aheadblog

2011-12-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

To Dear AHEAD's Supporters

A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to you and your family.
AHEAD is delighted to announce that YOU have raised £2,867.10 as a result of AHEAD's Bike Ride held on 5 June. AHEAD repeats its gratefulness to you for your great help. We'll pay the rent for the girls' hostel and save the rest of the money until we raise enough funds to start building the community vocational training centre. We hope that your support for us we'll continue to help us achieve our goal.

Some keen supporters have been asking us when the next AHEAD's sponsored bike challenge will be. We have the answer now, it's Sunday 17 June 2012. Please put this date in your diary and start moblising supporters and sponsors. Last, year you did it well and we are sure that next year you'll do even better! This year we had 40 cyclists, next year we are aiming for 100! With your help we'll do it!

Bye the way, if there is any sponsorship money you received late and have not handed in, please let us known and we'll make an arrangement with you to collect it.

AHEAD

2011-07-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

Laptops Appeal
AHEAD is looking for used/refurbished laptops to deliver training to disadvantaged people in London and Ethiopia. The laptops will be used to train people in IT skills, basic/functional skills, employability skills etc. The laptops can be sent to:

Coral Jepson
Low Hall Nursery School and Children's Centre
Queens Road Community Centre
215 Queens Road
Walthamstow
London E17 8PJ
Tel: 020 8496 2442

If the donor cannot pay for posting the laptop, AHEAD will pay for the postage cost. For further information or enquiries, please contact Elfneh Bariso via elfneh@gmail.com or 0794 659 2607. AHEAD will let donors know as to how the laptops they donated will be used, as soon as the project will start.
To find out about AHEAD's activities, please go to http://www.aheadcharity.org/

AHEAD will run courses face-to-face and online from a community centre in east London. We are also raising funds to build a community training centre in a deprived area in Ethiopia to deliver training there as well. Once both centres established, we'll make connections between the two centres and also with similar projects across the globe. Any suggestions and support with the implementation of this project in terms of gathering resources and making links with various projects will be appreciated. AHEAD needs IT resources and some money to transport the resources, put the laptops on a network and connect them to the Internet; design and deliver the right courses; mobilise experts who can contribute to our efforts.

Thank you

AHEAD

2011-06-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Elfneh attends the "Together We Are Stronger" Community Reception at the House of Parliament

Dr Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow invited Elfneh, representing AHEAD, to attend the "Together We Are Stronger" Community Reception, at The House of Parliament on Tuesday 21 June 11. The Walthamstow MP (centre in black and white)organised the annual reception to celebrate the diversity of Walthamstow which was held the evening in the House of Parliament. Dr Stella Creasy MP and the special guests: Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office addressed the community representative and the guests. The speakers highlighted that event was an opportunity for people to come together in Parliament with such special guests and showcase the contribution of local residents from black and ethnic minority backgrounds to Walthamstow's future. Alongside a performance from local singing troupe Vocalicious, there were light refreshments and plenty of opportunities to network with other local residents and community representatives. The event was held in the Jubilee Room from 7 to 8.30pm. Dressed in his traditional costume, Elfneh discussed AHEAD’s efforts with many people during the networking session.

2011-06-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

AHEAD Bike Ride in Pictures

Getting ready for the ride

Dr Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, addressing the cyclists, http://www.workingforwalthamstow.org.uk/?page_id=2

Elfneh, Welcoming Dr Helen Pankhurst

Talking with Dr Creasy, MP

L-R, Teshale Joba, Dr Helen Pankhurst and Elfneh. Leslie Stowe (MBE), the President of Chingford Rotary Club, greeted the cyclists and gave awards and certificates to them at the end

Discussion time!

Leslie Stowe with two young keen cyclists

Elfneh chatting with Dr Helen Pankhurst after her outstanding speech to the cyclists and AHEAD's supporters

Concentrating on the challenge

Fun in Epping Forest

Gathering at the world's first anti-war memorial erected by Sylvia Pankhurst in 1935 http://www.exploringeastlondon.co.uk/eel/Woodford/Woodford.htm#Mussolini

Ready to go again

Coral and Elfneh checking plans

Commitment to building the vocational training centre

Clear efforts

Still smiling

A proud crowd

North Weald Airfield Museum, another treat to a very historical site for the cyclists, the end of the first half for the 40 mile ride. A line at the site reads: “We give our today for your tomorrow.”

Elmfield Road, The finishing line and party time!

