Kono Conference 2016 - London

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the conference going to be about? Kono District, sustainable development, human and indigenous minority rights.

Will your speakers choose their own topic or will you choose for them? We will send prospective speakers a 'call' for papers which lists some suggestions for topics in line with the theme of the conference and what we would like the conference to achieve, we will ask speakers to send us a brief CV a 200 word summary of what they would like to present and list the 3 or 4 main learning points they want the audience to go away thinking about. We will then choose the speakers who best fit the bill.

What is the main purpose of the conference? To bring stakeholders together to highlight the Kono District, descendants and the Kono indigenous minority ethnic group to identify problems affecting them, identfy solutions and produce a SMART plan of action.

What does the conference hope to achieve? Raised awareness of the Kono District, its descendants and the Kono indigenous ethnic minority and issues affecting them. New working partnerships with international organisations, Kono's and descendants of Kono District. A workable action plan for stakeholders around which they can create partnerships and collaboration. Agreed policy, position and solidarity statements on global issues affecting them and affecting communities and minorities in similar situations around the world.

What is KDDAUK all about? Kono DIstrict Development Association UK is a registered UK charity 1160673, and is just one of many Kono Diaspora not-for-profit groups around the world that advocate for the interests of Kono's and the Kono District and implement sustainable development projects. Other not-for-profit non-political Kono organisations include All for Kono (UK), Kono Union (US), Kono's Global Organisation, Kono Progressive Union (US), Kono Development Foundation (US), Kono Students Union (Sierra Leone), and many civil society organisations in Sierra Leone, mainland Europe and other continents. The KDDAUK's objectives cover capacity building of our people and district's civil society and institutions, human rights, education, preservation of our culture and heritage, environmental conservation, promotion of sustainable development, relief of poverty, and campaigning for the above.

I've never heard of Kono except for the Japanese celebrity and the Asian actress, why is that?

Since the formation of the KDDAUK what activities have they embarked on and what development programmes have they implemented in Kono DIstrict? The KDDAUK has existed in various forms and under various names since the 1950's. Starting life as the Kono Students Union, and going on to become Organisation of Kono Unity(OKU), KDDA and KDDAUK. In the early 90's OKU was one of the only Sierra Leonean organisations to send a delegation to the High Commission in Portland Place to make strong verbal and written protests to the government against massacres and torture of innocent villagers by both rebel and government troops. Our most recent activities include language and culture classes, advocacy against arbitrary detentions and killings in Kono, sending hospital supplies, and during the ebola epidemic sending personal protective equipment to all 14 chiefdoms in Kono, organising London protests against BSRG/OCTEA/Koidu diamond mining company against community development tax evasion and against Tiffany & Co one of their biggest customers for Kono's diamonds, promoting partnerships and cooperation between Diaspora groups internationally, and co-organising and hosting the London Kono Conference.

double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.