Reporting for Gurtong Project.
By Deng M. Koch,
The Bhar al Ghazal Youth Union in New South Wales (Sydney), Australia with the support of the Western Union, has organized a three days national conference for the people of Bhar al ghazal and representatives of other regions, particularly youth leaders from the other region of Southern Sudan in Australia. The conference will take place from January 5th – 7th, 2007 at Bahai Centre, 107 Derby St. Silverwater in Sydney.
The conference will be the first of its kind and will therefore set precedence for future events of similar nature. Even more encouraging is the fact that the conference will be attended by some of the region’s respected and more experienced leaders/elders who are currently residents of Australia. The participants will get the opportunity of interacting with and listening to the wealth of experiences from respected elders like none other than Professors: Marial Takpiny, former provincial administrator of Lakes States, and Mamer Ahoc, an experienced lecturer (who holds PhD in Agriculture and economics) and a former consultant with NGOs in Nairobi, both of whom are anticipated to attend. A host of other experts that include medical doctors, social scientists etc from within the community, and Non-Government Organization working with migrant communities will also attend.
The keys issues to be discussed include culture, Education and Health, which are then divided into sub-topics: Law and order, Family matters, Alcohol and drug abuse, social conduct (the need to avoid conducts that expose the community to the attention of the wider society), moral values and racism. It is note worthy that the aforementioned issues are of major concern not only to the Bhar al ghazal Diaspora in Australia, but to all the migrants and refugees of diverse cultural and national backgrounds; thus the people of Bhar Al Ghazal in general and the Youth Union in particular, initiated this conference as a starting point and if all goes well, would form the basis for ongoing community awareness workshops and conferences. Therefore all the community members who are within the immediate or nearer the vicinity of the event, and those who can make it, are urged to give it a serious consideration and attend if possible and convenient.
In his capacity as the head of group organizing the historic event the Chairman of the Bhar Al Ghazal Youth Union in New South Wales, Mr. Zachariah Mawaat Machiek, cordially extent the arms of invitation to all the community members and other Southern Sudanese who find the conference of interests or relevance. The B.G.Y.U. looks forward to welcoming all the invited guests and community members (whose attendance is not hindered in any way) into the venue of the conference. Those from inter-States should arrive by January 4, 2006 in order to avoid inconvenience during the sessions. It would also be very much appreciated if the participants RSVP or indicate their attendance/non attendance three to two days at the latest prior to the due date. This will help a great deal in the area of organizing necessary items for participants.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact those who will assist you further on +61- 411375458 or + 61- 432286707 or Email: yuolkurr@hotmail.com.