The African Union's 15th Summit kicks off this coming Monday the 19th of July. It's being held in Kampala, Uganda. Similar to the G8 summit a few weeks ago, this year's theme will be "Maternal, Infant and Child Health and Development in Africa". You might have noticed that maternal and child health are a passion of mine, but I'm writing about this today not only because of that, but because this is a great opportunity for us to look at Africa's united body of leadership. With the first World Cup hosted in Africa successfully completed, this is Africa's next chance to show the world that we too are capable of great things. Unfortunately there isn't much information about the summit on the AU website at the moment, but keep checking back here if you're interested - I'll be adding more details as I find them.
Update
There is a little information here, on the African Development Bank Group website. You can also have a look at the schedule for the summit here.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
YLMP mentee's feedback questionnaire
As you will already know, we had our last mini seminar for the current programme last Friday. Evaluation is an integral part of the mentoring process, and we have been trying to do that in many ways: the Appraisal Forms, the Assessment Sheets, etc. We developed a feedback questionnaire for mentees to fill out, I thought it would be nice for you to see a selection of their responses (good and bad). Here they are:
How has your behaviour and character changed since starting the programme?
“At first, I used to misbehave in class. I did not know my aim but now I have changed because of the programme.”
“I have learnt to be disciplined at all times. And how to be punctual.”
“It has helped in choosing my future career.”
“I used to think that I was not going to be able to do things the intelligent student could do but now my spirit is high and I have the courage and faith to do things. Through this programme I am doing very well in class.”
“I have really had a great experience as to knowing what I can do even as I am young. I also know that in everything I should think positively and I have changed for the good.”
‘Well to be honest I am someone who is quite shy and with a low spirit but with the help of this programme I have been able to overcome these challenges so I am no longer with a down spirit and no longer shy.”
“Friends say I behave like a matured or elderly person.”
How have your academic habits changed since starting the programme?
“My academic habits have changed a lot because since the programme started we had a lot of talk about how to use our time wisely. I have learnt how to schedule my time especially to learn and to save with the little money I have.”
“My academic performances has really changed a lot, at times I find things difficult but through this programme I believe in the can do spirit and I work towards it.”
“It has helped me to be serious in class.”
“It’s quite normal not all that extremely better but has improved from its previous state. Because during the programme we were taught how to learn and using those methods has moulded me to someone better.”
“My academic habits have improved, examples are elective maths and core maths. I am working hard and I am not giving up until I have gotten what I want.”
“I have been learning hard to improve on my academic performance and to pass my exams.”
“Yes, I was very weak in some subjects but through this I have been able to achieve my goals.”
How has your behaviour and character changed since starting the programme?
“At first, I used to misbehave in class. I did not know my aim but now I have changed because of the programme.”
“I have learnt to be disciplined at all times. And how to be punctual.”
“It has helped in choosing my future career.”
“I used to think that I was not going to be able to do things the intelligent student could do but now my spirit is high and I have the courage and faith to do things. Through this programme I am doing very well in class.”
“I have really had a great experience as to knowing what I can do even as I am young. I also know that in everything I should think positively and I have changed for the good.”
‘Well to be honest I am someone who is quite shy and with a low spirit but with the help of this programme I have been able to overcome these challenges so I am no longer with a down spirit and no longer shy.”
“Friends say I behave like a matured or elderly person.”
How have your academic habits changed since starting the programme?
“My academic habits have changed a lot because since the programme started we had a lot of talk about how to use our time wisely. I have learnt how to schedule my time especially to learn and to save with the little money I have.”
“My academic performances has really changed a lot, at times I find things difficult but through this programme I believe in the can do spirit and I work towards it.”
“It has helped me to be serious in class.”
“It’s quite normal not all that extremely better but has improved from its previous state. Because during the programme we were taught how to learn and using those methods has moulded me to someone better.”
“My academic habits have improved, examples are elective maths and core maths. I am working hard and I am not giving up until I have gotten what I want.”
“I have been learning hard to improve on my academic performance and to pass my exams.”
“Yes, I was very weak in some subjects but through this I have been able to achieve my goals.”
