This is a wrap-up for our biggest annual event. As we Think of Africa in the Diaspora and similarly reflect on the enormous impact of our “flagship” event — Think Africa Week 2020 (held between the 14th and 20th of November) in Helsinki, Finland.
The main theme of this week-long hybrid event was “The Africa We Want”; with a focus on the unity, prosperity, culture, and community desired.
The week consisted of five events:
-A featured side event in collaboration with SAIS II Programme spotlighting 18 startups from 5 companies pitching contemporary innovations,
-An inspiring opening ceremony on the “Power of Impact” that had the right composition of intriguing discussions, performances, and exhibitions,
-Realising the UN SDG 9 and enhancing skills and capacity of a “Next Generation” of Innovators,
-Building bridges of trust for effective collaboration across cultures, and
-Harnessing “Our power to Empower” (a youth empowerment oriented event).
All of the events were organised by a diverse and driven team of volunteers supported by private and public partnership of various organisations sharing a common interest in building an Africa aspiration by those on the Continent and in the Diaspora: “The Africa We Want.”
As a social media contractor at Think Africa Week 2020, I attended all of the scheduled events of the week. Moreover, it was my very first time and indeed each event was eye-opening, vibrant, invigorating and inspiring!
Due to Covid-19, all events of Think Africa Week 2020 (#TAWeek20) were live-streamed via Facebook; which meant that ANYONE from anywhere on the globe could attend virtually and engage with Think Africa Week. The livestream videos reached an approximate 15 000 viewers from Finland and African countries such as Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and Tunisia.
The key memories and takeaways from the week for me are as follows:
The change starts with us, and with me. We cannot expect things to change automatically by themselves or for others to change our fate without implementing the change in ourselves. “You must be the change you want to see” — Mahatma Gandhi.
Yes, we have the right to be frustrated; however, hate is never the answer. We must elevate each other and innovate together.
Reducing aid dependency is a must for it would allow Africa to thrive on its own. This approach and course of action is more sustainable in the long-term; so as to assist local communities and people in helping themselves build the Future They Want.
As a person born and raised in Africa and living abroad; I believe that one way to help is to give back to one’s community. Whether it is advocating, promoting or creating opportunities for the community development.
The impact you make now and in the future in your community is significant and necessary.
Think Africa Week 2020 also highlighted our rich African Culture, and the Unity We aspire to.
I was immersed in and got to experience different cultures from different parts of Africa such as Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Senegal especially through the beautiful performances and exhibitions. “A great mix of entertainment and discussions,” commented a participant at one of the events.
Being born in Mauritius, a multicultural country, I embrace cultural diversity. What strikes me the most is the people I met at the different events. Seeing and meeting individuals of African and non-African roots, passionate about and committed to contributing to Africa’s development future and engaging actively to make a positive impact. This is what was inspiring for me — a community of people working together towards a better future for Africa and its diaspora, for the Community and Continent We Want.
#TAWeek20 has impacted the growth of the Think Africa community with new members, new partnership opportunities and collaborations for 2021.
My attendance and acquaintance with new people has truly lifted my spirit and inspired me to act and contribute more to the change I want to see. Feedback from the participants also confirmed that the event inspired many to be more active in building the “Africa We Want.”
One thing that I learned during Think Africa Week is the concept of Ubuntu — I Am Because You Are. “A United Africa, where every person as different and diverse as they are can contribute to the country in order to create the spirit of Ubuntu,” said Amkelwa Mbekeni-Kapanen; Master of the Opening Ceremony, Think Africa Week 2020.
Join Think Africa here https://www.thinkafrica.fi/.
As a job seeker, I’m open to social media marketing and visual design-related work. Let’s connect! www.linkedin.com/in/grace-chung-05
Written by:
Grace M. Chung
