Wednesday
Wednesday began with the official Opening Ceremony of the 8th Africa Regional Conference, which took place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The guests were greeted by local Guides and Brownies from the Girl Guides Association of Zambia who lined the road leading to the venue. The ceremony began with entrance of the guests of honour, Professor Vertistine Beaman Mbaya, the keynote speaker, and Hon. Catherine Namugala, the Zambian Minister for Community Development and Social Services.
Janet Sitali, Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Association of Zambia gave some welcoming remarks to all the guests, who included representatives from embassies and High Commissions, ministers, Brownies, Guides and Leaders. We then enjoyed entertainment from girl Guides of Lusaka in the form of singing and dancing.
Mary Lynn Myers then gave her address to the guests and presented two esteemed awards. The first is WAGGGS Bronze Award, which celebrates outstanding contribution to International Guiding. This award was presented to Martine Lévy in recognition of her commitment to Guiding and Scouting over the last 30 years.
The day continued back at the conference venue. The Africa Committee members presented the Regional Report to the delegates. This gave an informative overview of Africa Region’s news, achievements and challenges since the last conference in 2004.
The meeting of Chief Commissioners highlighted some challenges on relationships between volunteers and staff. They shared experiences in solving such situations, and enhancing the smooth running of the organization through a well-defined, democratic structure.
Janet Sitali, Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Association of Zambia gave some welcoming remarks to all the guests, who included representatives from embassies and High Commissions, ministers, Brownies, Guides and Leaders. We then enjoyed entertainment from girl Guides of Lusaka in the form of singing and dancing.Honorine Kiplagat, Chairman of Africa Committee, WAGGGS, also gave a welcome address. She introduced each of the 27 Member Organizations, the two members of the World Board present-Mary Lynn Myers, Deputy Chairman and Lucia Piñeiro- and the Africa Committee.
World Citizen award and Bronze award
Mary Lynn Myers then gave her address to the guests and presented two esteemed awards. The first is WAGGGS Bronze Award, which celebrates outstanding contribution to International Guiding. This award was presented to Martine Lévy in recognition of her commitment to Guiding and Scouting over the last 30 years.Mary Lynn then introduced the World Citizen Award, WAGGGS’ highest award. She presented to Vertistine Beaman Mbaya, who received it on behalf of Professor Wangari Maathai from Kenya, the first female African Nobel Peace Prize holder, who unfortunately was unable to attend in person. Prof. Mbaya gave the keynote address on behalf of Wangari Mattai.
There was then more entertainment from girls from a home for disadvantaged young women in Lusaka, who danced and sang for the guests.
Catherine Namugala, the Zambian Minister for Community Development and Social Services addressed the guests, asking them to rise to the challenges faced by girls and young women in Africa such as HIV/AIDS, early marriages and sexual abuse.
The conference is going on smoothly. I was really impressed with the opening ceremony. So far, Member Organizations participation has been brilliant.
Vibrant discussions are going on and our expectations are being met. We hope to have a very successful conference on the overall.
Linda Dzifa Tamakloe
International Commissioner, Ghana
Vibrant discussions are going on and our expectations are being met. We hope to have a very successful conference on the overall.
Linda Dzifa Tamakloe
International Commissioner, Ghana
Back to work
The day continued back at the conference venue. The Africa Committee members presented the Regional Report to the delegates. This gave an informative overview of Africa Region’s news, achievements and challenges since the last conference in 2004.The penultimate session of the first full day took the form of three workshops. The delegates chose the most appropriate of the three to attend. One group consisted mainly of Chief Commissioners, the other International Commissioners and the third of young delegates.
The meeting of Chief Commissioners highlighted some challenges on relationships between volunteers and staff. They shared experiences in solving such situations, and enhancing the smooth running of the organization through a well-defined, democratic structure.
The young delegates discussed their role in Guiding and the challenges they face in terms of actively taking part in decision-making on national boards. They also discussed the Africa Region Youth Network, an on-line forum for young women under 30 years old to share ideas, materials and make friends with other young leaders around the world.
Finally, the International Commissioners recommended the need for training tailored to them to fulfil their responsibilities.
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