Friday, July 9, 2010
Mini Seminar: Career Development
Today, we had our last Mini Seminar for the 09/10 Programme. Albert Ankrah of Regent University and Hope Coalition International - a company he set up with his brother - lead the seminar. It was an exciting and interactive session that had all mentees involved at every stage.
The seminar was titled 'Fixing the Puzzle: Your career and you'. Mr Ankrah started off by asking various mentees what their parents did for a living. He followed by asking why they were in that profession, and whether they enjoyed it or not. He explained that although many people view finding the right career as a process that 'just happens' or that happens after some time in the workforce, it does not have to happen that way. Finding a career that is right for you is something we all have to take an active part in, and Mr Ankrah wanted to set each mentee on the path to finding theirs.
Mr Ankrah also stressed the importance of knowing oneself, and gave tips on how to discover 'hidden' talents. He ended with two - exercises the True Colour System, and the Successful Life Cycle. You can take the True Colour System (a tool designed to help you find a career suited to your personality traits) here.
The seminar was titled 'Fixing the Puzzle: Your career and you'. Mr Ankrah started off by asking various mentees what their parents did for a living. He followed by asking why they were in that profession, and whether they enjoyed it or not. He explained that although many people view finding the right career as a process that 'just happens' or that happens after some time in the workforce, it does not have to happen that way. Finding a career that is right for you is something we all have to take an active part in, and Mr Ankrah wanted to set each mentee on the path to finding theirs.
Mr Ankrah also stressed the importance of knowing oneself, and gave tips on how to discover 'hidden' talents. He ended with two - exercises the True Colour System, and the Successful Life Cycle. You can take the True Colour System (a tool designed to help you find a career suited to your personality traits) here.
Library Club @ Kinbu, Part 2
This week, junior mentors have been working on a proposed action plan to implement the Library Club at Kinbu. Yesterday, we held a meeting for a presentation and a discussion in order to fine tune the action plan and make some final decisions as to how everything was going to work. The presentation turned out to be incredibly detailed (kudos to you guys, you did great), so there wasn't as much to discuss and decide as we had anticipated. Nevertheless, we had a discussion and threw some ideas around. Here are some of the main points:
> We have been working closely with Kinbu in the formation of the action plan for the Library Club so that implementation can be as smooth as possible. We are waiting on the school to release their schedule for next term so we can fine tune our schedule and ensure nothing clashes.
> We also want the students of Kinbu (not just mentees) to be involved. We are waiting for their suggestions by way of a patron. Divine Akortsu (whom we have been working with) has been suggested by the assistant headmaster, and he will be suggested to the students. We will also present them with a list of recommended activities, books, etc to choose from.
> We toyed with the possibility of having the library open to students during the holidays, but this did not seem likely. Instead we decided it would be a good idea to take students to public libraries as part of their Library Club trips. This way, they can learn how to use their local libraries and reading would become much more accessible to them.
>We'd like to sensitise students to their Ghanaian and African heritage, including literature. We agreed that it would be good to look into having groups visit the school to perform books or plays they might be reading (e.g. Efua Sutherland)
> A rough schedule was put together (this will be fine-tuned after we receive a schedule from Kinbu). One key factor was that reading competitions take place after exams. This means that students can be given a recommended list of books to read during the holidays on which the competitions will be based.
> The plan of action included key performance indicators and critical success factors as a means of ensuring we are on track. In addition to these, the Library Club will be required to submit regular reports both to the headmistress and to Databank.
> You might remember from a visit to the Kinbu library a while back that there was a large stack of books that were not being (and would not be) used. It was pointed out that the Ministry of Education buys old books and recycles them - this could be another way we could use to generate funds for the refurbishment of the library. We could also approach the Rotary and Lions Clubs.
> We have been working closely with Kinbu in the formation of the action plan for the Library Club so that implementation can be as smooth as possible. We are waiting on the school to release their schedule for next term so we can fine tune our schedule and ensure nothing clashes.
> We also want the students of Kinbu (not just mentees) to be involved. We are waiting for their suggestions by way of a patron. Divine Akortsu (whom we have been working with) has been suggested by the assistant headmaster, and he will be suggested to the students. We will also present them with a list of recommended activities, books, etc to choose from.
> We toyed with the possibility of having the library open to students during the holidays, but this did not seem likely. Instead we decided it would be a good idea to take students to public libraries as part of their Library Club trips. This way, they can learn how to use their local libraries and reading would become much more accessible to them.
>We'd like to sensitise students to their Ghanaian and African heritage, including literature. We agreed that it would be good to look into having groups visit the school to perform books or plays they might be reading (e.g. Efua Sutherland)
> A rough schedule was put together (this will be fine-tuned after we receive a schedule from Kinbu). One key factor was that reading competitions take place after exams. This means that students can be given a recommended list of books to read during the holidays on which the competitions will be based.
> The plan of action included key performance indicators and critical success factors as a means of ensuring we are on track. In addition to these, the Library Club will be required to submit regular reports both to the headmistress and to Databank.
> You might remember from a visit to the Kinbu library a while back that there was a large stack of books that were not being (and would not be) used. It was pointed out that the Ministry of Education buys old books and recycles them - this could be another way we could use to generate funds for the refurbishment of the library. We could also approach the Rotary and Lions Clubs.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Leadership lessons from the World Cup (and some from cricket)
Here's a post for all you sports fans out there. There's been no getting away from football this summer. What with all the national pride, action and heartbreak, the World Cup has been a force to be reckoned with for the past few weeks. After the Black Stars' particularly painful exit, I began thinking about other ways to look at the World Cup; aside from all the hype and emotion, what lessons can we learn? Since Databank is all about leadership, I figured it would be pretty cool to link the two. They go well together; no team (football or otherwise) can be successful without effective leadership (as highlighted by this article on Fabio Capello's disgraceful campaign). After a little rooting around, I came across an article by Roseabeth Moss Kanter, a Harvard Business School professor. Here's an excerpt:
The World Cup has drawn on national pride to captivate hundreds of millions around the globe in the most-watched TV event ever. Most people watch the action. As a leadership groupie, I watch for lessons about the circumstances behind the action, the factors that propel any organization to victory.You can read the article in full here.
Consider the contrast between the emotional meltdown of the French team, which was eliminated early, and the German team's discipline as it advanced to the semifinals and perhaps to the Cup. Or the African comparison pointed out in the Wall Street Journal between Ghana, with a stable, transparent democracy and the proud achievement of being only the third African team ever to play in the quarterfinals, and Nigeria, whose losses were accompanied by a corruption investigation into the Nigerian Football Federation. Fair, transparent, collaborative = winning. Corrupt, chaotic, petty = losing.
The leadership culture surrounding teams shapes outcomes. Whether in the boardroom, locker room, or living room, success is derived from not just the talents of individuals but the context surrounding them.
This principle is visible in another international sport: cricket. To Americans, cricket is unfamiliar and incomprehensible. At least it was to me until my British student Emma Herbert explained it. But cricket is tremendously important to the countries from the former British empire that send teams to world cricket championships — Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and a 14-country coalition from the West Indies. Like the World Cup, cricket carries the weight of national attitudes and aspirations. Teams compete in three to six matches, each several days in length, or about 25 days of cricket, about the length of the World Cup.
As part of the research for my book Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End, Herbert and I examined why one formerly dominant team, West Indies, slid into decline, while another, Australia, came from behind to dominate the sport. Both involved culture and leadership.
Well done Black Stars!!!
We've been reading...
The East African common market
Africa Business Pages -- In a major development in East Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania decided to join hands and form a trade bloc called East African Community (EAC) in 2001. The new trade bloc aims to work towards economic policies that are pro-market, pro-private sector and pro-liberalisation. By pooling in their resources and promoting free trade within the region, the East African Community aims to emerge as a leading trade entity in East Africa. In a simple ceremony held in Arusha, Tanzania, Kenya's former President Daniel arap Moi, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa, formalised the EAC treaty to pave way for an economic and, ultimately, political union of the three countries...
African countries top list of countries making most progress on MDGs
UN Millennium Campaign, ODI* -- As G8 and G20 leaders prepare to gather in Canada, new analysis issued by the Overseas Development Institute and the United Nations Millennium Campaign finds that, in absolute terms, many of the world’s poorest countries are making the most overall progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals – the set of promises world leaders made to significantly reduce extreme poverty, illiteracy and disease by 2015. Particularly relevant for G8 countries are the findings which underline the importance of open trade and effective and timely aid in driving this success. For poor countries, political leadership, accountability and adequate budgetary allocations for the Goals are cited as key criteria to drive sustained progress...
*Overseas Development Institute
Satya Capital to invest $200 million in Africa this year
Reuters -- Satya Capital, a London-based private equity fund owned by Sudanese Mo Ibrahim, plans to invest some $200 million in Africa this year, Ibrahim said late on Thursday. Known for making a fortune from the mobile phone business and funding a major prize in support of leadership, Ibrahim said the continent offered high returns on investments. "I would not be investing in Africa if I'm not bullish about Africa," he told Reuters on the sidelines of a media conference. He said the global financial crisis had showed risks to investments abounded in any region of the world and bolstered Africa's position as an investment destination.
Afghan women jailed for 'bad character'
BBC -- Meet Sorarya and you meet "attitude". It has something to do with the way she wears her red tunic and trousers, her short cropped black leather jacket, and the way she chews gum and rolls her eyes. "What are you here for?" I ask as we sit in a makeshift beauty parlour, surrounded by a group of Afghan women in less flamboyant attire. "Should I tell her?" she asks the other women with a mischievous grin. "Bad character," she says after a moment's hesitation. She suppresses a giggle then doubles over with laughter...
Lites
Equatorial Guinea president pledges reforms
Liberia's $4.9 Billion Debt Cleared
Africa 'winning the war on AIDS'
UN to set up agency promoting women's rights
Africa Business Pages -- In a major development in East Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania decided to join hands and form a trade bloc called East African Community (EAC) in 2001. The new trade bloc aims to work towards economic policies that are pro-market, pro-private sector and pro-liberalisation. By pooling in their resources and promoting free trade within the region, the East African Community aims to emerge as a leading trade entity in East Africa. In a simple ceremony held in Arusha, Tanzania, Kenya's former President Daniel arap Moi, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa, formalised the EAC treaty to pave way for an economic and, ultimately, political union of the three countries...
African countries top list of countries making most progress on MDGs
UN Millennium Campaign, ODI* -- As G8 and G20 leaders prepare to gather in Canada, new analysis issued by the Overseas Development Institute and the United Nations Millennium Campaign finds that, in absolute terms, many of the world’s poorest countries are making the most overall progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals – the set of promises world leaders made to significantly reduce extreme poverty, illiteracy and disease by 2015. Particularly relevant for G8 countries are the findings which underline the importance of open trade and effective and timely aid in driving this success. For poor countries, political leadership, accountability and adequate budgetary allocations for the Goals are cited as key criteria to drive sustained progress...
*Overseas Development Institute
Satya Capital to invest $200 million in Africa this year
Reuters -- Satya Capital, a London-based private equity fund owned by Sudanese Mo Ibrahim, plans to invest some $200 million in Africa this year, Ibrahim said late on Thursday. Known for making a fortune from the mobile phone business and funding a major prize in support of leadership, Ibrahim said the continent offered high returns on investments. "I would not be investing in Africa if I'm not bullish about Africa," he told Reuters on the sidelines of a media conference. He said the global financial crisis had showed risks to investments abounded in any region of the world and bolstered Africa's position as an investment destination.
Afghan women jailed for 'bad character'
BBC -- Meet Sorarya and you meet "attitude". It has something to do with the way she wears her red tunic and trousers, her short cropped black leather jacket, and the way she chews gum and rolls her eyes. "What are you here for?" I ask as we sit in a makeshift beauty parlour, surrounded by a group of Afghan women in less flamboyant attire. "Should I tell her?" she asks the other women with a mischievous grin. "Bad character," she says after a moment's hesitation. She suppresses a giggle then doubles over with laughter...
Lites
Equatorial Guinea president pledges reforms
Liberia's $4.9 Billion Debt Cleared
Africa 'winning the war on AIDS'
UN to set up agency promoting women's rights
Well done Black Stars!!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
I'm sure you are all familiar with Stephen Covey's bestselling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. First published in 1989, it has sold over 15 million copies and has been translated into over 38 languages. We were toying with the possibility of adding this book to the reading list for this year, but we decided against it. It might feature in programmes to come though, so you might want to keep an eye out if you're a fan.
I've decided to a feature on it today because it's been a while since I've done anything on books. Which reminds me - if you've read anything that you think might be relevant to the Programme and what we're about (leadership, mentoring, development, etc) and would like to share, please let me know. You can have a look at all the books that have featured on the blog under the Books tag.
So, onto The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The title makes the message of the book pretty clear. On Stephen Covey's website, there is a brief breakdown of each habit. I'll share an excerpt of each (clicking on each habit will take you to the corresponding page on Covey's website):
Habit 1: Be proactive
Be Proactive is about taking responsibility for your life. You can't keep blaming everything on your parents or grandparents. Proactive people recognize that they are "response-able." They don't blame genetics, circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. They know they choose their behavior. Reactive people, on the other hand, are often affected by their physical environment. They find external sources to blame for their behavior. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isn't, it affects their attitude and performance, and they blame the weather. All of these external forces act as stimuli that we respond to. Between the stimulus and the response is your greatest power - you have the freedom to choose your response. One of the most important things you choose is what you say. Your language is a good indicator of how you see yourself. A proactive person uses proactive language - I can, I will, I prefer, etc. A reactive person uses reactive language - I can't, I have to, if only. Reactive people believe they are not responsible for what they say and do - they have no choice.
Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind
Habit 2 is based on imagination - the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don't make a conscious effort to visualize who you are and what you want in life, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape you and your life by default. It's about connecting again with your own uniqueness and then defining the personal, moral, and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfill. Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.
Habit 3: Put first things first
Habit 3 is the second creation, the physical creation. This habit is where Habits 1 and 2 come together. It happens day in and day out, moment-by-moment. It deals with many of the questions addressed in the field of time management. But that's not all it's about. Habit 3 is about life management as well - your purpose, values, roles, and priorities. What are "first things?" First things are those things you, personally, find of most worth. If you put first things first, you are organizing and managing time and events according to the personal priorities you established in Habit 2.
I've decided to a feature on it today because it's been a while since I've done anything on books. Which reminds me - if you've read anything that you think might be relevant to the Programme and what we're about (leadership, mentoring, development, etc) and would like to share, please let me know. You can have a look at all the books that have featured on the blog under the Books tag.
So, onto The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The title makes the message of the book pretty clear. On Stephen Covey's website, there is a brief breakdown of each habit. I'll share an excerpt of each (clicking on each habit will take you to the corresponding page on Covey's website):
Habit 1: Be proactive
Be Proactive is about taking responsibility for your life. You can't keep blaming everything on your parents or grandparents. Proactive people recognize that they are "response-able." They don't blame genetics, circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. They know they choose their behavior. Reactive people, on the other hand, are often affected by their physical environment. They find external sources to blame for their behavior. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isn't, it affects their attitude and performance, and they blame the weather. All of these external forces act as stimuli that we respond to. Between the stimulus and the response is your greatest power - you have the freedom to choose your response. One of the most important things you choose is what you say. Your language is a good indicator of how you see yourself. A proactive person uses proactive language - I can, I will, I prefer, etc. A reactive person uses reactive language - I can't, I have to, if only. Reactive people believe they are not responsible for what they say and do - they have no choice.
Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind
Habit 2 is based on imagination - the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don't make a conscious effort to visualize who you are and what you want in life, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape you and your life by default. It's about connecting again with your own uniqueness and then defining the personal, moral, and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfill. Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.
