RAFFA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

RAFFA Community Development Awards 2009, recognised the achievements of Practitioners who are working to transform the more traditional NGO leadership and management models.
Wilton Powell, OBE, Chairman, RAFFA, presented The International Practitioner Award  to Hycenth Uchenye for a project called “Isuikwuato Quality Water and Sanitation for Healthy Life”.  This is an innovative and inspiring project that provides opportunities for community development and corporate involvement. Hycenth Uchenye said: “ It was an awesome moment and it was a great opportunity for meto give back to the community. I am grateful to The Coca-Cola Company, especially the entire Global Quality organisation for their outstanding support on the success of the project and I look forward to a future partnership with RAFFA and its sustainability approach''.
Rudi Page, CEO,  RAFFA, remarked that  “The Isuikwuato Project is a worthy winner of our inaugural RAFFA Community Development Awards.  We were impressed with this project because it allows local communities to contribute to the transformation of their environment through skilful enterprise.  This has the potential to bring both increased social and economic benefits”.
Bishop Francis Waihenya, Director, Action for Transformational Development, stated:
“ I am delighted to observe that RAFFA has deliberately maintained a non traditional form of governance in its Development agenda that widens the equation by including both the practitioners and constituents. This paradigm shift by RAFFA to a co-development model is significant and important.  It addresses the whole person and the entire community”.There were also awards for  UK and Europe :

Spiritual Leadership - Bishop John Doroshuk
Spiritual & Humanitarian Support - Church of God of Georgia
Dedication to Quality Youth Development –  Janet Dubidat, Colleen Laing,   Kenneth Laing, Dr Sunday Pop-Ola and Tshepo Ramatumbu
Mary Seacole Development Mission – Margaret Richards
Health & Spiritual Care – COGOP, Aberdeen St, Birmingham                       
Membership Involvement – COGOP Region 4
 For more information: admin@raffa.org.uk  or www.raffa.org.uk

submitted by RICHVISIONS Co.UK

ethnic hair and beauty extravaganza attracts thousands OF
VISITORS over the Bank holiday weekend

June 1 2009 - Over 10,000 visitors flocked to the prestigious Alexandra Palace over the sunny bank holiday weekend (24-25 May), for the annual Afro Hair & Beauty Live exhibition, supported by Europe’s largest ethnic hair care manufacturers SoftSheen-Carson.  

With nearly 100 exhibitors spanning from across the globe, guests were treated to stunning makeovers by leading brands such as BECCA Cosmetics, as well as hundreds of freebies and samples from industry favourites including Dark and Lovely.  

The main stage was buzzing with non-stop entertainment, hosted by the renowned British comedian Kojo, including performances by the amazing Alumni dance troupe and live PA’s by upcoming artistes Innate Forte and Malika Cope.

This year’s show also saw the emergence of a new competition dubbed Sensationnel Icon; where visitors witnessed the crème de la crème in hairstyling take to the stage in one of the most extravagant showcases of high-fashion weaves and Avant garde tresses. Following a rigorous judging process by celebrity stylist Glenda Clark and Randolph Gray, Marcia Johnson from Rougz Hair Design was crowned Hair Icon of the Year 2009; walking away with £500 in cash and £500 worth of Sensationnel products. Marcia said: “It was awesome winning the Sensationnel Icon and I loved the challenge, I will definitely enter again next year.”  

Black Organ Donation, Diabetes UK and Sickle Cell Society were also among various charities, at this years show, on hand to address any questions or concerns in the new health area.  

Event Organisers, Afro Hair & Beauty Live commented: We had a great show with a variety of seminars for professionals and consumer. The Pampering Zone was as always busy and many visitors appreciated the health monitoring facility provided by Holloway Seventh Day Adventist Church, in between all the make-up and beauty treatments.

Other attractions on the day included seminars and workshops facilitated by award-winning hair-technician George Kosit and inspirational speaker Grace Owen

For more information visit, www.afrohairshow.com