The first official, public gathering of the Voices of African Mothers (VAM) took the form of a seminar held at the Environmental Program and Training Centre Accra, Ghana, from February 8 to 10, 2005.
Download a pdf version of the seminar report (500 kb)
About two hundred fifty people, mainly residents of the Accra region, attended the three-day affair.
Each day of the seminar began with a rousing set of songs and dances in which all joined.
The theme of the seminar We Don’t Have To Be Poor, incorporated the topics of development, HIV/AIDS, and culture in lively exchanges between presenters and participants.
The principal speakers included: His Excellency, Dr. E.M. Debrah (Ghana), retired CEO Ms. Barbara Knaub (USA), Dr. John David Dupree (USA) and the Ghana Government representative Mrs. Anna Agbosu. Others who presented briefly were Ms. Monica Westin (Sweden-USA), Mr. David Stott (Canada) and Professor Melville M. Johnston (Canada).
Mrs. Nana-Fosu Randall, founder and president of VAM, assured that direction and focus of the seminar remained true to the theme.
At the very outset of the meeting, it was stressed that Ghana’s resources, both human and natural, are extensive. It was agreed that these great, barely tapped riches, should be acknowledged as the basis for the country’s future prosperity.
Furthermore, Ghanaians treasure and take pride in those local traditions that have not only contributed to the peaceful nature of their nation but offer a model to the whole of Africa.
The participants developed the opening discussion further. Ghanians clearly demonstrate their desire to develop; they want to gain new skills and knowledge. From their past experience of intermittent and uncertain outside help, they realize that they must not only be more self-reliant in pursuit of their goals but also utilize indigenous wisdom and resources.
Serious obstacles such as limited access to basic education and health remain in their path.
The HIV/ AIDS pandemic presents the most daunting problem to solve. Dr. John David Dupree spoke eloquently on this point, sharing from his vast experience working on the Asian and African Continents.
The participants gained hope and inspiration in their struggle against HIV/AIDS when they saw the new educational materials that had been translated into local dialects.
Ms. Barbara Knaub’s presentation stressed the need to preserve the great traditions of African culture. This sparked a very lively response among the participants who expressed deep concern about the intrusion of those external influences that undermine highly valued, indigenous customs.
One initiative that arose out of the seminar, and continued after the meeting concluded, was the educational program concerning organic agriculture facilitated by Mr. David Stott. This activity involved 30 enthusiastic participants.
Following the seminar, VAM’s Board of Directors not only reviewed the meeting and its positive results, but also in light of their experience organizing the seminar, structurally reorganized themselves. They agreed unanimously to proceed with the Autumn, 2005 conference which will be more formal and be broader in scope with respect to activities and participants
