared challenges in the Education and Skills spheres.
In this regard, I am particularly delighted that you have been in contact as we have been struggling to make contact with our brethren in the African Diaspora in that part of the world. In this regard, your communication is very timely and fortuitous.
Your initiative is one which we very much welcome, having participated in the AU Global Diaspora Summit here in Johannesburg, in 2012. You can be certain that you can wholly count on our support in PASEN, to circulate this information and promote your work.
We would also wish to engage your network once it has been established in the work of PASEN, so that we can extend the networking and collaborative partnerships to our colleagues in the African Diaspora in that region.
As the Initiator and Chair of PASEN, I would very much wish to support and contribute to your efforts in any way you deem useful.
Forwards ever, backwards never!!!
Yours in Solidarity,
Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala
Chair: PASEN
----
...Watch video about Celebration of African Australians National Award: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZIQJp7zJEo&feature=player_</u
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
FYI
Dear J.Nze-Bertram,
...
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Dear Leaders
Join me in welcoming Mrs Maria Osman to this forum. Maria is from South Africa. She is the A/Executive Director, Community Building & Services, WA Government Department of Local Government and Communities.
Welcome Maria and please browse through the forum tabs for overview of our discussions so far. (Also, see the list of panel members below)
Warm regards
John
John Nze-Bertram
Facilitator
The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project
On Sunday, June 1, 2014 7:30:17 PM UTC+9:30, in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org wrote:
This forum has been created for some of the best minds (you) to collectively discuss about The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project. Particularly, what is your suggestion on the structure, objectives and processes for this initiative. As a guide, click here to download the attached African Union DECLARATION OF THE GLOBAL AFRICAN DIASPORA. Also see attached documents.
His Excellency, Mr Molosiwa Selepeng, Botswana High Commissioner and Dean of the African Heads of Mission
Dr. Joseph Masika OAM, Chairperson, Federation of African Communities Council of Australia
Mr. Bill Reppard, President, Australian Africa Business Council
Dr. Tanya Lyons, President, The African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific
Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe, Project Leader, utilization of African migrants’ Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Mr Nick Mbogua, President, United As ONE
Ms Fatma Abdullatif Abdallah, 2013 Most Outstanding Young Diplomat of the Year
Maria Osman
John, I my heritage is Somali (Australian –Somali) not South African
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Celebrate African Australians
I've updated the message below
John, I my heritage is Somali (Australian –Somali) not South African
From: africandiasporaau...@googlegroups.com [mailto:africandiasporaau...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Sent: Sunday, 8 June 2014 6:44 PM
To: africandiasporaau...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Fwd: Let's Talk | The African Diaspora in Australia (and Asia Pacific) Project
Dear Leaders
Join me in welcoming Mrs Maria Osman to this forum. Maria is an Australian-Somali. She is the A/Executive Director, Community Building & Services, WA Government Department of Local Government and Communities.
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Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/africandiasporaaustraliasiapacific.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/africandiasporaaustraliasiapacific/001501cf8310%24a04203b0%24e0c60b10%24%40com.au.
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--
John Nze-Bertram
Principal Convenor & Chairperson - Celebration of African Australians Inc ("Celebrate")
- Watch SBS TV News video about our 2012 National Awards Event : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVnLfIjoCS8
- Watch video about Celebration of African Australians : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZIQJp7zJEo
Australian National Coordinator – Organization for the Harmonization of Business Laws in Africa (OHADA) Club, Australia.
Email: jo...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Website: http://www.celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Celebrate African Australians
I've updated the message below
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to africandiasporaaustrali...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to africandiasporaau...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/africandiasporaaustraliasiapacific.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/africandiasporaaustraliasiapacific/001501cf8310%24a04203b0%24e0c60b10%24%40com.au.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
in...@celebrateafricanaustralians.org
Dear Leaders
Join me in welcoming Dr Mimmie Claudine Ngum Chi Watts to this forum. Mimmie, a Camerounian Australian, is a Director at Western Health; Lecturer Community Health, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University; and Patron, Women Federation for World Peace Australia.
Mimmie, included in this forum are the following leaders:
His Excellency, Mr Molosiwa Selepeng, Botswana High Commissioner and Dean of the African Heads of Mission (Included as Observer)
Dr. Joseph Masika OAM, Chairperson, Federation of African Communities Council
of Australia
Mr Tommy
Adebayo, Chairperson, African Professionals of Australia
Mr. Bill Reppard, President, Australian Africa Business Council
Dr Berhan Ahmed, Chairperson, African Think Tank
Mrs
Juliana Nkrumah AO, Chairperson, African Women Australia
Dr. Tanya Lyons, President, The African Studies Association of Australasia and
the Pacific
Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe, Project Leader, utilization of African migrants’
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Mrs Eleni Bereded, Director, SBS
Mrs Dorinda Hafner, People of Australia Ambassador
Mrs Maria Osman, A/Executive Director, Community Building & Services, WA Government Department of Local Government and Communities.
