HASE 2008 Conference

The conference is going well. There are so many brilliant minds in one room, all meeting to achieve the same goal of making a difference in Africa. To listen to them is certainly a privilege, but to sit at a meal and have a conversation is even better. The exchange of dialogue, the insight of these men-is without a doubt most impressive. Mind mapping...it is a concept that does not appeal to my way of processing information. However, being a part of this process in the background and listening to the way thoughts, perceptions, and ideas are shared is without a doubt helping me grow a truly global perspective of my daily environment-and of Africa.

Members of the panel are from Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria-they have traveled the world. They know the history of their native countries and the countries they have traveled. There is a representative from the Global Fund, Project CURE, WHO, PHDs doing research analysis, members of both domestic and forgein military commands, contractors, everyone hoping to learn how to work together, developing and understanding a process in a crisis.

What I see is it is the development of personal relationships that get things done. Individuals putting aside their egos to support what is needed. This is a lesson we can all benefit from. And, if these men and women and others like them continue to share their thoughts a DIFFERENCE can and WILL be made.

Lena