ANNOUNCEMENT


Worship with us @ Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries, Budapest, Hungary Address: 1081 Bp II János Pál Pápa tér 2 (formerly Köztársaság tér) Direction: From Blaha, take tram 28, 28A, 37, 37A, 62...1 stop. From the traffic light cross to the other side... Or take Metro 4 & get off @ János Pál Pápa tér
Time of worship: Wednesdays @ 18:30 hr Sundays @ 10:30 hr
Tel: +36 203819155 or +36 202016005

God bless


Saturday 14 January 2012

NEWS & REPORT

Defining the Diaspora’s role & potential with Africa

Beyond the broad categorizations of the African diaspora and rhetorical questions posed by Dele Fatunla in his blog post, "What's Diaspora Got To Do With It?", he raises an important and timely question about what role the African diaspora plays and should play in supporting Africa's growth.


Fatunla correctly lists remittances, tourism and brain drain as areas where diaspora have proven to have a critical impact in Africa, albeit sporadic at times. These are the most recognizable ways in which diaspora relate with Africa. They are not comparable to the experience of day-to-day living in Africa, but as a member of the diaspora that once relocated to my ancestral homeland of Eritrea for two years and currently spends half my time on the continent, I know there are additional ways Africans abroad are making an impact in Africa.

Before we explore those examples, it's worth noting that Fatunla fails to define who exactly the diaspora is within the context of his analysis. It is overly simplistic and dangerous to suggest they are "a group of people who by and large fled the continent when it was most in need, and returned when it least needs them". The diaspora must be disaggregated into its many parts and identify what contributions they actually are providing.

Here panelists (L to R) His Excellency Cyrille Oguin, Benin Ambassador to the United States; Mr. Anthony Archer, of the Diaspora Project at California State University Dominguiz Hills; and Ms. Gina Page, of African Ancestry discuss the important connections between Africa and the African Diaspora in the session "The African Diaspora - Investment, Citizenship, and Relationship".

To begin, the "African diaspora" is not monolithic. We are a diverse, multifaceted & multigenerational demographic spanning every continent and socioeconomic status. There are exhaustive studies by the World Bank, Migration Policy Institute, DFID and countless NGOs exploring this definition. Many diaspora left home or were raised abroad for a variety of reasons, including war, conflict, insecurity or the lack of economic opportunity. Yet we remain connected with our homelands. Others grew up abroad and maintained a relationship with the continent by any means, either through regular visits, community language school or establishing transnational business ties. Even more significant however are the emerging diaspora youth leaders raised abroad and seeking to forge deeper relationships with their homelands, as will be revealed later in this piece.

The other shortcoming with What's Diaspora Got to Do With It is that it falls completely short on recognizing the diaspora's added value - which is far beyond economic remittances and sporadic tourism. Even though remittances continue to be the largest form of diaspora contributions, amounting to roughly $40 billion a year to support livelihoods and development, it is not the only form of significant deliverables from diaspora.

The last decade's sudden explosion of technology, social media and new models for change has resulted in more contributions from the diaspora, particularly around long term development and advocacy. Here are just a few examples:

1. Promoting development: Through innovation, broad based networks, and tried and true outreach, diaspora are taking their love for Africa and applying it with ingenuity for good. Diaspora entrepreneurs and organizations are widening spaces in the continent for African-led development and growth. Initiatives such as Villages in Action, Shea Yeleen, Sierra Visions, Face Africa, and Akili Dada are just a few of the successful diaspora efforts launched in Africa with local communities. With each example, these organizations were founded by diaspora who arrived to the States at a young age, or were educated abroad, or were raised entirely abroad. The new face of diaspora and development is continuing to change.

2. Support for humanitarian emergencies: When disaster strikes, Africa's greatest resource has consistently proven to be its people. Diaspora groups are a crucial lifeline to access those in need, by sending messages and delivering help. The current drought ravaging East Africa spurred Africans on the continent and abroad into action. Within weeks, Kenyans, South Africans, Nigerians, the broader Horn of Africa diaspora and more helped to raise millions of dollars for relief. Somalia's famine motivated Somalis abroad to relocate and help people most in need. Efforts such as the Global Somali Response is one of many incredible examples of partnership and support. Again, another organization founded by a next generation diaspora leader.

3. Building bridges between Africans & non-Africans: Africa is not bound by its borders. As Nigerian-American journalist Dayo Olopade calls it, Africa is the "Bright Continent". Its people are a rich source of energy, life and innovation. They are the bridges between countries and continents. By celebrating our rich cultural heritage, diversity and histories, relationships are forged with foreigners, including those unable to visit the continent themselves. Photos and stories are shared in the halls of the diaspora community center. Myths are dispelled. Messages are conveyed. And stereotypes are broken.