Professor Samuel Makinda, former member Australian Foreign Minister’s National Consultative Committee on International Security Issues
Dr Casta Tungaraza, President, African Women's Council of Australia
Mr David Malinda, Australia Day Ambassador
Mr Sisay
Dinku, Executive, Celebration of African Australians Inc
Mr Nick Mbogua, President, United As ONE
Mrs Sharon Orapeleng, 2013 African Community Leader of the Year
DR Gitu, Director, ASCOF
Mrs Heddie Goldberg, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Botswana, VIC
Mrs Rosemary Karuiki, Chairperson, African Women's Dinner Dance
Dr Yohannes Yihdego Woldeyohannes, Senior Hydrogeologist/Modeller, SMEC Australia
Dr Chika Anyanwu, Associate Professor of Media, Head of School of Communication and Creative Industries, Charles Sturt University
Dr Charles Mphande, Coordinator Graduate Program, International Community Development, Victoria University
Mr Arsene Bounda, 2013 African-Australian Young Leader of the Year
Mr Nkweto Nkamba, 2013 African-Australian Young Leader of the Year
Mr Davies
Chibale, 2013 African-Australian Champion
Ms Fatma Abdullatif Abdallah, 2013 Most Outstanding Young Diplomat of the Year
Ms Khadija Gbla, 2013 Australian Representative at the Intercontinental African-Australian Dialogue
Mr Isaiah Fayia Lahai, People of Australia Ambassador
Once again, welcome and we look forward to reading your contributions to ongoing discussions.
Kind regards
John
John Nze-Bertram
Facilitator, The African Diaspora in Australia (& Asia Pacific) Project
Elleni Bereded-Samuel
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Maria Osman
Hi John
I like Elleni would prefer my position title to be removed, as to will represent myself , people can view my biog from the Celebration of African Australians website.
Thanks Maria
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m.labeautenoire
It's my pleasure to join this group. I will like to say this initiative is very timely. Thank you John for such a great Vision.
Early this year I attended the 6th Pan African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health. The theme of the conference was "eliminating vulnerabilities for women and girls in Africa". There were representatives from every part of Africa doing great work from the 'Top through to Grassroots levels'.
During the five days we were there it was obvious that there was a gap in research capacity building. People did great work at community level but were unable to share their work in scientific papers. The responsibility I was given by the Convenors was to help develop capacity in this area with the African diaspora community particularly with researchers and health care Professionals.
I have since put out an invitation for African Australian with an MPH or PhD in Public health or related discipline to join the Australian African Public Health Network (AAPHNet) which I convene. See details on my face book page or LinkedIn. Thus within this group I shall solicit to continue to take the leadership in
Research Capacity Building and Gender Health Disparities where I have expertise in.
I will appreciate if you could share this message with fellow brothers and sisters out there.
Best wishes,
Mimmie
Emily Korir
I am honored to be here and as a senior technical advisor on inclusive development, I am very interested to see how AU will enable us to be a part of reducing poverty and contributing to sustainable economic growth in Africa.
To be effective in reducing poverty, development in Africa must actively include and benefit people with disabilities. People with disabilities are the largest and most disadvantaged minority in the world. They make up 15 per cent of the global population (about one billion people) with most extended families including someone with a disability. This has particular implications for women and girls, who are typically the primary carers for family members with disabilities. Having a family member with a disability can accentuate gender inequality within the household and limit women’s and girls’ opportunities for education and employment. This in turn undermines their ability to contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth within their household, community and country.
It is clear that there is a link between disability and poverty, with 80 per cent of people with disabilities living in developing countries and one-in-five of the world’s poorest having a disability. Furthermore, people with disabilities and their families are more likely to be poor and remain poor as a result of higher living costs, barriers to education, health and employment opportunities, and unpaid caring responsibilities.
Economic opportunities for people with disabilities are often limited by poorer educational attainment and inaccessible education, poorer health and inaccessible health services, and lower employment rates and workplace discrimination. Opportunities for people with disabilities and their households are also limited by caring responsibilities that prevent family members (typically women and girls) from attending school and working. This has an impact at individual, household and national levels, with national economies losing an estimated five per cent of gross domestic product when people with disabilities do not have equal access to employment (this cost is greater when indirect costs, such as caregivers’ lost wages, are taken into account).
These factors highlight the importance of enabling people with disabilities and their families to lift themselves out of poverty through accessible and appropriate health services, and education and employment opportunities. This requires concerted efforts to overcome stigma and discrimination in order to recognise the value and capacity of people with disabilities. Disability-inclusive development provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate on an equal basis to others and realise their full potential. This enables countries to harness the potential contribution of all citizens, maximising opportunities for poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth.