HOUSE (NI) ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Annual Report 2019

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From Left to right: Board Members – Dubekile Apolonia Mbondiya, Ronke Sharl, Treasurer – Georgeline Nich, and Israel Eguaogie

Annual Report 2019

Registered Charity NIC: 102939 www.africahouseni.org Africa House (NI) | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Africa-House-NI/316038441912276

Africa House (NI) | co.218 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1GY, Northern Ireland

Africa House (NI) was established in November 2014 as an initiative which aimed to represent the interests of a number of African diaspora organizations and individuals across Northern Ireland. It was deemed a Registered Charity (NIC102939) in December 2015 and launched as a fully operating charity on 25 September 2016 at the Northern Ireland Assembly Buildings. It currently has members and associates from fifteen different African countries and has the support of, and participant representation, from fourteen different African support organizations: Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland (HAPANI); The Kenyan Association for Northern Ireland (KANI); Ugandan Association for Northern Ireland; Congo's Tears; Somali Association; Project Zambia; All Nations Ministries; the Sierra Leonean Association; Association Darfur of NI (ADNI)); Association NI; Sudanese Youth Group; Nigerian Community Association NI (NICONI); Eritrean Association NI; and the Igbo Women’s Organisation. Representatives from these various different communities are members or associates of the Management Board.

Africa House (NI) is an initiative from within the African community in Northern Ireland and has the intention of creating a community hub to facilitate the positive integration of African families and individuals into northern Irish society without prejudice to status, tribe, gender, nationality or faith. The organization has a number of ongoing initiatives - such as organizing independence day celebrations, volunteering opportunities and support, networking on African issues (such as community development and family support), cultural events, interfaith meetings, youth events, educational support groups and talks on issues relevant to the African community in Northern Ireland. Africa House (NI) has recently established an after school homework club in partnership with local school teachers and student teachers with over 40 volunteers; opened a women's sewing class - held every Tuesday and Thursday in the St Joseph’s Centre, Belfast; and are holding ongoing

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sessions on a diverse range of topics. It has a Leadership Forum bringing together leaders from different African communities to discuss the issues that the African communities face and facilitates ongoing dialogue for community representatives. There are also bespoke and occasional events, such as football matches, interfaith dialogue meetings, memorial events and talks on, for example, migration, status, and African health concerns.

Africa House (NI) works in partnership with: Positive Life (HIV Awareness), the Centre for Global Education, NCM, Friends of Africa, the Edmund Trust, St George’s Church of Ireland Church, the Westcourt Centre, St Mary's University College, St Vincent De Paul, St Paul’s Church, Belvoir Church of Ireland Church, St Joseph's Centre, BURC, LORAG, St Rose’s School, the City Hall Good Relations Office, Ballymena Council and a number of other local Charities. It has representation on a number of fora and ongoing partnerships with the African Women’s Network, ASCONI, HAPANI, TunMicro and the ACCCNI. Significantly, in 2017, Africa House (NI) secured funding from the Executive Office (NI) for a member of staff. Mrs Fatuma Maallin took up the post in July 2017 and worked from the Development Office in a Capacity Building role for the organization. Fatuma represented Africa House (NI) on a number of partner organizations throughout Northern Ireland, including the Migrant Forum, an initiative of Belfast City Hall.

The organization has a position on the Migrant Forum and has, for a number of years, been working with the Good Relations Office and Lord Mayor's Office of Belfast City Hall. Until summer 2018 Africa House (NI) operated from a development office in the St Joseph's Centre on the Grosvenor Road in Belfast, but moved its postal address to NCM House, York Street, Belfast, after the Executive Office project closed. It also has use of a number of other facilities across Northern Ireland for community activities. While its ‘Capacity Building Project’ failed to get further funding from the Executive for the community, it has received some financial backing from BURC and the Global Education Project.

In October 2018, Africa House (NI) secured funding from Belfast City Council for reconstruction of the Charity’s website and for the creation of a Pop-up Exhibition which will celebrate the African community’s contribution to life in the region. It has use of the St Joseph’s Centre to avail of its Hall (which can cater for 120 people for events) and for social and community events, accommodation space for international guests, and office space for various purposes. Likewise, St George’s Church of Ireland church has been very accommodating in its support for ongoing activities. Overall, this has been a successful year for the organization. It growth is steady, community outreach is growing and the growing support has been outstanding. Thanks are due to the officers and the Trustees who have in various ways contributed to a highly successful year for this important community charity.

