Scholarship honours tireless champion for African children
YouTube video of Ms. Obonde's speech at http://youtu.be/LWpu0pr76zA

 

ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia – Classmates and friends of the late Katherine (Katie) Fleming, StFX’85, honored her legacy by presenting a scholarship in her name to Pamela Obonde of Kenya, in a ceremony at Coady International Institute's Dennis Hall. The annual award, now in its 13th year, recognizes an African woman in the Coady Institute’s 19-week Diploma in Development Leadership program who exemplifies commitment to social justice for women and children.

 

“I am deeply humbled that our work is Kenya is valued and appreciated here in Nova Scotia,” says Obonde. “These are the very same women and children that Katherine Fleming worked so hard for. We will honor her dedication by continuing to uplift their lives.”

 

Obonde is program co-ordinator with the Angolo Community Development Centre, which empowers women, children and youth by working with families, schools and community groups.

 

“For example, we provide leadership and entrepreneurial training for marginalized and disadvantaged indigenous women,” she adds. “When they control their own resources, they can then negotiate decisions that affect their lives and those of their own daughters.”

 

“Pamela Obonde is a wonderful example of what so many of our alumni and current participants do every day in countries around the world,” says Dr. John Gaventa, director of Coady Institute and VP of International Development at StFX. “We, along with the Fleming family, and Katie Fleming’s many friends, are thrilled to acknowledge her grassroots leadership and the positive change she has inspired in many communities.”

 

About Coady International Institute

Through its unique, community-based approach, Coady International Institute equips citizen leaders to address contemporary global challenges and opportunities. Since 1959, more than 6,000 Coady graduates and partners have worked in 130 countries to build a fair, prosperous and secure world - one community at a time.

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Media contact: 

 

Richard Perry,

Media and Communications Officer,

Coady International Institute,

 

Tel: +1 (902) 867-4933    

Mobile: +1 (902) 870-9662

Email: rperry@stfx.ca

Skype: richardstfx