ICTD4D seminar On 10th October 2006 Coral Jepson gave a presentation on behalf of Ahead at a seminar on ICT4 Development hosted by ICT4D Collective and Centre for Distance Education (CDE), University of London. The aim of session was to enable private and civil society organisations to share their experiences of, and vision for, using ICT in their development work to provoke discussion on role of the University/Centre for Distance Education and ICT4D in supporting this work. The seminar provided a useful opportunity to explore in greater depth the both the potential and constraints of using ICT and to network with other organisations working in the field. Coral outlined Ahead's plan of setting up a technology-based community college in Gujii Zone. Ahead

Land given to Ahead

Shakiso town administration gave Ahead 120,000 sq m to build a community college. The administration promised that any size of land can be given to Ahead if the organisation needs it to fulfill its charitable objectives. Ahead is keen to set up a college which focuses on vocational skills that are relevant to local needs. The charity has been urged by the local people to set such a college since Ahead was formed. Ahead's Community College (ACC) will: Deliver high quality, flexible & responsive learning opportunities for: - Health practitioners, teachers, adults, apprenticees, entrepreneurs etc Improve vocational and technical skills Deploy new technologies to widen access Link with national & international agencies Promote local innovation and self-reliance Ahead appeals to individuals and organisations for financial, material and technical support to help it build the community college. Ahead

Educational materials and clothes distributed to poor pupils Ahead distributed the clothes and educational materials donted by BA and A Ray of Hope donate clothes to Ahead. British Airlines (BA, http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en) kindly donated a number of blankets and children's clothes through A Ray of Hope, http://www.unesco.co.uk/. The clothes and the education materials were given to needy pupils in Shakiso town. Ahead is again very grateful to BA and A Ray of Hope for their generosity. Ahead

Successful event On 7 October 2006, Ahead held a fundraising event which included performance by Bobby Kray, the Mike Edmond's Trio and Speakeasy poets. It was a roaring success. Besides the excellent artistic performance, the audience's support and enthusiasm made the night so special. Over £1400 raised so far and there are more pledges to be collected. Ahead is very grateful to all those who supported the organisation to make the event succeed in one way or another. Ahead

UK fundraising's Perfect Pitch Fundraising/Grants, and Innovative fundraising Ahead took part in a workshop organised by Fundraising (www.fundraising.co.uk) on 3 Oct 2006. The workshop aimed at raising charities' awareness of various sources of funding and giving tips on different fundraising strategies. Ahead was represented by Charley Apperly, a Trustee, who found the event very useful. Ahead

Ahead participates in Gumii Duddaa Following the invitation of the Gujii Oromo leaders (Abbaa Gadaas) Ahead sent Elfneh to represente the organisation at the Gumii Duddaa (the Duddaa Assembly) from 30 Sept - 8 October at a location near Bule Hora town. The assembly was attended by many thousands of people from Gujii Zone and other regions of Ethiopia. The representatives of other nations and nationalities and delegates from the Oromia Regional State were present. The Gujii Oromo Abbaa Gadaa, Agaa Xenxannoo, presented a comprehensive report on the achievements of his Gadaa leadership. Abbaa Seeraa (the attorny General) and other hayyuus (Gadaa officials) responded to the report and forwarded suggestions on the areas that the Gadaa elects need to concentrate on over the coming eight years in office. These areas include education, specially girls education, combating HIV/AIDs and poverty reduction. Elfneh was given opportunities to deliver speeches at the ceremonies and was interviewed by four radio journalists and an Ethiopian TV reporter. Elfneh's speeches and interviews focused on the role that the Gadaa system can play in socioeconomic and cultural transformation and Ahead's plans to contribute to development efforts in the region. The participants of the ceremony appreciated Ahead participation by giving a standing ovation to Elfneh. Ahead co-sponsored the event. Ahead