About Kusafiri

Kusafiri World Centre is the product of years of discussion to bring a World Centre experience to the Africa Region. In 2010, at the Africa Regional Conference, it was unanimously agreed that the Africa Committee would explore opportunities to deliver World Centre experiences in the Region.

On July 15th 2011, during the 34th World Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, a motion was passed to create an experimental two-year pilot project that could potentially lead to the creation of a ‘Fifth’ World Centre in the Africa Region. This is the date we celebrate as our birthday.

The project was evaluated, with results and recommendations presented at the 35th World Conference in Hong Kong in 2014. The conference voted unanimously for the following:

The Fifth World Centre Pilot study has demonstrated the value of establishing a presence in Africa to host World Centre international experiences in line with WAGGGS Vision 2020.

Noting the investment that has been made in developing the Fifth World Centre concept and the results within the last triennium and in order to enable WAGGGS to reach more girls and young women, and offer an experience based on the unique and special offerings of this continent it is recommended:

  • That funds be raised externally in order that development work may continue in 2015 to 2017, with a view to having a financially sustainable model in place, which supports WAGGGS’ strategic aims and objectives in relation to WAGGGS’ international experiences, before the start of 2018.
  • That responsibility for on-going evaluation and decision making on emerging options be delegated to the World Board, in consultation with the Africa Region Committee and World Centres Committee.
  • That a further progress report be presented to the 36th World Conference in 2017.
  • That for 2015 to 2017 the World Board, in consultation with Africa Region Committee, consider the possibility of one-off international activities or events in Africa which continue to invest in Member Organization capacity development and capital improvements in MO training centres, subject to funding, resources and partners being identified.

In October 2015, the ‘Fifth’ World Centre was given its new name, Kusafiri World Centre. Kusafiri means ‘to journey’ in Swahili.

What's happened so far?

Ghana, 2012

The event in Ghana took place from 21-27 July 2012, and focused on Fund Development and Leadership Development. The event was attended by 19 participants from seven African Member Organisations as well as South Sudan, who is currently working towards full membership.

South Africa, 2012

The event in South Africa took place from 7-14 October 2012, and focused on Fund Development and Leadership Development. Eighteen out of the 21 participants were from African countries.

Rwanda, 2013

From 6 to 11 May 2013 a 'Stop the Violence campaign' training event took place in Kigali.

Kenya, 2013

From 21 October to 17 November 2013, eight participants from Senegal, USA, Kenya, UK, Rwanda, Lebanon and Nigeria participated in the Community Action Experience in Shanzu Transitional Centre in Mombassa, Kenya!

Nigeria, 2014

In April 2014, a WLDP event was conducted with girls from various countries in the Africa Region. The event was themed 'DELTA' and focused on developing entrepreneurial leaders for the Region.

South Africa, 2015

In May 2015, 26 participants from 14 countries ‘Prepared to Learn, Prepared to Lead’!

Benin, 2015

From 20-25 July 2015, 29 participant from 14 French speaking countries came together for the 'Prepared to Learn, Prepared to Lead' event.
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Ghana, 2016

From 30 May to 5 June 2016, 65 participants from 55 countries came together for the Juliette Low Seminar. The event was themed 'Transforming our World' and focused on transformation of self, community and the world.
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Madagascar, 2017

From 11th to the 17th of April 2017 From 11-17 April 2017, Kusafiri World Centre hosted Arts4Change, Kusafiri in Madagascar, in partnership with the Skotisma Zazavavy Malagasy. 69 participants from 13 countries representing 4 WAGGGS Regions participated in the event. The 8 member Planning Team represented 3 WAGGGS Regions from 5 countries.
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Uganda, 2018

From December 5th to the 11th 2018, Kusafiri moved to Uganda to host a new experience; two programmes at the same time. Kusafiri hosted a leadership programme to prepare facilitators for the 2019 Juliette Low Seminar and a cultural programme to explore the heritage and diversity of Uganda. 147 participants attended from 42 countries and for the first time 5 Kusafiri Volunteers were part of delivering this experience.
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Tanzania, 2019

From the 14th to the 20th of November 2019 Kusafiri was in Tanzania as part of the JLS held in 18 locations around the world at the same time. This peak leaderships experience was attended by 32 participants from 18 countries. They were supported by an international facilitation team of 6 from 6 countries and by the Tanzania Girl Guides.
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Kusafiri, 2023

Our next Kusafiri is planned for 2023 – date and host country to be confirmed. Until then, stay connected through our virtual programmes run by our outstanding volunteer team on social media!
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Support Us

There are two ways that you can support Kusafiri. You can become a Friend of Kusafiri WAGGGS or you can send us a standalone donation. Both will help more girls and young women enjoy the Kusafiri experience.

Be a friend
Donate to Kusafiri

Support Us

There are two ways that you can support Kusafiri. You can become a Friend of Kusafiri WAGGGS or you can send us a standalone donation. Both will help more girls and young women enjoy the Kusafiri experience.

Be a Friend
Donate to Kusafiri

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