STATEMENT BY THE AFAR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IN UK

Firstly, we are very pleased to inform that the Charity Commission for England and Wales now satisfyingly and delightfully approves the governing document of the Afar Community Association in the UK and it has been entered in the Central Register of Charities for England and Wales. Becoming a registered organisation, like thousands of others, will help facilitate the needs of the Afar Community in the UK and to successfully achieve sustainable charitable objectives and aims set out in the Article 3 of the ACA.

Secondly, we would like to highlight that the Afar Community Association in UK “ACA” shall be a voluntary, self-help, social and cultural oriented non-profit making organisation. It shall be a strictly non- political organisation. It shall operate both inside and outside England and Wales; e.g. Europe–United Kingdom- Africa- Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Thirdly, the organisation is governed by the constitution adopted on 20 November 2003, as amended on 15 January 2005. Its objects are as follow: - “to relieve poverty, in particular, but not exclusively, for the Afar Community by the provision of advice on education, employment and health advocacy and representation in the interest of social welfare with object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. 2- To advance the education of the Afar Community by the provision and training on subjects such as, literacy classes for adults and the Afar language and to provide general advice, information and support. 3- To advance education in the Afar traditions and folklore by the provision of cultural and social events. 4- To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the public as the trustees or management committee determine from time to time”.

Moreover, the Association was not only set up to address the needs of the Afar community in the UK but also to address the needs of the all Afar people in the Horn of African States. Also, notably, it is not only representing the Afar people and their traditions and folklore but also it is representing the multicultural societies of the Horn of Africa. It is a fact that, both Management Committee and members of the organisation is made up of individuals who came from four different countries such as Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. The Membership is open to all Afars and for those who accept and support the principles and objectives set out in the Article 3, and the terms and conditions of membership of Article 5 paragraph (a).

Furthermore, the MC of the ACA would like to work closely in partnership both with governments and statutory institutions of Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, UK and the Afar Regional State in Ethiopia, and Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA), Afar Friends in Sweden and UDC in Djibouti in particular, and with NGOs voluntary sectors in general to; advance education and culture; relieve sickness, poverty, and famine; and promote good health and social well being of the Afar people and of those who are disadvantaged in society. Similarly, we wish to establish friendly co-operation with the people of the Horn of Africa to develop the exchange of information, advice, and experiences and to facilitate the needs of our people.

Additionally, this organisation is for all Afars and for those who are fully committed to accepting and supporting the fundamental principles and objectives of the ACA. The service of the ACA is open to anyone regardless of their nationality, sex, agenda, political opinion, religion and social status. Discrimination on any grounds is prohibited.

Besides, the ACA unites and links the Afar community divided between boroughs of London; connect the Afars to other local communities and statutory service providers. This organisation does not belong to any particular individuals or group. It belongs to all Afars. All members shall have the right to express their view freely and democratically. We are encouraged all Afars living in the UK to fully involved in the ACA activities.

Should you have any comments, suggestions, or complain, please do feel free to come to the Community Centre to discuss the matters with the Management Committee at any time you may wish to do so. The MC is very happy to help or deal with your enquiries.

Finally, we would like to convey our gratitude to the Bridge House Trust and S.t. Katherine & Shadwell Trust for their financial assistance that has been given us to set up the Afar Community Association in UK. We also would like to express our thankfulness to the Community Organisation Forum for Tower Hamlets and the COF Staff for their friendly co-operation and unlimited assistance that has been, and is giving us. Special thanks go to all members and friends of the ACA both in the UK and overseas for their practical support and advice, which have been given us to develop the efficiency and structures of our organisation.

Afar Community Association in the UK

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