Working with Diaspora organisations and individuals
The role of Scotland-Zambia Association
Eunice Sinyemu
Chair of Scotland-Zambia Association (SCOZAA) since 2008
Work for HIV Scotland
Co-ordinate two forums
the African and minority Ethnic network on HIV
African country Associations Health Forum on Health and HI
Work on health policy- reviewing policy papers
Network with local, national and international agencies and
fora on HIV and sexual Health
Engage with media targeting BME communities in Scotland providing contributions to journals, newspaper articles and
news .
Scotland-Zambia Association (SCOZAA)
An association of Zambians and friends of Zambia, living,
studying, working in Scotland and beyond
Formed in 2004- following Zambia’s 40th Independence
Constituted association
Has 9 committee members
Objectives
To initiate, build and sustain unity within the Zambian community
in Scotland;
To promote Scottish-Zambian cultural exchanges.
Contribute and support Scottish organisations promote
sustainable development in Zambia
Work with other African communities in Scotland;
Build and re-ignite the historical links and relationships between
Scotland and Zambia.
Fund raise for sustainability of the Association, when necessary
donate to identified charities in Zambia-Lovechild charity for
children with cerebral palsy
Hold social events to minimise isolation
Partnership working
Lothian-Africa health links
Background
Formed in 2004- part of NHS Lothian’s commitment to international
health,
Partnership between Lothian and the Central Board of Health Zambia.
Focus was to support the delivery of Antiretroviral therapy within
Zambia.
Included community
Partnership Objectives:
• Support health improvement and service development in Zambia on
HIV/AIDS prevention and care
• To facilitate the capacity of local organisations within Lothian HNS
Partnership working: cont.
SCOZAA’s role
Representation on the Steering group
Reference group
Chaired the grant funding application from the Scottish
government
Through LAHL, SCOZAA has representation on
Church of Scotland
Waverley Care
Impact AIDS
Also strong links with
LIWOMADI-Women’s project in Zambia- (funding from
Scottish Government)
Partnership working cont
Penicuick for Africa
Founded in 2005 PfA, is a small Scottish charity,
aims to make poverty history in specific African communities
supports projects in South Africa, Kenya and Zambia.
Chitambo Hospital, Zambia is main project,
Sent medical equipment and ambulance to the hospital
Visits have been made to mark the centenary of Chitambo
Request from local community Chiefs and the Serenje
District Health Management Team (SDHMT) to re-open the
hospital's midwifery school- closed in 1992 through lack of
funding.
Request line with current Zambian health policy to scale up
midwifery training in rural areas.
Penicuik for Africa
SCOZAA’s role
Reference group
Advice on various issues
Assist with funding raising
Planning for future feasibility study- for re-opening of midwifery school
in Chitambo
Contributed to the discussion on grant application in which the abstract
to be presented at the e-learning conference in Zambia is part of.
Other partners
Mthuzi and Lilanda Initiative (MALI)
MALI co-ordinated by a Scottish journalist living in Argyll
Started after visit to Zambia with Christian Aid to attend a major
HIV/AIDS conference.
Supports the education of youngsters orphaned by HIV and AIDS in
the parish of Lilanda, one of Lusaka’s poorest
SCOZAA made links in 2008
Again SCOZAA has been the reference group in a number of activities
Currently liaising with other groups to facilitate an exchange visit
during the Edinburgh Fringe festival
SCOZAA also has also worked with with
The Scottish Borders Africa Aids Groups supporting St Francis Hosp.
in Katete
South Leith Parrish Church- supporting Chipembi Secondary School
Johnson and Johnson-school links
The Zambian side
Zambian partners include
Isubilo Community Resource programme, Ndola
St Francis Katete Hospital, Eastern Provence,
Liwomadi Women’s HIV/AIDS group, Livingstone
Hosted visitors including H.E KK
The Former high Commissioner
Students
Benefits of partnership working with Diaspora
Mutual learning
Utilisation of skills and expertise of Zambians in the Diaspora
Zambians in the Diaspora are stakeholders and therefore
have vested interests and
Common goals and shared ownership
They are well placed not only to support but to make a
practical contribution eg. in fund-raising
Knowledge of culture and needs of the Zambian
communities- local and in Zambia.
Creating and promoting opportunities for Zambian nationals
in Diaspora to contribute towards the development of
Zambia
Challenges
Relatively new community in Scotland
Mobile- students, working
Organisations not very visible