On 30 November the meeting began with the  partners working with DMOS-COMIDE in Africa,  with 37 participants from all over Africa, Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and lay collaborators who work closely with the Salesians, French speakers being the majority : Among those present at the meeting which will end on Friday, are  Francoise Leonard, Executive Chairperson  of DMOS-COMIDE, and the other office holders Eric Joris, Marc Van Laere and Gery Janssens, and Miss Milly Grillone from the Don Bosco Network.

The event began with an introduction by Francoise Leonard from Brussels Belgium, followed by an introduction of each member to the assembly which helped the assembly to get to know one another and for the organizers to come to know the expectations of the participants from this  meeting.

Miss Leonard explained the objective of the meeting, the quality of partnership with the development offices COMIDE helped to set up in the provinces, the future of relationship with partner organizations and how COMIDE intend to continue its cooperation with the partners. After this presentation, questions and discussions were welcomed from the participants.

In the afternoon Eric Joris  spoke about the Development Officer’s role and position. This was followed by group discussion.

Yesterday 1 December,  there was further consideration of the role and position of the Development Officer.

The main objective of the meeting is to evaluate the work of the last 15 years with development offices in Africa in order to further orient the collaboration in the future and to improve the quality of partnership and development of the Salesian projects in Africa. 

The common expectation raised by the participants was the desire to get to know the working of COMIDE, net working with other provinces and individuals, sharing of knowledge and finally bringing all these to enhance development to the people they are working for.

Published 02/12/2010