Zambezi runs through Derwent!

In the last two years Derwent has seen the slow growth of an African-Caribbean community. So far this has developed in an isolated and fragmented way, so to facilitate this growth, members of the Derwent African-Caribbean community have got together to form the Derwent Zambezi Association.

The group has been supported by Chris Seager from Refugee Action and Stephen Tomlinson, Derwent First Steps Senior Development Worker.

So why did the group want to have Zambezi in their title?

The Chair of the Association, Emilio, explained that the name 'Zambezi' derives from a great African river which flows across geographical and political boundaries, sustaining the lives of millions of people. The river acts as a common bond, which unites all these people.

The Association's vision is to unite the community through social and cultural events. They're committed to working in partnership, with a view to achieving pride and security for all. "This aspiration is a common goal for all of us, no matter what our origins are" said Emilio.

( Anyone interested in finding out more about the Derwent Zambezi Association or wanting information about other voluntary groups in Derwent should contact Stephen Tomlinson or Sharon Fretwell at Derwent First Steps, 16 St Marks Road, Derwent, Derby DE21 4AH or telephone on 01332 378866.

from Network News, Mar/Apr 2004)