Diaspora for African Development

DfAD aims to establish "the link" between the Southern African Diaspora Communities in the United Kingdom and those communities in Africa as a nexus between migration and development. Our Vision is for African Diaspora to have greater involvement in Africa's development and for them to gain wider recognition for the various ways they contribute to... Africa's sustainable social and economic development, in both their countries of origin and destination. DfAD engages African Diaspora, individuals, communities, civil society, private sector and public institutions in collaborative and capacity building efforts that cohesively add to Africa's development. We realise that we are not health workers in the tradition sense, that is, not doctors and nurses, so the question for DfAD Health is therefore how to work together with other professionals to achieve our aim of contributing to improving health in Zambia. So that the vast knowledge and skills can be transferred on the ground. This is evident, for example, from our work with the Transplant Links Charity who are aiming to carry out the first kidney transplant. Through our work with them we have facilitated them to receive funding from THET (Tropical Health and Education Trust) to carry out the first trip earlier this year and we also linked them with members of the Zambian diaspora who have been able to help them on the ground with accommodation, transport etc. Increasingly, the diaspora are being seen as effective agents of change in development. This is due to their understanding of issues facing their community both in their home country and countries of?origin. Hence, due to personal connections to their countries of origin, it is continually being recognised that they have experience and skills which, if utilised correctly could have a great impact on development. Evidence of this can be seen with the various successful projects being carried out by diaspora organisations. ?However, diaspora organisations often lack the skills, insights and experiences needed ...Read More