2011-06-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 5 June 40 cyclists joined AHEAD (Action for Health, Education And Development) on a sponsored bike ride in the charity’s quest to raise £10,000 to build a vocational training centre and support a girls’ hostel in Ethiopia. Leaving from St James Park, Walthamstow, the cyclists first stop near Peter House where they were met by Dr Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow near Peter House, who pledged to support AHEAD’s work both in the UK and Ethiopia.

Riding through Epping Forest the cyclists then stopped at the little known but unique and first ever anti-war memorial in Woodford where they were greeted by Leslie Stowe, President of Chingford Rotary Club. Erected in 1935 by the well known suffragette, feminist and political activist, Sylvia Pankhurst) in opposition to the air strikes on Ethiopia by the Italian Army, the monument provided the backdrop to a short but passionate speech by Dr Helen Pankhurst.

Thinking about what her grandmother might have said had she been alive, Dr Pankhurst commented on the diversity of the assembled cyclists (age, gender, nationalities) who had all come together to support a common cause - raising money for a disadvantaged community. As the speech over finished and followed by an ovation, the first group of cyclists returned to Walthamstow whilst others went on to High Beach and North Weald Bassett Airfield the RAF museum, where they visited. Heavy rain on the return journey failed to dampen the spirits of the determined cyclists who completed the full 40 mile ride.

AHEAD is grateful to all cyclists, supporters, Walthamstow Cycling Campaign, Chingford Rotary Club, Susan Howard and Pedalpoint who contributed to the event’s immense success. To find out more about the charity and see highlights of the ride visit www.aheadcharity.org. Donations to help meet the fundraising target still urgently needed.

2011-01-31T05:19:00.000-08:00
Sponsored charity bike ride: Thrill for Life – The day you’ll never forget!

What is the event? This is a sponsored charity bike ride called AHEAD Bike Challenge England (ABCE).

Who are the organisers? The organisers are a Charity called Action for Health, Education and Development (AHEAD) supported by Waltham Forest Cycling Campaign.
What is this ride for? To raise fund for AHEAD to build a vocational training centre for very poor people and support a girls’ hostel in a remote part of Ethiopia. For details about AHEAD see www.aheadcharity.org

When is the event? Sunday, 5 June 2011, 8.30am-3.45.pm, to be followed by an award ceremony and light refreshments. See programme.
Where is the ride? East London; start from Walthamstow and ride to War Memorial in Woodford, Epping Forest and back to Walthamstow. See map

What will I see? You will see a historic monument raised by Sylvia Pankhurst on 20 October 1935 as a protest against Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia. We will stop at the site and the stopover Dr Helen Pankhurst, the granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst will talk to the cyclists about the struggle her family have undertaken for justice and equality. The media and some celebrities are expected to b there

You will also pass though fantastic panoramic scenes of Epping Forest. Did you know that Epping Forest is the largest public open space in London?

As well as being a popular area for recreation and enjoyment, it is also of national and international conservation importance with two thirds of it being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation

Distance? This is entirely up to the rider; they can do the entire 40 miles or cycle only the distance they can manage. See the route map.
Support? You can be trained in bike ride beforehand; get advice; we support you with fundraising; there will be route marshals on the day, signposts, first aiders, bike repair service and supply of water. There will be an award ceremony and light refreshments at the end of the event.

With your help, we will try our best to make the event fun and unforgettable. We genuinely believe that your participation may make you be proud of yourself for the rest of your life. Thank you very much in anticipation of your kind support for AHEAD’s good cause. We will keep you informed of our preparation for the big day, Sunday 5 June 2011. Go, gooo for it! For more information Tel: 0794 659 2607 or donate@aheadcharity.org

AHEAD, www.aheadcharity.org, donate@aheadcharity.org, Charity no. 1109720

2010-10-03T12:12:00.000-07:00
Fixanii - They have made it!

