Committee and Co-ordinators

Chair's Statement 

Greetings friends, supporters and colleagues...

It's been a year of consolidation and achievement for us. Our work with other organisations, funders, Lambeth Council and public relations in general has ensured that an increased and effective service can be accessible to young people of African descent.

Collaborations have flourished and culminated on the 9th March 05 with the Revd Jesse Jackson 'raising the roof off New Initiatives' in a magnificent partnership event with the Greater London Authority (GLA). New Initiatives received Revd Jackson, his 2 Son's, members of the Rainbow Coalition/PUSH from the USA and a party from the GLA including Lee Jasper - Race Advisor to the Mayor of London.

Our guests met our prominent Elders residing in the UK, young people, their families, staff, elected Members, senior Lambeth officers and invited individuals and agencies that came together to support and acknowledge our Rites of Passage work. This excellent event was reported on the television, the national press and local media outlets.

Another success is the historical research projects produced by young people and supported by our eminent historians Steve Martin, Robin Walker and lecturer Paul Obinna. We want to develop other educational packages   for young people because we all learnt so much.

I am pleased to report also that our core business activity continues to thrive. This consists of our programmes that are complimented with village events, community groups accessing premises and developing our organisational capacity. 

Our biggest success this year is going from strength to tremendous strength with ORIGIN, which has in turn inspired the AKUAH team to launch AKUAH   (started Sat. 17th December 05). At last, some of you may say, but it is to be remembered that behind every successful ORIGIN there is a successful AKUAH!! We can expect another compelling contribution to the New Initiative programme.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, funders, volunteers, management committee members and to our Champions, Chief Omilade and Babalawo Professor Gus John for their Eldership, support and guidance. Together we have had a remarkable year.

Watch this space!

Ayoola KaBaRa-Clarke (NIYCA, Chair).