Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 March 2001 — Page 2

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, MARCH 16,2001

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Christamore House rewards academic excellence

Surrounded by government and corporate leaders and with many of their parents in the audience, 320 outstanding students from Haughville were honored for their commitment to education during a s| >eciat recognition event at Christamore House. The Student Recognition Awards Ceremony celebrates students who have improved their grades or attendance records during a 12-week grading period. Through a partnership with Allison Transmission, more than 20 Allison employee volunteers regularly tutor neighborhood children who participate in Christamore House activities in an effort to improve academic importance. “We can see what happens when children become inspired to be the best they can be,” said Christamore House Executive Director Olgen Williams. Union Planters Bank was among the other businesses which contributed to the event. Union Planters President Steve Schenck was on hand to provide a $50 saving bond to each child who made straight As on their report card. Monica Maxwell of the Indiana Fever gave the keynote address. Other sponsors included: Indianapolis Indians, Indiana Pacers. Thiele Heating. Long’s Bakery and Westin Hotel.

Union Planters President Steve Schenck was on hand to provide a $50 saving bond to each child who made straight As on their report card.

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Ambassador from Malawi seeks cooperation with Indianapolis

By ROBIN YATES Recorder Correspondent Tony Kandiero, Malawi's ambassador to the U.S.. was honored this week at a reception given by the Indianapolis law firm of Barnes and Thornburg. IndianapolisCity-CountyCoun-cilwoman Karen Cclestine Horseman and a lawyer on the staff of Barnes and Thornburg hosted the event along with Shola Ajiboye. president/CEO ofthe African Community International Center and hostof "I mages of Africa" TV program. Ajiboye. himself a recent resident of Indianapolis, welcomed guests by saying. "I want to thank Indianapolis for their welcoming spirit. We (Africans) are ready to ask the city w hat can we do? What can we contribute? We hope to have a strong African community if we unite." Approximately 15.African nationalities are represented in Indianapolis from all corners of Africa. Ajiboye said. "Indianapolis and Malawi are like two distinctive threads — w e are connected in the tapestry of life — Many people have the wrong perception of Africa.” Ambassador Kandiero. w hoearlier in the day had meetings with Gov. Frank O'Bannon and Mayor Bart Peterson, said his job was “to sell Africa, sell Malawi." "I'm glad I made Indianapolis my early stop in trying to sell my country. I am absolutely convinced we can have a model linkage between Africa and the U.S.." the ambassador said. "I go back with very strong impressions of my visit here. I will be back. We are ready to take on full responsibilities as a nation." he said. Other speakers at the event included Gerry Harknessof 100 Black Men and Indianapolis businessman. Toby Malachi. who is just starting a South African Chamber of Commerce and will serve as its first president/director.

Ambassador Kandiero emphasized that as a representative of Malawi he is sensitive to the opportunities that lie in Indiana and Indianapolis for direct investment. "We are extending facilities in Malawi — telecommunications, housing, banking, mining, agriculture. The opportunities for investors from this city and state and for us is strictly a win-win situation for us both," he said. Malawi is similar to Indiana in that it is agriculturally-oriented. "We have so much in common,” said Ambassador Kandiero. "We need agricultural machinery. We hope your industrial manufacturing processes will help us in giving value to our commodities. If we were able to add value to our raw products, we could get more money for our products on the world market." Kandiero also hopes to promote Malawai as a tourist destination. "We have beautiful countryside, beautiful lakes." he emphasized. Kandiero added, “My message to Africans here in Indiana and Indianapolis— participate in this great state and city — don’t be passive." Kandiero sees great potential in Indiana and Indianapolis. “We have a good policy in Malawi, the same as here, for multicultures — I hope Indianapolis will become a model for how trade agreements can be in the U.S. I confirmed that with your mayor here. I think we can combine contributions.” While Malawi has recently evolved from a dictatorship to a multi-party democracy, Kandiero also explained that the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, signed into law May 2000, will benefit Africa and Malawi. “Under this law,” he explained, “your president will convene meetings with all countries in Africa.” “I think my country needs to look at Indianapolis. I want to get as many investors to come to Malawi from here as I can. Two minds think alike,” he said.