Habit 3: Put first things first
Habit 3 is the second creation, the physical creation. This habit is where Habits 1 and 2 come together. It happens day in and day out, moment-by-moment. It deals with many of the questions addressed in the field of time management. But that's not all it's about. Habit 3 is about life management as well - your purpose, values, roles, and priorities. What are "first things?" First things are those things you, personally, find of most worth. If you put first things first, you are organizing and managing time and events according to the personal priorities you established in Habit 2.
Mini Seminar: The Power of Positive Thinking Pt. 2
On Friday we had our second to last Mini Seminar, The Power of Positive Thinking Part 2. Mr K. B. Nyantekyi Owusu led the Seminar again, opening with a brief run-through of what he had discussed in his previous session. He spoke of the importance of joy, hope, courage... of thoughts that make us feel good. Again he stressed the fact that it's not our circumstances or background that will determine our level of success, but the way we choose to see and think about certain things.He then went to speak on ways to 'toughen up' mentally; on how to train your brain, as it were. It was a very practical talk that I'm sure all who attended benefited from in one way or another. He also spoke on memory, and how you can do simple everyday exercises to improve it. Thanks a lot Mr Nyantekyi for all your support of the Programme.
Our next (and last) Mini Seminar will be held on the 9th of July, when Albert Ankrah will be talking about career development. Hope to see you there!
Well done Black Stars!!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
A message from David Lane
On July 18, Nelson Mandela turns 92. Help us honour him on his birthday and thank him for nearly a century of life-changing work [and insightful leadership].
Add your photo to the giant birthday card that will be personally delivered to Nelson Mandela. You can easily submit a photo using Facebook or click here to upload your own.
When Mandela was born, his father named him Rolihlahla, an Xhosa word affectionately meaning "troublemaker". While the world would later come to know this boy as Nelson—the English name given by his teacher on his first day of school—Mandela has spent a lifetime stirring up an inspiring dose of trouble.
From an early age, Mandela acted boldly for those in need. He battled against apartheid, spending almost 27 years in prison to stand up for what he knew was right. He fought to make sure that every South African was given the honour of a vote, leading the country to its first free and fair election. He turned the tragedy of family death into an opportunity to educate his country about HIV/AIDS. He rallied on behalf of the hungry. He lobbied for equal education. He called for the world to come together and free those trapped in the prison of poverty. He challenged our generation to lead with action, not just words.
He's shown the world what a difference just one troublemaker can make.
Nelson Mandela has devoted his life to serving his community, fighting for his country and speaking out on behalf of the poor. Let's wish him happy birthday and show him our thanks.
Add your photo to the card.
As Nelson Mandela said on the eve of his presidential election, "I stand before you humbled by your courage, with a heart full of love." Now it's our turn to stand before him and do the same.
David Lane,
ONE's President and CEO
Add your photo to the giant birthday card that will be personally delivered to Nelson Mandela. You can easily submit a photo using Facebook or click here to upload your own.
When Mandela was born, his father named him Rolihlahla, an Xhosa word affectionately meaning "troublemaker". While the world would later come to know this boy as Nelson—the English name given by his teacher on his first day of school—Mandela has spent a lifetime stirring up an inspiring dose of trouble.
From an early age, Mandela acted boldly for those in need. He battled against apartheid, spending almost 27 years in prison to stand up for what he knew was right. He fought to make sure that every South African was given the honour of a vote, leading the country to its first free and fair election. He turned the tragedy of family death into an opportunity to educate his country about HIV/AIDS. He rallied on behalf of the hungry. He lobbied for equal education. He called for the world to come together and free those trapped in the prison of poverty. He challenged our generation to lead with action, not just words.
He's shown the world what a difference just one troublemaker can make.
Nelson Mandela has devoted his life to serving his community, fighting for his country and speaking out on behalf of the poor. Let's wish him happy birthday and show him our thanks.
Add your photo to the card.
As Nelson Mandela said on the eve of his presidential election, "I stand before you humbled by your courage, with a heart full of love." Now it's our turn to stand before him and do the same.
David Lane,
ONE's President and CEO
Go Black Stars!!
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