Africa ++ forum

Forum: Africa ++ Date: 23rd May 2007
Location: Young foundation, Bethnal Green , London
Network link: Pioneers of change, Facebook

World café style open forum meeting to look at dealing with issues in Africa.

Discussions:
1) What is the Vision for Africa?
· To be a model of a new way of living
· To stay grounded in history an culture
· Break free from victim image and mentality
· To be creative, resourceful, and whole in the eyes of the world
· To be the solar OPEC

2) What needs to address?
· Inspire collaborative learning that is culturally relevant
· To allow the communities to express their own needs and ideas (Participatory planning)
· To build capacity for inventiveness
· To develop and empower natural leaders
· To network best practise examples from across globe on specific topics
· To provide linkages between local activists/entrepreneurs
· Constraints could be access to Internet and English/IT skills
· Develop more social entrepreneurs

3) Practical ways to make a difference today?
· Start small and grow (Reference Gandhi's salt march)
· Provide direct mentor ship and assist in the development of business cases
· Provide access to technology/information
· Direct individual sponsorship of known individuals
· Advocacy in respect to funding
· Establish fund for social entrepreneurs (Unlimited model)

Note) Shell have program similar to AED called "Better World" for formalised sabbaticals with NGOs