Hello all
I'm so thrilled to announce that Ruth and Gordon have completed their 750km! It is fantastic. I'm sure you will join me in congratulating them on their great achievement. May I take this opportunity to say a big thank you to colleagues such as Mekonnen Gutta, Tamirat and Ayele Iya for their generous contributions to the fund Ruth and Gordon are kindly raising for AHEAD/UDA. So far they have raised £1089. http://www.justgiving.com/Ruth-Jepson

Ruth fi Gordon deemmaa ifiin fixatani. Aka male itti gammannee. Isin hundinuu worri aka Obboo Mekonnen Tamirat fi Ayele'ee ka qarqaartani ulfaadha. Haga ammaa £1089 galchanii jirani. http://www.justgiving.com/Ruth-Jepson

Ammaafi nageyatti

Elfneh

2010-09-20T15:21:00.000-07:00
Sponsor our Team - An Exciting Challenge

Ruth Jepson and Gordon Muir need your kind sponsorship for AHEAD's good cause. In this challenge they are doing a 450 mile (750 km), five days charity cycle ride. Specially for Ruth, this is an admirable dedication, as she broke her leg so badly last year. We hope that she is up to it. We express our genuine appreciation for Ruth and Gordon’s selflessness. AHEAD is also indebted the Team’s supporters for their contributions which will make a big difference to the lives of our beneficiaries. To see more details and or make a donation, please go to http://www.justgiving.com/Ruth-Jepson

AHEAD repeats it sincerely gratefulness to the cycling team and all those who support them directly or indirectly.

2010-09-04T11:56:00.000-07:00
AHEAD Appeals for funds

AHEAD is a UK-based registered charity which initiates and supports projects aimed at combating poverty and inequalities in health, education and development (income-generation) in Ethiopia. AHEAD is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee No. 5320294 and Registered Charity number 1109270.
The Charity has been piloting AIDS/HIV awareness training, self-help clubs, interest-free loans for poor families, distribution of educational materials, capacity-building for local organisations and setting up a hostel for girls in a remote area in southern Ethiopia.
AHEAD appeals to sponsors for sustained financial support to roll out its health, education and development projects to reach out to more disadvantaged people. The Charity needs funds for the following projects:
- Training and equipment costs for 20 traditional birth attendants= £1,200
- Training and self-help clubs for 40 HIV/AIDs sufferers and their families= £1,600
- Building a common room for girls’ hostel= £2,500
- Providing revolving loans to 60 poor families= £3,000
- Contributions to build 6 primary school classrooms= £3,100
- Capacity-building for a local partner charity (equipment and running costs)= £2,800
- Building phase 1 of Shakiso Community College= £28,600. Shakiso town administration has donated 120,000 sq m of land (worth £15,000) free of charge to AHEAD/UDA to build the planned college. AHEAD in collaboration with Unity Development Association (UDA), a local partner non-governmental, intends to build a community college in the remote town of Shakiso to deliver integrated vocational training programmes targeted at socially excluded groups such as poor women, girls, unemployed youth and adults.
Total funds sought = £ 42,800
Supporters can assist the Charity by giving money, goods (school and medical equipment), ideas, time or labour. The more you give the more projects and people we can support and the more satisfaction you and the beneficiaries get out of our charitable work. Thank you for your kind support, in anticipation.

AHEAD

2010-04-16T04:09:00.001-07:00
Local News

Al-moudi gave 15 Million Birr to help Gujii Zone Shakiso Area investment activities

We have received the following news that the Oromia Regional State and MIDOC responded to the local protest reported earlier.

In nutshell, midorc, the gld mining company promised to spend 15 million birri on local development projects. Watch the video clip in Ahmaric below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTL1jydcFck

2010-04-16T03:57:00.000-07:00
Local news

We have received the following news from one of our operation areas.

-----------------------

Guji Zone Protests MIDROC Mining

By Jalene Gemeda
Washington DC
11/12/2009

[VOA News]

The protests of high school and elementary school students in Shakisso and the surrounding Guji zone of Oromiya drew a promise from regional administrators to investigate complaints that the mining company’s surface mining is causing severe environmental damage and threatens the health of residents.
Gujii zone administrator, Gadaa Robee, met with representatives of the students, who agreed to return to classes if the government authorities would investigate their charges against the MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group’s open pit mining operation in Legedembi gold mine.
The students and nearby residents also complained the MIDROC has offered no community services for a community in which many residents have been forced to leave, due to recent expansion of the mines in Sakaro after the company and the Ministry of Mines signed an agreement at the Sheraton Addis on November 24.
Ministry representative Gebre Egziabher Mekonnen told VOA’s Jalene Gemeda that the Sakaro project will use a new underground mining practice to lessen the environmental impact of the mine.
Midroc branch office spokesman in Shakisso said they had not received any formal complaint. In the meantime, Midroc has released a written statement expressing its willingness to respond to the complaints.

Source: http://www.voanews.com/horn/archive/2009-12/2009-12-11-voa2.cfm?CFID=396742028&CFTOKEN=51428262&jsessionid=de30147d5392edea689d44361904527745c7

2009-10-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ahead’s Appeals

Ahead would kindly like to appeal to its supporters to help fundraising for the following projects.

