Post #34 Conference t-shirts and opening ceremony (Google Group)

Dear Delegates,

Those of you who have attended conferences in past years will know
that one part of the tradition is to honor the wide participation by
educators from all over Africa and guests from the larger
international community.

This year the conference will open with a short procession from the
university administration to the conference venue in which we hope
delegates from each country will march with your national contingent
and at least a national flag or symbol to represent your country. If
each person tries to bring something, this will add to the symbolism
of educators uniting for universal literacy to which we are all
dedicated.

We will also have conference t-shirts on sale for $10 or 10,000 Tanz
Tsh which you can wear in the opening procession.

It has been shown in research that one of the most powerful influences
on improvement in education is the degree to which leading educators
are connected to each other in our professional organisations and
activities. We are hoping to provide all delegates with just such
opportunities to connect, learn from each other and establish lasting
channels to learn from and work with each other.

Your Organising Committee is dedicated to making these things possible.

Post #28 Important updates for all delegate (from Google Group)

*The Organising Committee is hard at work to provide a wonderful
conference for all delegates. We have almost finished the Programme
and hope to have it out by early next week. Many last minute
improvements have delayed us beyond the July 1 date, but you will soon
have access to the entire schedule.

*As you are making your final plans, please include bringing your
National Flag for the opening ceremony and national dress for the
closing banquet. It is traditional at the Pan African Reading for All
Conference that all participating nations are recognized, so please
bring the symbols of your culture to add to the richness of this
assembly.

*If you or a colleague still need an invitation letter, please contact
Judith as soon as you can at judithbakr@gmail.com.

* If you have not registered, or if you have not signed up for visa
assistance upon arrival, please do so soon. All information can be
accessed at this group and directions can be found on the conference
blog if you are not sure how to access the information. Go to:
http://6thpanafricanrfa.blogspot.com/ The programme will be posted on
the blog also.

*The tours committee has finalised two wonderful day trips for
delegates. The prices are slightly higher than we anticipated, but
include lunch and all expenses. A trip to Bagamoyo, the ancient
capital, will cost 50 USD each and a boat trip and walking tour of
Zanzibar's Stone Town will cost USD150 each. We apologize for the
increases, but we think you will find both trips very worthwhile.
Both trips will be offered on Friday 14 August, and it is possible
that the tour company will also offer Saturday trips.
If you already expressed a preference for the tour, we have your names
on the list. You can sign up for a tour or change your preference at
registration, so you do not need to contact us ahead of time.

Opening Ceremonies - Monday, August 10, 2009

Opening Ceremonies Sponsor: CODE Canada

On Monday 10 August 2009, the Conference will open with welcomes and keynote speeches from major figures in literacy and education policy. A social time will follow the opening. Then you are invited to stay for the presentation of the Burt Award for African Literature. The Burt Award recognizes excellence in young adult fiction from Africa and addresses an ongoing absence of relevant, quality books for young people while simultaneously promoting a love of reading at a critical stage of learning.

As a longtime participant in the Pan African Reading For All Conference and as the founder of The Children's Book Project (the 2009 host organization), CODE Canada is proud to be both an overall sponsor of the Conference as well as sponsor of the Opening Ceremonies and the Bill Burt Award ceremony.