The 2021 Africa Pre-World Conference
The following are excerpts from reports by Wanjiku Kironyo, Kennedy Mwangi Nyutu, Griffins Ndhine, David Nyoro, Kamau Gacheru, and W— , all from Kenya, on the November 2021 Africa Pre-World Conference.
- I connected with so many Africans from the different African countries as well as with RCers from outside our continent.
- I was pleased by how many people could attend despite the challenges, including problems with the Internet connection.
- Selecting the participants was difficult. More teachers and leaders wanted to participate than could.
- It was good hearing Tim Jackins explain how RC started and how it has grown and spread across the globe. It is hopeful that what started with a few individuals now involves many people globally. This encourages me to not give up and to keep discharging to reach my goals.
- Tim reminded us that we are all inherently kind, loving, and caring and that all the messages from distress are false. I remembered being mocked in front of a class and punished severely when I was a child. It had affected my self-esteem and social interactions. I grew up wanting to be alone and was secretive about what had happened to me. At the conference I was encouraged to keep working on this and was reminded that it will heal.
- I participated in the young adult support group. It was good to connect with other young adults across Africa and to listen to what they are doing about the climate emergency. I was reminded that no effort is too small and that I can make a difference. I can influence a big movement. It was good to feel supported and encouraged to think about this.
- I decided to continue discharging on what makes it hard for me to work on the climate crisis.
- We need to unite as a continent in our approach to the climate emergency.
- The topic groups were led mostly by people from Africa.
- Zoom made possible an effective and efficient international meeting.
- Young people took charge of the technical aspects and did an excellent job.
- The no-socializing policy brought a lot of discussions and questions. People have held onto cultural teachings that say you cannot set boundaries on friendships based on situations and where you meet people.
- These conferences are a much-needed reminder of how much work there is to do and that we can discharge on feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.
- I enjoyed connecting with all who participated.
- Thanks to everyone who took leadership.
- This conference was like a springboard to the next level.
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders in the transformation of society
(Present Time 207, April 2022)
Last modified: 2022-12-25 10:17:04+00