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Hi UKUWANS,
Summer is close and that means we are nearing the end of another school year. Before we begin our vacations, let's take a few minutes to catch up on what has been happening at UKUWA since the last newsletter.
First, you probably already know that we had a youth dialogue event at Youth to Youth International April 28th. Ahmed Elmi filled-in for Hussam Salhi and took over the master of ceremonies duties. Elmi did a great job with the audience. I could hear everyone laughing and having a good time while Santi N and I waited offstage to be called to the microphone. Santi was as calm as a summer day. I, on the other hand, was as nervous as I usually am before I speak in front of large audiences.
Ashley Davis led the evening's discussion and gave us her typical energetic performance. Ashley definitely has a future in public speaking if she chooses that career path.
As usual, Flickimage was there to record the event. IMO, his audio/video skills give us the best possible presentation to the world when we reach post production.
We also met Carrie Hoffman for the first time at the Youth to Youth event. Carrie has a lot of experience in the humanitarian field in Africa and she is a welcome addition to the growing UKUWA team.
Suada Flickimage was the youngest attendee, although I can tell you that Quincy McConnell was mad when he found out he missed this meeting. For some reason, Q's dad thought Quincy did not want to go. Bad dad.
Elusive UKUWAN Mariam Aboukar even made an appearance at the event. Mariam is our Public Health Director. We are excited to apply her ideas to our Kenya Project.
Special thanks also to all of the Youth to Youth International people. I can't remember the name of the guy who is their m.c. but he had the crowd hyped before we took the stage. To say that the audience was warmed up is an understatement. We had a great night and look forward seeing everyone again at the Youth to Youth International Summer Training Conference at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, June 14th-16th.
You also may remember that Dr. Kelechi Kalu, a professor and director of the Center for African Studies at the Ohio State University, recently joined our group. Dr. Kalu brings many years of experience in the humanitarian field to UKUWA. He joins us as an advisor and public speaker.
Speaking of Africa, our Kenya Director, Washington Adel and his team win the award for being the hardest working UKUWANS of the moment. Washington and his team implemented our sponsorship program in rural Kenya and oversee the distribution of food to needy families throughout the country. They are truly our operators on the front line. The difference our members are making in Kenya is inspiring. Please feel free to stop by Washington's Facebook wall and say hello and thanks.
Actually, you can do better than that! We are organizing our first group trip to Kenya this summer. We are going to renovate a school room in an orphanage, conduct research and hold a youth dialog. Everyone is welcome to come along.
Finally, Ashley is planning the next youth dialogue. Let's see if we can top the last event.
I think I've caught you up on what is going on here at UKUWA HQ in sunny central Ohio.
Take care of yourselves and do good deeds whenever you can!
Best,
John McConnell
Public Relations Director, etc.
UKUWA - GROW WITH US!