We have spent so very long preparing for this Conference that it is difficult to believe it is over.  One moment we were half way through the second (and most tiring day) and suddenly, here we are at the end.  Today we had workshops for the first half of the day only, so that we could spend the afternoon reflecting on the event, and identifying where we needed to go next.  After a formal evaluation, the partners each commited to at least one action in the next six months (creating a strategic plan, introducing a rights-based approach, using more participatory tools, improving their internal financial controls) and these were carefully minuted so that the Programme Officers could work with them on their identified actions.  More photos, certificate presentation, speeches and thanks, ending on a rousing chorus of spontaneous celebration.  

This evening, those with the energy gathered for some dancing and story swapping.  Cameroonians taught Zambians; Ethiopians demonstrated amazing shoulder moves to Kenyans; Uganda hip-wiggled to Liberia; England and Togo waltzed together.  Where in the UK could you find 30 adults with nothing stronger in the room than a certain unnameable soft drinks monopoly and an eclectic mix of a few old cds, making such joyous entertainment for themselves?  Looking around this room full of dancing and laughter, remembering the extensive kindness and generosity that our partners have shown us during our project visits, and reflecting on the exciting opportunities that will arise from this gathering, I feel terribly fortunate.  The generosity of our supporters in the UK has made this Conference possible and yet they do not have the chance to experience for themselves the wealth of experience, knowledge and ability that is interacting on the dance floor.  The same is true for most of the Board members who supported the decision to hold this conference but it has been hugely encouraging to have Caroline here to support our efforts and experience the joy and appreciation.  And so I carry the weighty responsibility of representing those far away who cannot be here in person, recognising my privileged position.  Tomorrow morning the majority of the Conference delegates will return to their homes and their projects and carry on the small miracles that give MRDF its purpose.  Everyone is keen to see their families and get back to work, but there is a clear sense of sadness too to be leaving what has become in effect a new family for the group members. 

Safe travel to us all.

Was there ever another night like it? At 6.30pm we changed into our traditional costumes and gathered together to go ...   more »

In response to popular demand - and despite slow internet connections - I've asked a couple of partners to share some of their thoughts on the conference.    more »

6.30am Get up and put finishing touches to workshop/speech/flipchart.  It's a bit chilly, but the showers are steaming.

7.30am Go ...   more »

As a MRDF Programme Officer, I am fortunate enough to travel to many countries  to visit our partner organisations and see the ...   more »

We entered our final session of yesterday feeling refreshed and relaxed following our afternoon out. This was a session in which we all met together to explore what it means to live and work in meaningful partnerships.   more »

Until today, all most of us had seen of Ethiopia was the conference centre and the hotel - oh, and the airport of course. So this afternoon we took a well-earned break from workshops and went to explore a bit more of this ancient and unique country with expert tour-guiding from MRDF's Ethiopian partners.   more »

The centre where we are staying has a big concern with security. If you turn your back for a minute, you will find that someone has locked the training room behind you and whisked away the key! Last night we were initially locked out of our final session - sharing experiences from Cameroon in advocating for elderly people's rights.   more »

There has been a lot of talk today of journeys. Hardly surprising, considering the many different routes that delegates have taken to travel to MRDF's first Strength to Strength conference. But we have all now arrived at our destination...   more »

It seemed like a good idea at the time.  Wouldn't it be great to bring together MRDF partner organisations from across Africa to learn from and share with each other - and to add in some workshops from MRDF on financial management, strategic planning, HIV/AIDS and a host of other topics?   more »