This is a report of the talk given by Collins to the AGM of the Olney- Newton Link on April 18 th 2007.
Collins is a Trustee of UKOWLA (UK One World Linking Association). The organaisation was set up in 1984 to support communities involved in linking North and South and now has 300 members. These include communitiy links, churches, schools, diaspora groups and individuals.
Their aim is to improve understanding and cohesion between peoples of differing religions and cultures. Links both large and small can have a great influence on politicians and advocacy is a large part of the work of UKOWLA.
Together with DFID ( Department for International Development) Global Schools Parnership and with VSO support UKOWLA organise country- specific conferences and are actively involved in developing projects such as ''Tools for Linking' to be launched by Desmond Tutu , Making Governments Work for the Poor, and a new UN Gold Star Award for Linking Communities.
BUILD- Building Understanding In Linking and Development.
Collins was also able to offer advice to visitors to their link communities. It is UKOWLA policy to encourage visitors to stay in local houses * and exchange grants are available for schools. Other groups such as the Chamber of Trade should also be encouraged to get involved.
He also advised those visiting in August to contact the British Council Rep in Freetown to organise a visit to the BC.
* Collins later added that it was not always appropriate to do this but it was usually possible to make daytime visits and join in a meal etc