Support the girls’ hostel
We need to build a common room and a small store room near the Shakiso hostel so that the girls can study in the common room within reasonably comfortable space and also without disturbing each other in their already congested dormitory. The girls will use the small store room for storing their items such as food since there is almost no room left on top of three bunk beds. We would also like to buy small materials such as knitting needles, wool, one sawing machine so the girls can produce some goods which they can sell and buy things such pens, pencils and exercise books for themselves. They will be trained, in these skills and provided with a small fund to help them start up their handcraft “businesses”. We hope that this initiative will boost the girls’ self-esteem, an entrepreneurial spirit and self confidence. The estimated cost is £1,400.

Promote micro-financing (interest free revolving loan)
The success of Wadara district micro-financing project has encouraged Ahead to launch a similar project in Odo Shakiso District in collaboration with the Oromia Credit Association to support, 40 poor families in the first instance. £1,200 is needed to lend £30 per family. Many more families will continue to benefit from this money over many years to come, as it is passed on to other poor families as soon as the loan is paid back.

Build 2 Workshop rooms
Ahead has been experiencing difficulties to organise training in its operation area due to a lack of space to store training materials and conduct training sessions. We would like to build two workshop rooms where various practical training aimed at poor youth and adults will be undertaken. The training sessions will aim at locally identified needs, e.g. HIV/AIDS, improved/sustainable agricultural practices, financial literacy/diversifying income generation activities, solar cooking, etc. These training sessions will also lie the foundation for Ahead’s future community college. The estimated cost for the workshop rooms is £9,600.
Support with these projects will further Ahead’s work significantly and address the needs of our beneficiaries. Therefore, we would highly appreciate any assistance with the projects. We are very happy to clarify any issues raised in this report and consider various ideas that our supporters may offer us. Please kindly pass on this appeal to anybody who might support us with these endeavours. This appeal can be also emailed if supporters can help us with forwarding it to their families, friends and contacts.

For more information please contact us:
Elfneh Bariso
ahead4@gmail.com
0794 659 2607

2009-03-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Monitoring Visit

Elfneh visited Ahead's Girls' Hostel in Shakiso Town, southern Ethiopia, between 27 February to 7 March. The 48 girls who are provided their accommodation by the help of Ahead are grateful for the assistance. Elfneh distributed some educational materials which were donated by A Ray of Hope to the girls. The girls sent their greetings and their many thanks to all who supported them. Although they are struggling to meet their basic needs such as food, clothes and educational materials, the girls told Elfneh and the Hostel Committee that they were determined to pursue their education. Elfneh promised that Ahead will try its best to continue to support them. Ahead will publish a summary report on the visit and the needs of the girls shortly.Ahead is grateful for any kind of help that individuals and or organisations may offer to these girls.
Please contact if you need further information on (0044) (0)794 659 2607 or at ahead4@gmail.com

Ahead

2008-10-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

Affiliation to A Ray of Hope

Ahead proudly expresses that it is affiliated to A Ray of Hope. Ahead's collaboration with A Ray of Hope has already produced practical outcomes such as distribution of clothes and educational materials to poor young people in Ethiopia. Ahead will continue working with A Ray of Hope with dedication.

Ahead

Affiliated to "A Ray of Hope UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace"
hers lesson plans

2008-10-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

55 Girls - New Academic Year, New Hope

Ahead has launched its first hostel for poor girls in Odo Shakiso District in southern Ethiopia. The hostel provides accommodation to 55 very poor girls who have no one else to support them. Most of the girls come from remote corners of the District. Without such help these girls would stay in their localities and stop their education at primary school level and most likely get married. Their chances of securing jobs or getting self-employed is almost nil. With Ahead's provision of accommodation, they can at least have somewhere to sleep and pursue their secondary education at Shakiso Town, the capital of the District.

These girls need food, clothes, educational materials and ideal some money for costs such as transport. Unfortunately, Ahead does not have resources to meet these needs. Therefore, we appeal to whoever can support these girls in any way they can at any level they can would greatly be appreciated. Ahead can gladly supply full profiles of these girls and their needs. We look forward to hearing from anybody who can join us to help out with this good cause. You can contact Elfneh Bariso via ahead4@gmail.com, or on 0753 578 7721, or 0794 659 2607

Ahead

2008-03-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

New Partners

Ahead has established partnership with EWD and BCL, two London-based development organisations. The two organisations have a long time experience in undertaking project management and working in developing countries including the Sudan, South Africa, Uganda and Kenya. The initial joint work among the three organisations focuses on raising fund for Ahead Community College in Shakiso and implement the project. More information will be published as the partnership will progress.

