Other Activities
The Angolan Community in London is a non-political organization, but we involve ourselves in human rights activities, such as the international campaign for the clearance of landmines. We also monitor the human rights situation in Angola, which is still afar from peaceful country and which regrettably, appears to be drifting inexorably towards renewed civil conflict. We believe that vigor of the of the international campaign for peace and economic regeneration will be the defining factor in whether full scale hostilities are resumed, with the result that even more Angolans will be displaced or dispersed to foreign countries.
We are very much aware of the health risks both to Angolans and the wider community posed by the HIV/AIDS virus and seek to be active in providing publicity and information about this and other health issues in circulars and pamphlets translated in Angolan languages. We would hope in the future to be able to support a part-time health advisor and counselor dedicated to offering families and individuals affected by the HIV/AIDS virus and other health problems on support and assistance.
We also organise cultural events that occur throughout the year. These provide Angolans with the opportunity of meeting other Angolans in the UK, which we feel is very important as a support mechanism. The events also give other communities in the UK, indigenous and migrant, the chance to meet and interact with Angolans and experience something of the rich culture: music, dance and art that Angolans have to offer.
The Angolan Community in London also issues a bi-monthly newsletter which has information about human rights issues, changes in law in relation to benefits, immigration, education and health; news about political, economic and social developments in Angola, as well as London wide coverage of community, sports, social and cultural events. We find this is an excellent vehicle for informing Angolans and other groups and communities about what is going on in London and indeed what Angolan Community in London is all about. Needless to say we would like to expand Thai aspect of our activities, although it will be very much dependent on support from organisations such as THE TUDOR TRUST.
The activities we have outlined above are wide ranging and, of course we rely very much on the input of volunteers. However, we have an even greater need for full-time administrative support, for the purpose of co-ordinating our present activities and planning expansion. We receive donations and organise as many fund-raising as possible, but unfortunately these can never be sufficient to cover administrative costs and volunteer expenses. We think it appropriate to set out for you our present needs and we would be obliged to receive your comments or if you feel you may be able to assist.