On Saturday 10th October, we celebrated the 22nd anniversary of ACT at our Biennial Event.
Due to the UK coronavirus restrictions, this year our biennial had to be virtual. Being our first virtual event carried out on such a large scale, it’s no surprise that we had to overcome a few problems and challenges, but all turned out well in the end. The big plus to this virtual event was that many more people from across Africa and elsewhere in the world were able to join us live. As the event was recorded, it also means that people who were unable to attend the event live can watch it and celebrate with us from the comfort of their own homes alongside family and friends. Follow the link below to take you straight to our event.
More than 200 people attended the event live on Zoom and Facebook Live. Hosted by Caroline Maxwell, the event was celebratory all through with a powerful rendition of Where Is the Love sang by Binye Hans backed up on his guitar, violin renditions by Seun Onabolu and a powerful poetry recital written and performed by Damilola Oyewusi.
The event was launched by the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Maddie Henson, whose speech showed her understanding of the plight of children who are disadvantaged. We had the chance to hear from ACT children, alumni and our partners in Africa and listen to beautiful songs by widows expressing their heartfelt gratitude to ACT in their languages. Director Kunle Onabolu, gave a talk about ACT being a family that celebrates together and feel pain together. The event closed with a call from ACT chair, Pauline Edwards, reminding us all as dwellers on this earth to get our priorities right and keep our focus on what matters the most, our impact in the world.
Huge thank you to everyone who attended the event. Nearly £6,000 was received as donation for our anniversary event. Our sincere thanks to our generous donors.
You can make a special event donation online to Metro Bank, Sort Code: 23-05-80 Account Number: 11362494Ref: Biennial -Your name.
Thank you!
Watch the entire event here.
Watch just the extracts that interest you:
- Our Work in Africa (slideshow)
- Where Is The Love – Heal The World by Binye Hans (musical performance)
- Councillor Maddie Henson, Mayor of Croydon Official Launch (speech)
- Thank You From ACT Children and Women (videos)
- Our Journey So Far – Dr Kunle Onabolu (speech)
- Child Of A Strong Woman by Damilola Oyewusi (poem)
- Violin Interlude by Seunfunmi Onabolu (musical performance)
- ACT in Tanzania – Stella Maganga (speech)
- Our Alumni, ACT Burkina Faso (speeches)
- Thank You from the Chair of Trustees (speech)
For further information about sponsoring a child, regular giving or making a one-off donation please click here.