Airtel Uganda has partnered with Afrika Mashariki Fest to launch and raise funds in support of programmes of the Afrika Mashariki Fest project.
Aimed at fast tracking regional integration, the partnership was announced at an event at the Mackinon Suites Hotel in Kampala. Afrika Mashariki Fest is an independent, nonpartisan youth platform that voluntarily operates in the five East African Community partner states fronting the youth as the vanguard for the region’s integration through Art, Sports and Civil Society advocacy.
Afrika Mashariki Fest is supported by top sportsmen in East Africa and its ambassadors include; Golola Moses, Stephen Kiprotich, Moses Kipsiro, Wilson Kipsang, Edna Kiplagat, Mary Kitany, Zakiah Mohammed Mrisho and Ezekiel Kemboi. The ambassadors will help in the popularization of the region’s integration process by flying the East African Flag high at all their World, Continental and Regional appearances alongside their respective National flags as a gesture to show youth support and involvement in matters of the region’s integration to the outside world.
There will also be a regional Bi-Lingual (English &Swahili) youth magazine “The Afrika Mashariki Fest Magazine” which will be distributed to communities across the region to enlighten them more on the roadmap towards attainment of the region’s integration and then call for their support and engagement.
Afrika Mashariki Fest plans to distribute the East Africa Community flag to most schools across the region as well as brochures with the EAC anthem and basic integration messages. The goal is to see all schools sing the EAC anthem during their parades and other functions.
Part of the proceeds from this Half-Marathon will go towards supporting Lake Victoria Environmental Conservation Project. Afrika Mashariki Fest plan to conduct Athletics Clinics across the region to train, inspire and support upcoming athletes. They will provide theman opportunity to train in ITEN the home of Champions in Eldoret- Kenya for exposure.
Speaking at the launch, Airtel Marketing Director, Mr. Prasoon Lal said; “At the start of this year, we launched the “Happiness” campaign. What this means is that 2015 will see Airtel Uganda give back to its customers, even more than we have in the past, in several ways. Being part of the Mashariki Fest; an initiative that whose ultimate cause is the unity of East Africa is one of the ways in which the happiness of our customers will be realized.”
“We are delighted to be partners with Africa Mashariki Fest. We shall continue to take part in activities that will promote the East Africa Community integration as we have already started with our cross border call rates,” Lal concluded.
The first half-marathon will be held on Sunday 31stMay, 2015 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. The theme will be: “Healthy Citizens for Regional Integration”.