Ahead

2007-12-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

DVD on sale

Following the launch of the Ahead's fundraiser DVD, we are pleased that now the DVD can be ordered. You can order it by sending an email to Elfneh at elfneh@gmail.com or ringing us on 0794 659 2607. Please include your name, address and phone number, when you email.

Ahead

2007-11-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Bobby Kray - Ahead DVD

It's party time. Speakeasy organiser and host, Baden Prince Jnr, says a resounding 'Thank you' to all artists and members of the poetry-going public for their continued support.

Monday 17 December @ Marie Lloyd Bar (right next to Hackney Empire Theatre)289 Mare Street, Hackney E8

This event is also a fundraiser for AHEAD (Action for Health, Education & Development), Speakeasy's nominated charity. The night hosts the launch of a specially filmed performance DVD of emerging artist Bobby Kray. All sales of the DVD will go directly to AHEAD.

FREE ENTRY Free buffet and drinks (while they last) Open mic (sign up early)
Doors 7PM; Food served at 7.30: fun and games begin at 8 o'clock sharp.
Special guests on the night John Hegley, the Clown Prince of poetry Poetic debutante Sarah Baptiste The one and only MattBlack a.k.a. shortMAN Mister Paul "Express Excess" Lyalls How to get there
Nearest tube Bethnal Green; BR Hackney Central or Hackney DownsBuses D6 26 30 38 48 55 263 242 276 277, stopping outside Hackney Town Hall Further info: Call Baden (07946 776 952); ring the bar (020 8510 4524)

2007-09-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

DVD to be on sale

Ahead is pleased to announce that a DVD filmed during Boby kray, the Mike Edminton Trio and Speakeasy poets' performance last year is going to be released within the next few weeks. Once it is ready, this well edited DVD can be ordered online or via mail. Buying the DVD will be one best ways of supporting Ahead. Please let us know if you would like to order the DVD via ahead4@gmail.com or elfneh@gmail.com, or tel 0794 659 2607. The minimum contribution per DVD is £10, but supporters can donate as much money they would like to.

We are grateful for any kind of support to Ahead's cause.

Ahead

2007-07-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Boxes of books

The 14 boxes of books sent to Ethiopia by Ahead and EasyUk have now arrived in in the country. Sida, Ahead's representative in Ethiopia, was amazed by the speed and the collaboration that the authorities have shown in collecting and transporting the books, which are in Shakiso at the moment. ... we are very chaffed, said Sida. The bureaucracy used to be a nightmare. It was also very common that parcels go astray. We are really encouraged by this news and are optimistic about sending more items to Ethiopia in the future.

Ahead

2007-07-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

Children help Ahead

Three friends, who are staunch supporters of Ahead have decided to raise fund for the charity over two days. Jaalannee, Eebbaa and Gorran who are on holiday at the moment want to give their time to Ahead. They are not planning to raise a large sum of money but just seek to do an awareness raising activities here in the local neighbourhood for two days. Their flyer reads:

Charity Sale
Please come to our sale outside 53 Chester Road
on Wednesday 25 July and 26 July

We have books, teddies, toys, nail care/art, lots more. All the money raised will go to Ahead, a charity that helps people in Africa. The charity's website is http://www.ahead.org.uk/

Thank you for your support
Fundraisers
Jaalannee (9)
Eebbaa (8)
Gorran (8)
===========

Ahead is grateful to the children for their kindness and efforts.
Ahead

2007-07-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Second Annual General Meeting

Ahead had its second Annual General Meeting yesterday, 15 July 2007. The meeting was attended by Trustees and volunteers. The agenda items included:

- Minutes of AGM
- Matters arising
- Annual report
- Financial report
- Next year's plan
- Elections
- AOB

Various issues were discussed and decisions were passed. Last year's performance (annual report and financial report) was assessed and next year's plan discussed and approved. Andy and Maria resigned due to increased workloads. Ahead is grateful to their contributions as volunteers and members of Board of Trustees. Diane Simcoe, who has many years' of experience in the voluntary sector has joined the Board of Trustees. Welcome Diane. In fact Diane has been supporting Ahead as a volunteer.
We hope that with continued support and dedication of our Trustees and volunteers, our efforts will succeed next year as well.

