Supporters Day 2007

A delegation of international aid, development, and community organisations from Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, El Salvador, India and Uganda joined SCIAF supporters from around the country to celebrate the work of Scotland’s leading development agency at this year’s Supporters’ Day.

The one-day event saw over 150 people in attendance at Strathclyde University where guests met SCIAF staff and overseas visitors, browsed stalls, listened to speeches in the main conference room, and took part in workshops.

Key note speeches were delivered by SCIAF Chief Executive Paul Chitnis, Father Cyprian Ocen from Uganda, and Linda Fabiani, the Scottish Government’s minister with responsibility for overseas development. The conference marked the first event in a two-week programme for the international visitors focusing on improving international campaigning skills so they are able to lobby more effectively in their respective countries. There were also workshops for the visitors and Scottish supporters to get to know each other and explore the challenges ahead. The workshops included:

Building peace in Rwanda

Jean Claude Ngendandumwe, Justice and Peace Commission, Rwanda, & Fr Cyprian Ocen, Uganda

Discovering ability in India

Developing leadership skills for disabled women: Mr Gopinath, Association of People with Disability & Raquel Cruz from El Salvador

Empowering women in Haiti

Marie Lourdes Lahens, Caritas Haiti & Sister Josephine, Justice and Peace, Bukavu

The visiting partners are all incredibly inspiring individuals who work tirelessly for the benefit of people within their communities, often working in difficult environments affected by poverty and war.