The Sudanese Group at the Annual Picnic – 22 June 2019

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THE MISSION

Africa House (NI) is an initiative from the African community in Northern Ireland, which has the intention of creating a platform to facilitate the positive integration of the African community into the local society. Its intention is to build on the vibrancy of African social, cultural and economic life to present a confident and involved community which is active and developmental within the social, cultural and economic development of northern Irish society. Its membership represents various African diaspora organisations, individuals and those committed to the enhancement of the African community’s successful intercultural integration. Its activities will involve social, cultural and business development, as well as networking with groups, organisations and individuals in partnership to advance these aims. The Mission is:  Our Mission is to facilitate a platform to enable successful integration, cultural awareness and improving community relations between the African and local communities. The Vision is:  To build common purpose among the African community and the local community. The Aims are:  To create a forum for African issues.  To assist in the integration of the African community into northern Irish society.  To showcase African culture in northern Irish society.  To inform and educate the northern Irish community about African culture and issues.  To create a centre-point for African interests in Northern Ireland.

KEY EVENTS DURING THE YEAR This section will look at some of the key markers in the year for the organization and give an idea of the scope and potential of what has been achieved by the members of Africa House (NI).

Drop-In Centre 1 April 2017 – ongoing. Started with support from the Executive Office’s MEDF, Africa House (NI) was able to open a Drop-in Centre - initially in St Joseph’s then moving to NCM House - for members of the African community and those who were willing to support the community in its activities. The ongoing project provided a space for the community to meet, exchange or garner information on where to get advice on social economic issues relevant to community development. The activities included: 1. An Information hub 2. Signposting 3. Updating the Website and Facebook Page 4. Discussion and confidential support 5. Volunteering opportunities 6. Advocacy 7. -bank information 8. Facilitating Counselling 9. Organising classes (sewing, after school club and English language classes)

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Darfuri Celebration in the Skainos Centre 5 January 2019 - Representatives of Africa House worked with the local Darfuri community to hold a community event in East Belfast.

Coffee Discussion for Community Leaders 14 January 2019 – Members of the organisation participated and helped to facilitate an African community leaders’ discussion looking at the issues pertinent to the African diaspora community in Northern Ireland.

Darfuri Ramadan Event 8 March 2019 - Representatives of Africa House worked with the local Darfuri community to hold a faith event in West Belfast. This also linked in with Africa House assisting in the establishment of a long term prayer venue for the Islamic community in the West of the city.

Roundtable talk and meeting in the Centre for Global Education 16 April 2019 – the Trustees with invited guests had a discussion on the difficulties families face in settling in Belfast and set out ideas to assist. People discussed key issues that were affecting them and their families, and also looking at the hopes they had for settling in this new environment.

Welcome Poster for Refugees Ongoing initiative – Africa House (NI) continued to circulate a welcome poster ‘Welcome to Northern Ireland’ in Arabic, which has been circulated around businesses, schools and partners in the voluntary sector. It was accompanied by links being made with members of the refugee community, mainly Somalis, Sudanese, Eritreans and Syrians as an act of solidarity.

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EID Celebrations Throughout Ramadan Africa House (NI) assisted the African and Syrian communities in holding prayers (with the assistance of St Paul’s Parish Centre, Falls Road) and also facilitated the EID celebrations. This proved to be immensely popular and was attended by large numbers from the Horn of Africa community. Dinner, dancing, music and face painting were all part of the day of celebrations.

Students’ Information at St Mary’s College 31 April 2019 - Africa House (NI) was invited to promote African society, culture and people at St Mary’s College. Africa House (NI) accepts invites throughout the year to support other similar initiatives.

Suleiman Abduhali, Lana and Gerard McCann at the Somali Famine Commemoration

Roundtable Talk on Peace Building around the world, QUB 7 May 2019 – Dr Manal Hassen represented Africa House at a discussion on peace building in conflict zones around the world. She spoke about the situation in Sudan. It was also used as a means of networking.

Interfaith Dialogue meeting in NCM House 31 May 2019 – A gathering of people from different faiths in Belfast to discuss how African communities have been welcomed into the various faiths in Northern Ireland. The conversation was led by Pastor David Maganda.

