March 11, 2010

First African Dinning was Successfull event

‘Knowledge is power for the girls; the power to make own decisions, to choose a profession. Power to lead an independent, active and productive life in the society’. UNICEF director Ann M Veneman.

‘Education for Girls in Africa’ was the title of the unique event of African Dinning 1 organised by Hirda on the 4th of March 2010 in Amsterdam. Hirda is an organization that encourages education and gender equality in East Africa, especially in Somalia and focuses to develop the reconstruction of Somalia. This event was aimed to enhance the involvement of African Women Diaspora and International organization to work towards increasing education opportunity and equality for girls in Africa. Hirda’s director, Fatumo Farah has opened the event with warm welcoming to the guest and was hosted by the TV presenter Andrew Makkinga, originally from Uganda. This event was presented with traditional African food, music and inspiring stories of African Women Diaspora as short film.

This facilitated professionals and expertise of Netherland, Africa and nationwide to gather for discussion and exchange knowledge regarding key issues of girls education in Africa and the current financial crises that have impact and effect on them. A lot of significant issues have been addressed by the guest speaker Sophia Abdi Noor, the Kenyan Member of Parliament, who has emphasized the importance of giving more education and equal opportunity to girls in Africa, that enables them take active role in the community and society.
Also, Millicent Odengo, the chairperson of Computer for Development has spoken of the importance of developing the education system with technology and computer programs. Technology is essential and step forward towards advancement and increases the development of communication with wider global community. In addition to the education development, Program Manager in Africa at Aflatoun Organisation, Rediet Abey has drawn light into their involvement in different countries to implement their program of Social and Financial Education and how to further this program into helping more children in Africa and other undeveloped countries.

These issues were the concerns of the participants in the event who have debated and raised more questions to be considered in the future, that encouraged Hosts, Donors and participants of the event to exchange their valuable ideas and views to take actions towards the development of improving girls’ education and women empowerment.

The attendance of the event was more than expected with a lot of positive feedback, and the atmosphere of the night was joyous and friendly. This is the start of the chain events and it has been planned for continues events to discuss further issues that concern Africa. The next upcoming events are Dinning 2 titled ‘Honour-based violence in Africa by Africansky ’, and Dinning 3 ‘Women as peacemakers in Africa by MWNP’ that would host by different organizers. All events are supported by NCDO.

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