Grace Rwanda’s co-founder Elizabeth Johnson will be speaking at a Simon Fraser University conference on diaspora communities and sustainable development on Sept. 20th.

Johnson will be facilitating one of the panels for the inaugural conference, titled, “Diaspora, Sustainability, and Development: Meeting at the Nexus.”

The event is being hosted by SFU‘s Centre for Sustainable Community Development, the Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement, the School of International Studies and the Faculty of Environment’s Development and Sustainability Program.

Among the panel themes are “Diaspora as Agents of Change,” “Diaspora Driven Development,” and “Networks and Loops for Change and Innovation.” For more information visit the conference web site.

The conference is a great opportunity for us to share ideas with experts and academics on harnessing the power of diaspora communities in Canada to create social change and launch sustainable development projects abroad.

If you are interested in the program, which runs Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can register online here.

Summer is in full swing and Grace Rwanda is out in the community socializing.

This weekend, come by and visit Grace Rwanda at the Langley Canada Day celebrations at Willoughby Community Park near the Langley Events Centre.

We’ll be sharing a booth again with the Rotary Club of Langley Sunrise, who have been exceptional supporters of our cause. Stop by and check out our Rwandan crafts, chat with us about what’s new or learn how you can get involved. We’d love to share our experiences with you.

The event promises to be a fun weekend, running from June 28 to July 1. Saturday and Sunday feature sporting events during the day, while Monday features a night market with music and food from around the world, which runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Canada Day, July 1, the festivities — including children’s activities, rides, live entertainment, pony rides, car show and dog show — run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and end with fireworks.

Visit Internationalfestival.ca and Langleycanadada.ca to learn more. Hope to see you there!