Dr Manal and Israel Eguaogie address a Racism Conference at the Crescent Arts Theatre

Capacity-Building Initiative 31 March 2018- With support from the Executive Office’s MEDF Africa House (NI) ran a development office with one member of staff to assist in the Capacity Building of the organization. Fatuma, who is now very familiar as the person coordinating most of Africa House’s events, took up the post in July 2017 and diligently arranged a number of significant events, talks, networking and fundraising for the

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organization. The employment of Fatuma was recognized as a major breakthrough for the whole Africa House initiative. The funding ended

Annual Picnic in Partnership with All Nations Ministries 22 June 2019 – Africa House (NI) along with representatives of the All Nations Ministries members of the African community and individuals who attended there was a day-long picnic in Cranmore Park in Belfast. It was an outstanding success with dancing and African food supplied for the 500 or so who attending. It was attended by many members of the African community, locals and students. Talks were given and there was face painting for the children, a bouncy castle, buffet dinner and drumming sessions for beginners.

City Hall Meeting 12 August 2019 – Africa House (NI) representatives had a formal discussion with the Good relations Office of Belfast City Council. Attended by members and associates of Africa House (NI) the plans for the future were laid out.

Successful Exam Awards 21 August 2019 – Africa House (NI) and the Sudanese Youth Group organized an awards ceremony, held in St Mary’s College, for the successful completion of exams by the Sudanese young people. The event included a medal giving ceremony, Sudanese and music. The College Hall was filled with family and friends encouraging the young people to excel in education.

Ugandan Delegation Visit 24 August 2019 – A delegation of from Uganda visited Belfast and were hosted by Africa House (NI). They were in Northern Ireland to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Father Charles, the Abbot of Portglenone Abbey, and board member of Africa house and was a significant event within the African community in 2019.

The Africa House (NI) delegation, led by Fatuma Maallin, at the Student Festival in QUB

Supporting the local African Organizations December 2018 – November 2019 - A number of events were organized, or assistance was given, to partners in running events and developing their work in support of the African community in Northern Ireland. This included events from the Kenyan, Congolese, Sudanese and Ugandan communities. Jamhuri Day and ACSONI’s Africa Week were promoted and encouraged across the community as were events organized by NICONI, All Nations Ministries, Friends of Africa, Project Zambia and HAPANI. As core work for Africa House (NI) it was hoped that in future it would be able to assist with and fund Independence Day Celebrations and Interfaith activities. Africa House (NI) worked closely with key partners such as KANI, ACSONI, NICONI

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and All Nations Ministries to publicize activities organized by the African community and to promote the events of the various organizations.

Sudanese Cultural Event 1 October 2019 – Members of Africa House (NI) attended the Sudanese Cultural Celebration in the Hub in North Belfast. The event drew in many of the Sudanese families from across Northern Ireland. Africa House (NI) representatives were able to relay best wishes from political and community leaders.

Student Volunteering Exhibition 10 October 2019 - The organisation was invited to exhibit at University Student Union events to provide intercultural opportunities for young people. Members from a number of different partner organisations, Project Zambia, assisted with the afternoon event.

Support Classes 1 September 2019 and ongoing – The Africa House (NI) Board, together with representatives of parents of children in local Belfast schools met up with a volunteer group of over 40 student teachers to arrange for opportunities for additional classes for school pupils and adults from diaspora backgrounds and adults needing help with english. It was backed by the Students Union and Widening Access Officers at St Mary’s University College. Students went to different organisations to assist with the largest group organising English language classes at QUB Chaplaincy.

Peace for Sudan Interfaith Prayers 7 October 2019 – The Sudanese community brought together members from various faith groups and those of no faith who were interested in the situation in Sudan, to reflect on the struggle the Sudanese people were going through to achieve peace and reconciliation. It was held in St Anne’s Cathedral and address by clergy from across Northern Ireland.

Somali Famine Commemoration at QUB 25 October 2019 – Held in Chaplaincy at Queen’s University and run by HAPANI and the Somali community this was an event to reflect on the 1991 famine and to present awards to medical and development staff who went from Belfast to help out.

