Edith E. Tarimo (UMWI), reading the historic Tanzania Grandmothers Statement at the Office of the Regional Commissioner in Arusha on March 1, 2018. (Photo credit: Skystudios Africa) — in Arusha, Tanzania.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for SHARING STORIES at d’Esterre Seniors’ Centre, 1801 Beaufort Avenue, Comox.

Elizabeth Sebesta will give an illustrated talk about her recent trip to Africa, visiting Foundation-funded grassroots organizations in Uganda, and the Tanzania Grandmothers Gathering.

Guests will also have the opportunity to date a “mystery book.” Wrapped in brown paper, and offering tantalizing clues to their character, these books will be waiting to go home with a suitable friend. For $10 you can take a chance on discovering a new favorite.

AIDS angels and other crafts will be available for sale.

The theme of the Grandmothers Gathering was Bibi ni Nguzo – Swahili for “grandmothers are pillars,” and grandmothers are indeed the pillars of the continent.

As African grandmothers gain confidence, they want their voices to be heard. As well as providing practical workshops, many run by the grandmothers themselves, the Gathering included the traditional Celebratory March, to the government buildings, where the prepared Tanzanian Statement was proclaimed.

Tickets are $10, and include tea, coffee and homemade goodies. They are available at:

• Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay
• Blue Heron Books in Comox
• Or by telephone from Kate   250 – 339 – 3651

• 6183 Whitaker Road, Courtenay
• Saturday to Monday, May 19, 20 and 21
• We will be selling our crafts at this artisan fair, which takes place in a beautiful park setting at the height of rhododendron season.