African missions in India come together to help disadvantaged

New Delhi, June 15 (ANI): The African Diplomatic community here came together on Monday to help Indian charity organisations run community facilities for the physically challenged and underprivileged children more effectively.

The Egyptian and Zimbabwean Governments, on behalf of the Africa Diplomatic Group-II, announced charity-related donations for various Indian NGOs'.

Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Hogazy said: "The initiative, on the part of the African diplomatic community, is a reflection of existing bond between India and Africa and how the Group-II has worked to strengthen Indo-African ties."

"Group-II is supported by deputies to Ambassadors, who have taken the initiative to come with an social event every year in order to raise funds for charity," said Jonathan Wutawunashe, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to India.

This year's beneficiaries are the Inspiration Centre, which works for physically challenged children, the Handicapped Children's Rehabilitation Association, which caters to people suffering from heart anomalies and other life threatening diseases, and the Shujai Educational and Memorial Society, which provides short term computer training to underprivileged children.

Each of the three NGO's received Rs. one lakh each from the Africa Diplomatic Group -II, which was raised by diplomatic missions during 'Africa Nite' gala dinner dance.

"The Africa Diplomatic Group -II is doing a good job by extending monetary help to Indian NGO's. We are working towards betterment of physically challenged kids and provide free health care to the needy," said Manju Bagga of the Handicapped Children's Rehabilitation Association.

Ritu Sukhija, general secretary of Inspiration Centre, said her charity works in close association with this group.

The event was a follow up on the group's annual event 'Africa Nite' to raise funds for charity held in November 2008, organised by the Africa Diplomatic Group-II in association with the Indian business community. Through this event, the African diplomatic community works together to overcome challenges faced by disadvantaged people.

The 'Africa Nite' event held on November 8, 2008, was based on the theme "Celebrating the new India-Africa partnership" and showcased the rich Indo-Africa cultural heritage.

Africa Diplomatic Group-II is composed of the African Missions in New Delhi. Diplomats from member countries Botswana, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe are a part of it. By Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)