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WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

The Africa House (NI) website was launched on 25 September 2016 at Stormont Buildings. It is currently being upgraded with the help of a small grant by Belfast City Council and will be refreshed early in 2020.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Trustees, Officers and Board Members: 1 December 2018 – 31 November 2019 Chairperson – Dr Manal Hassen Vice Chair – Vacant Secretary – Mohammed Idris Treasurer – Georgeline Nich Fr Charles Kaweesi Marian Murphy Donna Namukasa Israel Eguaogie Dr Gerard McCann Dubekile Apolonia Mbondiya Pastor David Maganda Ronke Sharl Elly Omondi Odhiambo (PR Officer)

Advisers and Support Charlie Fisher – Development Trusts/Charitable status Paul Njoroge Pelagie Buchanan Nkechi Okoli Peter Stephenson – Business advice Fr Patrick Devlin – Advise on capacity building and fundraising Stephen McCloskey – Capacity building and education Karen McCann – Queen’s University, Fundraising/advocacy Gracia Kamaria – Nottingham Trent University, Youth Issues Mimi Unamoyo – Human Rights Support Ronan Gilchrist – Advise on fundraising and governance

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SUB-COMMITTEES

Development Sub-Committee Sulieman Abdulah, Gerard McCann, Charles Kaweesi and David Maganda. This sub- committee will oversee project development and facilities for the organisation’s work. Activities include: establishing a social enterprise suite; staff recruitment and development; administrative base; storage and distribution units; work to establish a café area; project management committees; outreach; social/events facilities.

Fundraising Sub-Committee Marian Murphy, Georgeline Nich, Pelagie Buchanan to look into fundraising, publicity, networking and capacity building. Elly Omondi Odhiambo will act as PR Officer.

Donna Namukasa holding a drumming session at the Annual Picnic

Events Sub-Committee Committee Georgeline Nich and Marian Murphy. Working to enhance the profile and scope of the organisation and its various activities.

Finance Sub-Committee/Project Management Georgeline Nich (Treasurer), Gerard McCann and David Maganda. This group oversees the annual income and expenditure balance. The Annual report and AGM is also included here. This also includes working on the fundraising accounts and ensuring transparency and accountancy throughout all financial activities.

FINANCIAL REPORT

The Treasurers Report of AGM for Financial Year Ending 30 November 2019. This Financial report comprises income and expenditure from 1 December 2018 to 30 November 2018 at year-end. The summary of the year is as follows: The major income over the year came from Donations from individuals. The insurers for the year were Marsh LTD UK Insurance (£669.60) and this was continued into the financial year 2019-2020. Overall Africa House (NI) Total Income was £2532.55. The 1 December 2018 – 30 November 2019 accounts will be signed off on 12 March 2020 and will be uploaded to the CCNI website before the CCNI given month of September 2020.

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PLANS THROUGH TO ACTIONS 2018-2019 Giving an indication of the immense scope and scale of work undertaken by the organisation over the past year the following table reflects the nature of the mission, strategic development and the drive of the volunteers involved.

Activities Attainment Establishing Offices Completed Capacity building/Constitutional Completed compliance Accounting system (Danske Bank) Completed Networking Ongoing Fundraising Ongoing Website and Facebook presence Ongoing Advocacy Work Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities Ongoing Language classes Yes and ongoing Education initiatives Orientation Classes/Homework Interfaith religious events Continual Sewing Class Yes / occasional African Gospel Choir No ‘Peace for Africa’ lectures Ongoing/occasional African community social events A number this year. Diaspora information days Planned Youth Computer Exchange No Community outreach Ongoing Eid/Ramadan Prayers and Celebrations Yes Intercommunity/faith events Ongoing Mediation Service No Translation/Interpretation Services Arabic/Swahili/Lingala Migrant Memorial Service Yes Sewing Group Started and ongoing Homework Club Started Social Enterprise Hub Negotiating African Business/Governmental links Ongoing ‘Start-up’ support No African House Restaurant Under negotiations African Music Caravan No

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Ronke Sharl and Israel Eguaogie, Secretary and Vice Chair of Africa House (NI) 2018, at the United Nations consultation on Racism in Northern Ireland held in Stormont

Registered Charity NIC: 102939 www.africahouseni.org Africa House (NI) | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Africa-House-NI/316038441912276

Africa House (NI) | co.218 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1GY, Northern Ireland

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