Ahead

2007-07-13T11:39:00.000-07:00
Ethiopian Association of Students and Youth UK (EASYuk)

Ethiopian Association of Students and Youth UK (EASYuk) and Ahead have established partnership with. EASYuk is a social networking group based in London. Elfneh and Milkias.Mollallegn, EasyUK Chairperson met late June 2007 to examine possibilities for collaboration. EasyUK hold charitable projects, sometimes in collaboration with other bodies. In recent months EASYuk has lead a project to donate second-hand educational books to learning centres in Ethiopia. One of EasyUK’s initiatives called Book Drive project which collect books in the UK and dispatches them to Ethiopia for distribution to schools or learning centres. EasyUK has 14 boxes of various books to Ahead’s operation area in Ethiopia. These books will boost Ahead’s efforts to widen educational opportunities in Ethiopian schools. The full costs of transporting the books were generously paid by Thomson Scientific Limited, based in London. As Ahead have already established good working relations with schools and has its own support groups, it is in a strong position to deliver books to where they are going to be used. Ahead is very grateful to both EasyUK and Thomson Scientific Limited for their kind assistance and collaboration. Ahead and EasyUK are working on detailed agreement on their future collaborations.

Ahead

2007-07-02T02:38:00.000-07:00
Giraffe Events Ltd Teams up with Ahead

We are delighted to announce that Ahead and Giraffe Events Ltd (Giraffe) have established partnership. Elfneh, Ahead's Chairperson and Lara Bryan, Director, Giraffe Events Ltd, met early June to discuss Ahead's work with a view to identifying an Ahead project that Giraffe could assist Ahead to accomplish. The planned Ahead Community College was found to be an ideal project to collaborate on. Over the next couple of months the tow organisations will closely work together and develop a detailed strategy and programme of cooperation.

Giraffe Events Ltd focuses on ‘events with a conscience’ aimed at performance development for corporate employees. They create bespoke 7-14 days programmes designed to test their teams in an environment that presents worthwhile challenges and realistic team building and leadership opportunities. A major highlight for all involved is the community element which allows the groups to take ownership of a project by funding the materials and taking part in the build, alongside the local contractors or team. In this sense everyone benefits.

Ahead and Giraffe Events Ltd are very keen to see this partnership resulting in fruitful outcomes.

Ahead

2007-05-26T16:29:00.000-07:00
Exciting news: support surges in Ethiopia

Things are moving fast in Ethiopia in favour of Ahead's efforts to build a community college in Shakiso Oddo District in Gujii Zone of the Oromia Regional State. There is a huge expectation of what Ahead can do in the region! When Elfneh talked to Abera Gamebela, the Deputy Governor of the Gujii on Tuesday and Wednesday last week, he sounded very emotional the desperate health, education and development needs in the area. Mr Gambela said that Mohammed Jilo, the Chief Governor of the Gujii Zone and he himself will take urgent actions to speed things up to facilitate Ahead's operation in Ethiopia. He reassured Elfneh that the Gujii Zonal administration has instructed the Chief Zonal architect to compile and present the information Ahead needs as a matter of emergency. He said that the Chief Zonal Governor is also fully committed to Ahead's cause. Ahead needs local geographical and architectural information to design its community college by the help of Architects for Humanity (http://www.afhuk.org/ See our January news, http://aheadblog.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-year-new-partnership-ahead-is.html Sida, Ahead's Representative in Ethiopia confirmed to Elfneh over the phone last night that an architect was sent from Nagele, the Zonal capital to Shakiso town to collect all the necessary data and compile a report on Monday and finish it by Tuesday or so.

Last night, Elfneh also talked to Aliye Umar, the Head of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Oromia Regional State. Mr Umar promised to speed up sending everything that Ahead needs and Ahead should concentrate only on its fundraising and college design efforts in the UK. Mr Umer's office will coordinates activities in Ethiopia with Ahead Support Committee.

Ahead will step up its fundraising efforts to build its Community College. We call upon individuals and organisations to assist us to realise the ambition of building a community college in one of the remote concerns of Ethiopia.

