Tuesday, September 2, 2008

HABAKKUK TRUST LAUNCHES LOCAL LEVEL ADVOCACY PROGRAMME(LLAP) PHASE TWO

HABAKKUK TIMES!


“LLAP is therefore a programme that calls for a change of mindsets as we think development together, beyond our individual differences, conflicts and political affiliations. It is a programme that instills in us a realization that the common community good is indeed the good of all.” The Bulawayo Mayor, His Worship Clr T Moyo.


Habakkuk Trust launched the second phase of its Local Level Advocacy Programme on Friday the 29th of August 2008 at a colorful Cocktail Ceremony held at Bulawayo’s Rainbow Hotel and graced by guest speaker, the Mayor of Bulawayo, His Worship Clr Thaba Moyo.

This launch, aimed at marketing and publicizing the programme to new stakeholders was a great opportunity for building new relationships with various stakeholders as well as strengthening already existing ties. It also strategically serves as a tool that will enable easier access to new LLAP areas. These areas include wards in Gwanda, Nkayi, Tsholotsho, Silobela Zimnyama (Mangwe) and Bulawayo wards.

The Chairman of the Habakkuk Trust Board, Mr Useni Sibanda opened by giving the welcoming remarks. The Mayor, Clr T Moyo also gave his keynote speech in which he underscored the crucial role of civil society and the value of LLAP which he described as a programme that thinks beyond the challenges the country is currently facing. Councilor T Moyo then officially launched the second phase of LLAP which he sealed off with the cutting of the blue and white ribbon, blue and white being the Habakkuk Trust brand colours.

Also present at this function were 21 of the new 29 Councilors, former Councilors, Heads of Council Departments, local pastors and Conveners of Habakkuk Trust’s local community Action Teams. Habakkuk Trust strategic and supporting partners, Heads of Civil Society Organizations, service providers and media houses also graced this momentous occasion during which Habakkuk Trust also launched its brand of Habakkuk Wear and Media products.

The function has been reported on and appeared in The Chronicle, 1 September 2008 as shown in the extract below:


“Bulawayo Mayor, Clr Thaba Moyo, has urged civil society organizations to be non-partisan and work with the Government for the development of communities. Speaking during the launch of the second phase of Habakkuk Trust’s Local Level Advocacy Programme on Friday, Clr Moyo said civil society organizations should work with policy makers and service providers in spearheading development…The first phase of LLAP programme saw 11 wards in Bulawayo and two in Mangwe district being conscientised on the need to engage in resolving their immediate social problems and to actively participate in decisions made for the whole society.”