Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Ngethustar elected as the New President of the East African Society

YES IT HAS BEEN A WHILE since I last wrote here. I hope that this finds everyone in good health. Last week was a great week for me. I delivered two powerful presentations here in Sheffield which were very well received. The first presentation was entitled ‘African Blood and Redemption: The International Community’s Poisonous Legacy! The second one was in partnership with Muthoni and it was on African Solutions to poverty. I also featured in a BBC Africa Radio programme which dealt with issues on the Darfur Conflict in Sudan.

THE BIGGEST FEAT yet was when I got elected as the first president of the newly formed East African Society on 27th/10/06. The East African Society was founded in 2006 to recognise, celebrate, and affirm the East African presence at Sheffield University. During the elections took place, I introduced myself as James Muiruri from Nge’thu in the Central Province of East African republic of Kenya. I am a firm believer of African Unity and our region’s place in a 21st century international community. I am proud and delighted to say that the three countries in the East of Africa are represented in the society committee.

AS THE FIRST DIRECTLY ELECTED PRESIDENT of the East African Society, my immediate plans include the following. I together with our committee will draw up a constitution listing out the aims and purposes of the East African Society as well as its rules and procedure.. I shall work very hard for the implementation of the East African Society website. We shall liaise with other East African societies in the UK, Kenyan and beyond, organise trips, we shall hold East African socials, hold debates as well as invite guest speakers. Notably, we intend to make a dramatic appearance during the Food evening International cultural night ON THE 18TH OF NOVEMBER! All are welcome.

WE SHALL WORK HARD in co-ordinating society activities, supporting the committee members in their efforts, liaising with other societies on matters beneficial to the society, creating shared vision and purpose, strategic planning, feedback and appraisal to ensure that the East African Society becomes the best and most successful society.We shall also give back to the community. The East African Presence will be felt here in Sheffield and a passionate legacy of African pride well established.

I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY, on behalf of the committee members, to thank the members. YOU are the ones that form the backbone of the East African Society. Special thanks for all that voted as well as those that sent their support. The East African Society is open to people from all regions across the world and we urge you to join us in this effort. This will assist us to examine the historical experiences of various cultures and nationalities in order to develop an enlightened appreciation of the struggles and values of each.

THANK YOU

NGETHUSTAR