A video of the Debate which the Friends of Namibia organised in conjunction with the Royal African Society (RAS) at the House of Commons on Thursday, 18 March 2010, is now available online at the following sites:
If you weren't able to attend, here is your opportunity to experience this memorable occasion.
Read the account of the Debate on the RAS website and an article by Tom Minney in The Namibian newspaper on 23 March.
Who are we?
The Friends of Namibia Society was launched in November 1997 and brings together a diverse group of people who share a particular interest in Namibia. The membership includes former anti-apartheid campaigners who supported the country's liberation struggle, together with an increasing number of those who have come to know Namibia in more peaceful times - as volunteers, teachers, academics, exchange visitors, tourists, and those with an interest in the country's natural beauties and animal life.
It also provides a forum and co-ordinating body for the various groups in the UK who have a particular link with Namibia - such as the civic link between Chesterfield and Tsumeb, the school link with the American Community School in Surrey, the diocesan link with Manchester and various smaller local parish links.
It is independent of any government or political party and seeks to cooperate and liaise with both individuals and organisations who have an interest in the welfare and future of Namibia.
Who can join?
The Society is open to anyone - and we particularly welcome younger members and returned volunteers who have a fresh insight into the country and ideas for future activities. So if you have an interest in Namibia, are doing research, have visited there recently, or plan to do so in the future, or would just like to learn more about the country, we would like to hear from you. We would particularly like to hear of any specific projects, activities or links with Namibia. Please contact us at: postmaster@friendsofnamibia.org.uk.
What is our purpose?
As set out formally in our Constitution, the aims and purposes of the Society are 'to increase mutual knowledge, understanding and respect between citizens of the Republic of Namibia and the citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to promote good relations' by the following means:
How are we organised?
An annual general meeting is held each year for members, usually in November, at which the officers of the society are elected: a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to 10 other members - all of whom then compose the Executive Committee for the year. The committee meets quarterly and takes ongoing decisions concerning the activities of the Society.
What do we do?
In the past few years we have organised meetings and receptions for trade unionists, community and youth workers, and political and church leaders visiting from Namibia, hosted a book launch for new books on Namibia, and supported various Namibia-related events organised by groups and individuals in the UK.
Our most ambitious activity to date, to celebrate 10 years of Namibian independence in the year 2000, was to organise, in conjunction with ACTSA and UNISON, a very successful Festival at the Africa Centre in London. In addition to a marketplace of stalls featuring Namibian arts and crafts, travel and tourism, there was storytelling and entertainment, a poster exhibition and workshops on AIDS in Africa, volunteering, and community and church links with Namibia.
It has not proved easy in the past to establish links with the scattered groups of Namibian students studying in the UK, some for only short periods of time. However, following the AGM held at the Namibia High Commission last year, we held a very successful and well-attended reception for Namibian students which we plan to turn into an annual event. While we are not a fund-raising organisation and are not in a position to give scholarships or financial help, we can offer friendship and moral support to students and visitors.
Our most useful role, however, we have come to realise is as a co-ordinating body for individuals and groups who have an interest in Namibia. Our Newsletter (the contents of which have been included on this website) has been one way of sharing information and keeping in touch and we hope this website will further facilitate that role and extend our network of Friends of Namibia.
You will find information about some of the groups in the UK who are already actively involved with Namibian-related projects - and we hope the list of contacts will be extended as we learn of other links. Details of forthcoming activities and events, to which everyone is welcome, will be announced on this website.
Are you interested in joining, finding out more, or telling us about your own experience of or involvement with Namibia?
If so, please e-mail us on: postmaster@friendsofnamibia.org.uk.