Ahead

2007-01-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

New year, New Partnership

Ahead is pleased to announce that it has established partnership with Architecture for Humanity UK (AFHUK). After Ahead's presentation to AFHUK today, AFHUK have agreed to design Ahead's Community College to be built in Shakiso town in southern Ethiopia. Ahead's Community College is hoped to be opened early next academic year. The College will deliver locally relevant courses in areas such as health promotion, education and development activities. AFHUK will design the College free of charge as part of their charitable mission to support good causes. The design alone could cost Ahead a huge amount of money. Ahead is sincerely grateful to AFHUK for the generous support they have offered.
AFHUK is the UK chapter of Architecture For Humanity, a non profit organisation promoting architectural and design solutions to global, social and humanitarian crises. Further details on AFHUK are available at http://www.afhuk.org/

Ahead repeats its appeal to individuals and organisations to help it with the challenging task of raising fund to build the Community College, which will make a big difference to the lives of many disadvantaged people.

To obtain further details on the kind of support needed to build the College, please email us at info@ahead.org.uk or elfneh@gmail.com

Ahead

2006-12-20T05:53:00.000-08:00

Presentation on new technologies
Elfneh gave a presentation at Birbeck College Institute of Lifelong Learning, seminar series last Thursday. He examined how new technologies could be barriers to some people and bridges for others to access learning opportunities. Elfneh based his arguments on the findings of his PhD research and related literature. Ahead can learn a lot from Elfneh's analysis of barriers of and drivers to use of new technologies for lifelong learning. The charity will consider these issues while trying to deploy new technologies in its operational area. For the flyer about the presentation please click this link http://www.bbk.ac.uk/ce/bill/seminardec06.pdf
Ahead

2006-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ahead took part in Mitra lecture

Professor Sugata Mitra (Chief Scientist at NIIT, India) delivered the first Cisco-ICT4D Collective lecture entitled, "ICT for Development: Self Organising Systems and the challenge of 'no child left behind'" on Wednesday 23rd November at Royal Holloway, University London. Prof Sugata Mitra presented his many years research findings on what he called "Hole in the Wall" research and practice. In his presentation, Prof Mitra demonstrated how young people living in slums and poor rural parts of India have been able to self-teach from specially designed computers placed in kiosks within their local communities.
Representing Ahead, Elfneh attended the lecture where he met Prof Mitra and discussed Mitra’s views and Ahead’s plans to deploy new technologies in its operation areas. Elfneh was also invited to give a speech on Ahead’s plan to harness new technologies to widen participation in learning, access to services and development opportunities.
Professor Tim Unwin (http://www.gg.rhul.ac.uk/tim) organised the lecture, which was attended by many members of ICT4D collective (http://www.ict4d.org.uk/) and other guest.

Ahead

2006-11-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Ahead participates in seminars

Ahead attended two seminars organised by the Centre for Distance Education (CDE) of University of London from 22-23 Nov 2006 in London. The two seminars entitled: Mobile Learning (22 Nov) and Effective learner support in distance education and online learning” (23 Nov). Dr Mohamed Ally, Associate Professor in the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca, “Canada’s Open University” gave stimulating presentations on these subjects. A number staff from University of London and external guests actively participated in the seminars. Ahead made contributions based on its observations of opportunities and challenges that need to be considered while deploying new technologies in rural disadvantaged communities in developing countries.

The theme of the first seminar was that designed appropriately, learning materials can be delivered on a variety of mobile devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, tablet PCs, and hand held computers. This enables students to learn and access course materials from anywhere and at anytime. Educators' systematic approach to designing and developing courses for delivery on such devices and supporting learners employing these technologies are important success factors. Dr Ally illustrated the benefits of mobile learning and outlined best practice guidelines on how to design learning materials for delivery on mobile technology. Participants appreciated the flexibility and potential benefits that virtual keyboards and screens can bring to mobile learning. The CDE at Athabascau is leading on cutting edge research and development practices in areas such as the implementation of xml-based course authoring, which makes various mobile devices compatible for course delivery.

The second seminar examined effective strategies for engaging learners in distance education and providing them with appropriate support. Dr Ally presented useful findings from many of his research studies on use of both synchronous and asynchronous support methods to meet learner’s individual needs. He pointed out that tutors must also be trained in effective learner support techniques that can address different learning styles.There are more details about Dr Mohamed Ally and the seminars at the following websites.

Dr Ally’s Personal home page
http://cde.athabascau.ca/faculty/mohameda.htm

Mobile Learning seminar
http://www.cde.london.ac.uk/support/events/event2871.htm

Effective learner support in distance education and online learning
http://www.cde.london.ac.uk/support/events/event2872.htm

and
University of Athabascau home page
http://www.athabascau.ca/

Ahead

2006-10-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-26T15:41:00.000-07:00
Abbaa Gadaas invite Ahead

Abbaa Gadaa's (democratically elected indigenous leaders) of Gujii Oromo people have invited Ahead to be presented at a spectacular event called Gumii Duddaa. The Gumii Duddaa ceremony is held as part of a series of events regarding power transfer from one part to another every eight years according to the Oromo socio-political traditions. Ahead is delighted to be invited to this prestigious and rare event. The Abbaa Gadaas offered for an Ahead's representative to give a keynote speech at the ceremony. We'll report on Ahead's participation in this important event later on.

