Report on Our 11 September, 1998 African Proverbs Workshop

Nineteen people participated in the African Proverbs Workshop and Discussion at the Urban Ministries Support Group (UMSG) Office in Nairobi, Kenya on 11 September. We came from the following countries of origin or countries of ministry: Chad; Democratic Republic of the Congo; India; Italy; Kenya; Madagascar; Mexico; Tanzania; Uganda; and USA. A summary is as follows:

1. We noticed the wide range of backgrounds and interests in the group. Only four people are actually subscribed to our E Mail Discussion List. Most do not have access to our Internet Web Site: African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories. Everyone is interested in using various types of African Oral Literature in their ministry: research, writing, teaching, academic studies, preaching, etc.
2. It was reported that our E Mail Discussion List has 16 subscribers to date and that our Web Site has had 392 hits since the counter was installed on 4 August, 1998.
3. Dr. Gerald Wanjohi distributed a copy of the September, 1998 “African Proverb of the Month” — a Gikuyu (Kenya) proverb. During the first four months of the Web Site we have used proverbs from four African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Proverbs from other countries are welcomed.
4. Father Joe Healey, M.M. distributed a simple, user friendly handout (text on both sides of a single sheet) in Swahili that uses two African proverbs/sayings on the importance of cooperation, teamwork and unity. The handout can be used in Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and various small groups to stimulate interest in inculturation in evangelization.
5. Two computer specialists in Nairobi volunteered to help to prepare material in the HTML format, design and codes to put on our Web Site.
6. The first issue in 1999 of the quarterly “Wajibu: A Journal of Social and Religious Concern” will contain articles on “African Proverbs and Sayings.” Articles should be sent to the publisher, Dr. Gerald Wanjohi.
7. It was recommended to produce a small newsletter on African Proverbs to share information and stimulate more interest. Concrete suggestions should be sent to Charles Nandain newsletter@afriprov.org

Rev. Joseph G. Healey, M.M. Moderator — African Proverbs. Sayings and Stories Web Site

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