Background history
The initiative to form African Civil Society evolved out of the need to bring people of African origin under one umbrella to enhance the ability of Africans to face up to the integration challenges in Finland.
ACSFinland was officially founded in 2005 by the African community living in the greater Helsinki area to contribute to the cultural heritage and the integration of people of African descent into Finnish traditional society.
The organization is non-governmental, non- profit making, non-political and does not subscribe itself to any particular religious affiliation.
The African Civil Society Finland (ACSF) is a non-profit making organization. It's
main work is the promotion of the interests of
Africans living in Finland. The activities are be coordinated
through networks all over the country and abroad.
Also dubbed the Africa Centre in Finland, ACSF will
seek to unite all Africans living in Finland inorder
to make their stay in the country more productive and
more pleasant.
'Africa One' is the spirit that powers the work
of ACSF in Finland and abroad.
Vision
To contribute to the inter-cultural aspirations of the Finnish society that is totally free of regional or continental segregation.
Values
Equality and respect for humanity.
Realizing the Vision
Creating and promoting social-economic awareness and knowledge of Africa through inter cultural dialogue.
ACSF seeks to liaise with both local and national communities in order to bridge the cultural communication gap between immigrants of African decent and the world at large.
The organization also actively promotse and participates in development activities in Africa.
ACSF is expected to act a key resource centre on African issues and in the process increase the awareness level among the Finnish society about Africa.
Various institutions and agencies including; children organizations, schools, libraries, the media, communities and businesses to mention a few will be encouraged to use these resources.
The spirit behind setting up of this organization is:
- Firstly, to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding among Africans living in Finland and the Finnish society.
- Secondly, to create an environment of mutual respect for all.
- Thirdly, fostering of a friendly multicultural atmosphere that enhances positive integration of Africans into Finnish society in a way that will enable both the Finnish society and other institutions tap into the skills that the Africans have to offer.
Thus, the development of co-operative engagements should be seen to be mutually beneficial to all parties.
We especially encourage active participation of all African women and their children irrespective of their religious backgrounds to take key roles in our various programmes and activities.
ACSF has been organising an annual event called Africa Voices Day since its inception in 2005. The first African Voices Days from the 21st to the 22nd of October, 2005 took place in Caisa - Helsinki.
The October Days are among some activities that ACSF has been undertaking to create positive dialogue and actions that will pave the way for members of the African community to be actively involved in Finland.
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