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African Challenge Scotland Annual Events Programme

T he third annual summer events programme organised by African Challenge Scotland (ACS) took place earlier this year. African Challenge Scotland is a registered voluntary organisation based in North Glasgow with the aim of promoting active lifestyle among Africans and other ethnic groups in Scotland through sports, educational and social events. This year the programme was entitled “Climate Justice Conversation to Inspire and Engage Communities – Case study of Africa and Glasgow”. The programme which was a huge success was delivered by Prof Tahseen Jafry, a Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University and supported by Police Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Patrick Grady MP, Energy Trust Scotland, Saladmaster, and ng homes.

It included interactive sessions with participants, including children, becoming aware of climate change issues. Patrick Grady, Member of Parliament for Glasgow North said: “Climate change affects us all, but climate justice is about recognising that people in poorer parts of the world, who have often done the least to bring about climate change through carbon emissions, are being hit fi rst and hardest. African Challenge Scotland’s workshop brought these issues to the heart of North Glasgow, and it was inspiring to see people of all ages from across the community engaging and interacting on these issues, with expert facilitation from Prof Tasheen Jafry of Glasgow Caledonian University.

Activities during the week long event included community litter-picking within the local environment, cultural events to celebrate the diverse African culture in Scotland including African dishes, dress and live drummers. There was also a family fun day held at Springburn Sports Centre and a grand fi nale for 800 footballers at Peugeot Ashfi eld Stadium.

A highlight of the event was the inclusion of a community conversation on the subject; Scottish, European, and Global Citizenship aimed at discussing the implications of the European Referendum result on the minority communities in Scotland. The programme received great support from ng homes, Anne McLaughlin MP, Peter Grant MP and The Scottish Refugee Council. Anne McLaughlin MP said: “I am constantly impressed with the work that African Challenge Scotland does. They reach out to all communities and their aim is always to bring people together, and it works.”

A special Gala night was held at Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow attended by 250 guests including an address from Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities.

The founder of African Challenge Scotland, Ronier Cladel Deumeni, was awarded with the Outstanding Personal Achievement award for his hard work and vision. He said:

“The week long event saw more than 2500 participants coming together in the community. African Challenge Scotland highly appreciate those who have been supporting her in their various capacities to build cultural and sporting links between Africans and people living in Scotland and we look forward to an even better event next year”.

Awards were presented to a variety of guests and organisations and these are as follows:

  • Dilawer Singh MBE received the Life Time Achievement Award
  • Ronier Cladel Deumeni received the Outstanding Personal Achievement Award
  • The Compass Team received an award of excellence for Providing friendly, practical support and solidarity to all asylum seekers and migrants in Scotland
  • TSB Bank received the Community Engagement 2016 award
  • The Social Impact Awards of the year 2016 went to ng homes
  • African Restaurant of the Year 2016 was awarded to the Comforter in the City
  • Serign B Sanneh received the African Entrepreneur Awards 2016

Ms Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities said: “It was fantastic to attend the Gala dinner as part of the Multicultural Summer 2016 and I would like to extend my best wishes to African Challenge Scotland and the volunteers for organising such a wonderful week of activities.

Celebrations like this are crucial because the African community plays an important role making Scotland the wonderfully diverse nation it is today - a safer, stronger and more inclusive society where we all can realise our potential both as individuals and as members of wider society.”

John Fury, Chairperson of ng homes said “we are delighted to be able to support African Challenge Scotland and work in partnership with them on so many great initiatives and programmes that are making a real difference in developing strong cultural, social and sporting links throughout the North Glasgow Community.

For more information on African Challenge Scotland visit their website on:
www.africanchallengescotland.co.uk
twitter: @acscotland
Facebook: African Challenge Scotland

Abdul Bostani, Ronier Deumeni, Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, Bob Doris MSP, Maria and Michael Facenna, Allied Vehicles at special gala night award ceremony

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