News
NEWS FROM AViS EDMUNDS - CHAiR
The year ending March 2008 has been very full and eventful for Signpost & Rite Direkshon. I had many memorable moments in 2007, however some of the highlights of my second year as Chair of the organisation include:-
- Employing staff, including the first Director for the organisation
- Moving to new offices at Silai for Skills in Easton Road
- Consolidating partnerships with other agencies
- Hosting a high profile community safety conference in July 2007
- Bringing distinguished African academics and prestigious speakers to the city including Professor Marimba Ani, Anthony Browder, Professor Gus John, Dr Paul Obinna Eme and author Paul Ifayomi Grant
- Secured significant amounts of funding from five funding bodies, including Big Lottery
Over the past twelve months we have seen significant developments in the organisation with growth in the level of demand for services, particularly for our signposting and referral services, especially from people who encounter racism, employment problems and people with immigration issues.
During this period Signpost & Rite Direkshon:-
- provided leadership and direction to the Consortium of Black Groups
- developed close collaboration and working relationship with Ackee Tree
- organised 3 events in 2007 that facilitated respectful remembrance of the chattel enslavement period of history in a culturally and spiritually healing way for people of Afrikan descent in the city.
- delivered over 60 cultural & social education sessions to young men in prison
- and responded to 50% increase in demand on the signposting and referral service
