ACT Celebration Event – A Day to Remember
The African Child Trust marked its 25th anniversary at an event on Saturday 30th September at the New Life Church, Croydon. It was a memorable celebration of the work of the charity and its impact on the thousands of people, children and women, in Africa whose lives have been transformed through this work.
ACT was founded in 1998 at a time when countless men were tragically dying in sub–Saharan Africa, mostly from HIV/AIDS. Our work began in the copper mining town of Chingola in the Copperbelt region of Zambia. The loss of the breadwinner can be devastating for a family in Africa. Lack of state support means that these families will often fall on hard times, with the mother and children forced into low-paid jobs to survive. This can act as a barrier for families hoping to escape poverty, as children are unable to receive an education and realise their potential.
ACT Director, Kunle Onabolu
About 200 people attended the celebrations commencing in the morning with a photographic exhibition of the various projects, past and on-going, that ACT is carrying out across the 8 countries of Africa where it operates.
The formal programme opened with a musical welcome by the New Life choir and prayer, following which the Civic Mayor of Croydon Cllr Tony Pearson formally launched the 25th anniversary ceremony. The celebrations continued with video presentations of the work in Africa and well wishes from among the beneficiaries. Guests enjoyed marvellous musical interludes from the New Life choir and were also treated to touching poetry recitals from Tania Weithers, helping to create a warm and lively atmosphere.
ACT Director, Dr Kunle Onabolu gave an account of the history of the charity from its formation to date. His speech mostly centred on thanking the various people who have made it all possible for ACT to reach where it is today. The guest of honour, Mr Ian James, has known the charity from its start and gave an encouraging talk about how ACT’s work was all about helping the poor and marginalised, which is at the heart of the Christian faith. He encouraged the trustees, and everyone involved in the work, particularly the supporters, donors and friends of ACT to continue their good work as they look forward with hope for the next 25 years.
Jacques Tonde (BF) and Yetunde Joseph (Nigeria)
A highlight of the celebration was the presence of Jacques Tondé, an ACT alumnus and the Chair of the ACT alumni in Burkina Faso, who had travelled to the UK to be part of the celebrations. The importance of education for young people in Africa was highlighted by Jacques Tondé, who explained how “illiteracy can prevent many people getting out from poverty. Someone who is unable to receive a full education will have less job opportunities in the future and are at risk of becoming street children.”
Also present at the celebrations was Mrs Yetunde Joseph, director of CDLI, ACT partners in Ipaja, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Guests then enjoyed a delicious food buffet to bring an end to the celebrations. It was certainly a day to remember. See our photo album of the anniversary celebration event here.
Fundraising Dinner at the Epsom Jockey Club
The 25th anniversary celebrations continued a week later with a formal fundraising dinner on Saturday October 7, with around 150 people making the trip to the Jockey Club, at the renowned Epsom Racecourse, Surrey.
Guests were then treated to a delectable 3 course meal, with long-term donors and new supporters alike having the chance to catch up and enjoy the occasion. The guests watched a celebratory video marking the anniversary and ACT alumnus, Jacques Tondé from Burkina Faso gave a moving talk and as a beneficiary who, through ACT’s support, is now a university graduate, working in the education sector as school deputy head teacher with responsibility for programmes to help disadvantaged children. He encouraged guests to support the work financially so that it can help many more disadvantaged children and orphans across Africa. The evening’s main attraction, however, was the awaited raffle draw with 18 illustrious prizes to be won, including a 4-night stay for two at the 5 Star luxury, Royal Marmin Bay Hotel, in Elounda, Crete, Greece. Congratulations to the winners, Leroy and Pat Samuels.
Our big thank you to everyone who bought a ticket! We were overwhelmed with the response and are very proud that we sold out all of our tickets, raising a grand total of £5000, which will go towards our fundraising target of £50,000 to support 250 children in 2024 – that is 10 children for every year since ACT was formed.
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended the 25th anniversary celebrations, the generosity and support you have shown is what allows ACT to carry out the life-changing work we do. Thank you for making the occasion such a success and we hope to celebrate many more anniversaries with you in the years to come. See our photo album of the anniversary fundraising dinner here.