4. Adding new layers to the African narrative: Stories of Africa's development and its needs must be told by those on the continent first, but diaspora do help facilitate those stories. They add a deeper layer to Africa's story and are an asset. As diaspora groups grow in presence and participation, so too will these narratives. In addition to storytelling, diaspora owned businesses, faith based groups, community organizations, youth associations, and private enterprises are eager to carry Africa's message to newcomers and supporters alike.

5. Helping to shape Western & regional foreign policy agendas and offering models of civic participation: New advocacy groups, civic associations and diaspora networks have also flourished in the West, particularly around conflict resolution, networking and economic trade with the continent. Assuming diaspora apply effective advocacy strategies, they can help shape foreign policy priorities and shift analyses for Africa's betterment. Governments, organizations and decisionmakers recognize this power and potential of the African diaspora. 

They understand that beyond their wallets, diaspora are legitimate stakeholders in Africa's future. The African Union has already declared the African diaspora as the Sixth Region of the AU. The United States, United Kingdom, and various African countries have also created initiatives and opportunities to engage with diaspora directly.

I agree with Fatunla's premise that more investment must be made in Africa's leaders on the continent to create the next generation of Adichies, Okollahs, Iewalas, and yes The Elders.
But having worked for and traveled with The Elders myself, and having had the chance to learn from African leaders in the diaspora, I can personally attest to the power and notion of Ubuntu: I am because you are. It is clear that diaspora have quite a lot to do with Africa because Africa has quite a lot to do with the diaspora.

Semhar Araia is founder & executive director of DAWN, the Diaspora African Women's Network.

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COVER STORY

MY SMALL VOICE COLUMN

MY SMALL VOICE COLUMN
Odd jobs stacked against EU immigrants

COLUMN: MY SMALLVOICE

COLUMN: MY SMALLVOICE
TV2's false report about Nigerians in Hungary

MY SMALL VOICE

MY SMALL VOICE
Remembering a true prophet, Bob Marley...click on photo to read

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MY SMALL VOICE
Subsidising fraud & lies & blood...click on photo to read

MY SMALL VOICE:

MY SMALL VOICE:
Libya: The return of colonialist bondage.

Editor's Mail

Love the article on Gaddafi
We must rise above tribalism & divide & rule of the colonialist who stole & looted our treasure & planted their puppets to lord it over us..they alone can decide on whosoever is performing & the one that is corrupt..but the most corrupt nations are the western countries that plunder the resources of other nations & make them poorer & aid the rulers to steal & keep such ill gotten wealth in their country..yemen,syria etc have killed more than gadhafi but its not A̷̷̴ good investment for the west(this is laughable)because oil is not in these countries..when obasanjo annihilated the odi people in rivers state, they looked away because its in their favour & interest..one day! Samosa Iyoha

Hello from
Johannesburg
I was amazed to find a website for Africans in Hungary.
Looks like you have quite a community there. Here in SA we have some three million Zimbabweans living in exile and not much sign of going home ... but in Hungary??? Hope to meet you on one of my trips to Europe; was in Steirmark Austria near the Hungarian border earlier this month. Every good wish for 2011. Geoff in Jo'burg

I'm impressed by
ANH work but...
Interesting interview...
I think from what have been said, the Nigerian embassy here seem to be more concern about its nationals than we are for ourselves. Our complete disregard for the laws of Hungary isn't going to help Nigeria's image or going to promote what the Embassy is trying to showcase. So if the journalists could zoom-in more focus on Nigerians living, working and studying here in Hungary than scrutinizing the embassy and its every move, i think it would be of tremendous help to the embassy serving its nationals better and create more awareness about where we live . Taking the issues of illicit drugs and forged documents as typical examples.. there are so many cases of Nigerians been involved. But i am yet to read of it in e.news. So i think if only you and your journalists could write more about it and follow up on the stories i think it will make our nationals more aware of what to expect. I wouldn't say i am not impressed with your work but you need to be more of a two way street rather than a one way street . Keep up the good work... Sylvia

My comment to the interview with his excellency Mr. Adedotun Adenrele Adepoju CDA a.i--

He is an intelligent man. He spoke well on the issues! Thanks to Mr Hakeem Babalola for the interview it contains some expedient information.. B.Ayo Adams click to read editor's mail
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