First of all, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who was involved in an event that was held on August 22 2015 commemorating the official registration of Diamonds for Peace as an NPO in Yokohama, Japan. Thanks to all the participants, supporters, musicians, and staff members, all of whom helped us make a successful fresh start.
A total of 46 people, including 8 children, participated in the event. Donations given by the attendees amounted to 171,712 JPY with event expenses being 142,828 JPY. The remaining portion of 28,884 JPY and foreign currency donated as “MOTTAINAI” donation (57 USD, 898 CNY, and 7 BRL) will be used for DFP’s activities effectively.
During her session, Ms. Murakami, Director General of DFP, introduced the organization and ongoing activities including the online petition addressed to the Angolan president to cancel the verdict of the Angolan journalist who revealed corruption, torture and killings in the diamond industry.
Ms. Hanae Aida, DFP’s board member, reported on the progress of one of our projects, which has been implemented as an emergency assistance for the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Liberia since last year, with appreciation messages from the school principals which DFP provided sanitary materials for.
After that, the feature event “No Drum, No Life! The encounter of beats of traditional drums from Japan and Africa” fascinated the audience. The musicians were Japanese drummer Ichitaro and Ivorian percussionist Oswald Kouame. Both of them are active worldwide. Although it was their first meeting, the collaborative session was a great success. The applause showed no sign of abating for some time after the session.
What is more, we enjoyed a yummy West African dish! Emile from Burkina Faso prepared and served stew made with okras and meat. The taste was beyond our expectations!
At the end of the event participants who drew winning numbers got small gifts from Africa or other countries.
We intend to expend every effort towards a world in which diamonds are mined, cut and processed with humanitarian and environmental considerations through advocacy as well as implementation of a self-reliance support project for artisanal diamond workers in Liberia. We hope many people become aware of our activities regardless of age, gender, or nationality.
