The theme chosen this year to guide our reflections on our patriotic duty is “A diaspora for development: the Diaspora’s contribution to the development of DR Congo depends on excellent local integration.” We, the Congolese diaspora of Hamilton and Area, have a major role to play in reducing poverty and fostering development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We are an important resource for development. We must therefore be aware of this noble duty; it is no accident that we are all here in this beautiful country, Canada. Let us seize every opportunity to learn and grow. “A strong member for a strong organization” is the framework through which our Board of Directors engages the members of our community to bring the best of themselves to the advancement of our community. The more we build a culture of investing in ourselves and in the community, the better able we will be to take part in the development of our country. Let us see this evening as a place of commitment and exchange for our personal enrichment, and above all as an evening of giving and receiving. Thank you.
