Think Africa Week is a week-long Annual program that seeks to bring to the fore, increased interest in possibilities and opportunities between Finland and Africa countries, whilst creating a more sustainable platform for active and continued engagement for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.
The week consists of a series of connected events aimed at igniting effective interaction, provide possible answers and support, and continued interaction thus birthing solutions and mutual benefit with added value. It is also aimed at recognizing the effort of stakeholders, actors and players who have over the years sustained the active level of interaction, and simultaneously highlighting new trends for cooperation.
Objectives:
- To enhance the sense of community and create opportunities to strengthen collaboration between different stakeholders and interest groups.
- Showcase and celebrate the value, experiences, skills, and life of the African diaspora and their contributions in Finland.
- To promote awareness and exchange of ideas by igniting critical conversation around key issues.
- To make a positive and practical contribution to the development of Finland and African countries.
I enjoyed Think Africa week. It gave me inspiration for my future career and I made valuable connections, opening crucial doors later in my life.” — Auri Evokari, Think Africa Week 2013 attendee
History
The first Think Africa Week was held in 2013. Students with mutual interest towards development and Africa decided to organize a week where actors from different backgrounds, yet with common curiosity towards the continent and its’ people, would blend together, exchange knowledge, experiences and thoughts and, who knows, maybe even build teams and create ideas never seen before.
Another goal was to update people’s images about Africa. The African continent is a lot more diverse than the common media image lets us believe. Therefore, the week wanted to bring some depth and width to people’s’ mindsets about the continent, and show that Africa is far more than just poverty or constant struggle. To us, it is more about creativity, hybridity and unused potential.
About the Organizer: Think Africa
Think Africa is a non-profit and non-governmental organization composed of an extraordinary diverse community of individuals and entities that drive the mission of Think Africa. The organisation strives to make social and economic impact by empowering the African diaspora living in Finland and also building effective collaboration between Finland and African countries. We believe, with the cross-cultural perspective of the diaspora, their skills, talents, and networks, they can build bridges and create new opportunities in both the host and home countries. Read more here -> http://www.thinkafrica.fi