Why Global Alliance for Africa?   

I am attracted to this organization for several key reasons. Over the years I have found that the people and children in East Africa are very willing to grasp opportunities and utilize them to the fullest potential. They also seem to be the most vulnerable to adversarial influences, such as, disease, hunger and tremendous loss. The world’s needs are overwhelming and in this situation, I believe we can make a significant difference in the lives of many in Africa.

Global Alliance for Africa (GAA), www.globalallianceafrica.org , partners with local African NGOs (Non Government Organizations), religious institutions and community-based organizations to design and implement innovative, economic-strengthening programs. The goal is to enable communities and households to provide sustainable care and support for orphans and other vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS.

The organization’s model of development helps households and communities become self reliant and build the capacities to provide orphans and at-risk children with shelter, education, healthcare, food, security, psycho-social supports and legal services.

I invite you to listen to Stephen Lewis, former Special Envoy to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and his presentation at GAA’s most recent gala (http://www.luc.edu/africa/lewis.htm), where he served as the keynote speaker. Mr. Lewis addressed the Millennium Commitment made in 2005, a promise developed countries have made to many African countries that they would fulfill by the year 2015, and how the former is failing on this commitment across all levels to reach any of those 8 commitments made by the G-8 countries.

A second major reason why GAA has captured my energies is they are in the initial stages of developing a hospitality school in Tanzania. The hospitality industry is the number one business in East Africa.

The initial curriculum for the Tanzanian school will provide basic training and development in the areas of housekeeping, operations, bookkeeping and the culinary arts. To assist in this development, key supporters have already made a powerful connection with the Fairmont in Kenya, which desperately needs talent in the back of the house. We are building alliances with Chicago’s Kendall College to assist with the curriculum and have also enlisted the housekeeping expertise of Julie Hellyer, executive director of housekeeping, Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago, to guide us in this discipline and other key areas.

I invite you or your company to consider contributing to this organization and its most important initiatives. There are many ways you can become involved with the Global Alliance for Africa. Visit its website www.globalallianceafrica.org for ideas and information. Remember, legacy depends on leadership and action, and it is a deep privilege to give. Thank you!

Deborah Hall-Kayler
President
Hall & Associates, Ltd.

Passion for Meeting Today's Talent Demand