August Update

This month we share updates regarding our participants, conference, appreciations and the CD4D team.

Number of assignments

This month we have welcomed back six participants: one from Afghanistan, one from Sierra Leone, two from Somaliland and two from Ethiopia. Five participants started new assignments, of whom one went to Sierra Leone, one to Ethiopia, one to Somalia and two to Somaliland.

Success Story: William Clarkson

As a CD4D veteran, William Clarkson returned to his motherland of Sierra Leone once again to contribute to the development of its business and entrepreneurship sector. As a business consultant, he can apply his knowledge and skills to various Sierra Leonean institutions. He describes the positive impacts of his efforts and how it drives him to continue helping in his success story.

Success Story: Ismail Awil

Ismail Awil’s wish is to resettle in his native Somaliland, where he is currently working at the Ministry of Interior through a CD4D assignment. Even though he was used to living and working in the Netherlands since he was young, he became used to the Somali way quickly and is eager to improve processes where he can.

Meet The Community: Dawit Tadesse 

Dawit Tadesse gained and practiced his expertise in engineering and agriculture in the Netherlands. After completing his fourth CD4D assignment, he remains motivated to continue build capacity in his homeland of Ethiopia to advance its agricultural sector.

Monitoring Trip to Ethiopia

Zia went to Ethiopia to visit host institutions, participants and colleagues to monitor the progress of the CD4D project. He was glad to hear that the CD4D partners were satisfied with the improved performance of staff and that participants’ knowledge-transfer and professionalism were well-appreciated.

The new Ethiopian government recognizes the immense potential of the Ethiopian diaspora for their nation’s development. To gain insight about the Ethiopian diaspora, IOM was asked to conduct a worldwide diaspora mapping. The  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia showed sincere commitment to continue supporting IOM in the implementation of CD4D.

CD4D Conference: Diaspora in Action

As most speakers have been confirmed and the agenda is finalized, the official invitations will be sent out soon. We put together a series of workshops and panels about migration and development. Topics of discussion range from transnational entrepreneurship, innovative ways of diaspora contributions, fundraising to circular migration opportunities.

Dutch Embassy in Afghanistan Praises IOM’s Efforts with Regard to CD4D

The Dutch Embassy in Afghanistan hosted an event about circular migration and pointed to the CD4D project as an example of facilitating Afghan-Dutch diaspora contributions. With the education and experience they gained in the Netherlands, they were able to complete assignments in various sectors such as medicine, engineering and water management in Afghanistan.