West Africa Night

West Africa Night

As part of its constant effort to raise public awareness about issues facing West African countries and the African Diaspora, the London-based International Office of the CDD hosts an annual event called West Africa Night. Last year, the issue of the former child soldiers in Sierra Leone and Liberia was highlighted, and the famous film-maker Sorious Samura gave the keynote speech.
This year, the CDD intends to use the event to highlight and celebrate the contribution of the West African community to the UK and West Africa. The event, involving West African music, dance and food, will celebrate the achievements and dynamism of the UK West African community, and introduce Londoners and other UK residents from a wide variety of ethnic and social backgrounds to the vibrant West African culture. The CDD International Office is planning to host this event in July, on either the 12th or 19th.
We require additional funds in order to make this event as successful as possible; allowing us to acquire a venue and catering, as well as bands and dancers. Beyond the short-term goal of providing an exciting community event, we also expect this event to act as a springboard for our 'Nurturing the Political Engagement of the UK West African Diaspora' project; by enhancing the links between the CDD and the wider West African Diaspora.

The long-term goal of the CDD International office in London is to become a bridge between the West African Diaspora and decision-making bodies in the UK. This role will include both making representations on behalf of the West African Diaspora to prominent individuals and organisations with which CDD has a strong reputation; and encouraging and informing members of the Diaspora in order to allow them to directly access and influence arenas of political power in the UK.
Funding for this project will allow the CDD International Office to effectively reach-out and network with the West African Diaspora; so as to hear their concerns and opinions, as well as informing and facilitating their political engagement. It will also allow CDD to build on its reputation and contacts within political spheres in order to encourage active commitment to the concerns and opinions of the Diaspora.