North Wales African Diaspora: Solidarity in action

This in-person event brings together members of the African diaspora in the north of Wales to explore different ways of engaging in international solidarity work:

• Volunteering
• Grants
• Supporting existing initiatives

The event will also highlight the importance of political participation, especially in light of the upcoming Senedd election, and encourage the global solidarity community to take an active role in shaping civic life.

Hear from leaders in the global solidarity sector, share strategies for fostering partnerships and promoting global cooperation rooted in justice and respect.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:30 | Registration and refreshments

• Welcome, sign-in, and informal networking.

10:30 – 10:35 | Opening remarks

• Sam Njoku, Director of North Wales Africa Society and Clinical Lead Physiotherapist

10:35 – 10:55 | Introduction

• Ore Ojelade – Diaspora and Inclusion Officer, Hub Cymru Africa
• Importance of solidarity in Wales and community involvement
• Fairtrade Fortnight Highlight

10:55 – 11:30 | Keynote speech

• Lena Bheeroo – Head of Anti-Racism and Equity, BOND
• “Equity, Anti-Racism and Belonging in the Sector”
• 20-minute keynote speech followed by a 15-minute Q&A.

11:30 – 11:50 | Break

11:50 – 12:30 | Panel Discussion: “More than one way in”

• Moderators:
  • Simeon Ayoade, Development Support Manager, Hub Cymru Africa
  • Oreoluwa Ojelade, Diaspora and Inclusion Officer, Hub Cymru Africa
• Panelists:
  • Steve Sodzi, Chair of CAEDON
  • Sam Njoku, Director of North Wales Africa Society
  • Lena Bheeroo, Head of Anti-Racism and Equity, BOND
  • Jalia Nabukalu, Business Sustainability Director, Centre for Sustainability Research and Practice
• Discussion focus:
  • How African diaspora communities in Wales can shape global cooperation and solidarity
  • Barriers people of colour face in getting involved, and practical ways to overcome them
  • Multiple pathways and opportunities for engagement in international development and solidarity.

12:30 – 13:20 | Lunch

13:15 – 13:30 | Getting grant funding for project work in Africa

• Julian Rosser, Head of Hub Cymru Africa
• Practical guidance on accessing grants and supporting grassroots initiatives.

13:30 – 14:20 | Spotlight Talk: Attendee contributions

A space for attendees to showcase their work and share hands-on experiences from international development and solidarity projects.

14:20 – 14:30 | Reflections and closing remarks

Facilitated by Oreoluwa Ojelade

• Key takeaways, final reflections, and thanks.