Ahead

2006-09-21T14:40:00.000-07:00
Cyclone-couriers delivers

Cyclone-couriers (http://www.cyclone-couriers.com/) has picked the clothes donated to Ahead from a BA store and delivered to Ahead's office free of charge. The van hire would have cost Ahead a lot of money and required efforts to transport the clothes. A big thank you to Cylone-couriers for their contribution.

Ahead

2006-09-21T14:30:00.000-07:00
BA and A Ray of Hope donate clothes to Ahead

British Airlines (BA, http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en) has kindly donated a number of blankets and children's clothes through A Ray of Hope to Ahead, http://www.unesco.co.uk/. The clothes will be used for the benefit of Ahead's beneficiaries. Ahead is very grateful to BA and A Ray of Hope for their support.

Ahead

2006-09-20T15:17:00.000-07:00
Ahead receives donation from A Ray of Hope

A Ray of Hope UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace has donated about $3000 worth of educational posters, teachers' notes and resource material to Ahead. The donation also includes around 100+ jotters and medical items that will be distributed to Ahead's beneficiaries. We are very grateful to A Ray of Hope for their kind support.

Ahead

2006-09-18T04:48:00.000-07:00
Ahead is affiliated to A Ray of Hope

Ahead is Affiliated to "A Ray of Hope UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace". A Ray of Hope help poor people world wide, particulalry children with what they need in kind as opposed to money. For details you can click the above link or visit http://www.unesco.co.uk/

Ahead

2006-09-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ahead's Fundraising Event !!!!

Ahead is pleased to announce a fantastic evening of musical and poetry show, food, drinks, raffle and auction. For details please see the flyer at http://www.ahead.org.uk/events.htm

Thank you

Ahead

2006-09-16T13:38:00.000-07:00
aheadblog (Welcome to Ahead's blog)

2006-09-16T11:57:00.000-07:00
Ahead participates in an ICT4D

Ahead took part in a syposium organised by Information and Communications Technologies for Development ICT4D Collective (www.ict4d.org.uk) from 14-15 Sept 06. There over 30 participants from many countries and diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Prof Tim Unwin (http://www.gg.rhul.ac.uk/tim) who opened the symposium welcomed the participants and outlined that the purpose of the event, was to bring together scholars who are interested in research ICT4D to discuss and share ideas, experiences and expertise.

The two day event was a great success. A number of PhD and MA research studies were presented, covering several topics on ICT in development, health, science, rural development, education etc.

Elfneh Bariso, who represented Ahead gave a presentation entitled, "The Digital Dividend in an Ethiopian context: Ahead's plan 4 a community college". He gave an overview of Ahead's vision, mission and goals. Then he outlined the state of the learning and the digital divides in Ethiopia. Elfneh argued that there is a potential for new technologies to bridge the divides, by giving examples of success stories such as the work of imfundo in Ethiopia and "the hole in the wall"experiment in India. He emphasizedd Ahead's intention to harness new technologies and mobilise educational radio to reach excludedcommunitiess in rural Ethiopia. Ahead's plan for setting up a community college and community radio was elaborated.

The social aspect of the symposium included an invitation to greatbarbecuee by Prof Unwin at end the first day at his residence.

Prof Unwin closed the symposium by summarising the achievements, indicating future plans and thanking the participants. It was an academically stimulating and socially entertaining event.

Elfneh is gratful to Prof Tim Unwin and his family, members of the ICT4D Collectives and the participants. Ahead will continue its participation in the Collectives activities and networking with the participants. Ahead appreciates the encouragement expressed by some symposium participants about Ahead's efforts.

Ahead

2006-09-16T11:49:00.000-07:00
Dear Visitor
Thank you for visiting. Unfortunately, there is a little technical glitch with this site. We're dealing with it. Please come back and visit it within a couple of days. Hopefully, the problem will be sorted out by then.

Thank you

Ahead
www.ahead.org.uk

2006-09-11T11:21:00.000-07:00
Welcome to Ahead's blog

Ahead