A huge privilege of being president of ACCA is to meet our students and members across the world. I have just returned from an intensive programme of events and visits in Mauritius, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya. I saw at first hand not only the dedication and commitment of our students, members and staff in these countries, but also the good that they are doing for their communities.
In each country I was delighted to join in the graduation ceremonies at which certificates were presented to students who qualified in the final ACCA examinations, the CAT qualification or ACCA's Diploma in Financial Management at the December 2007 and June 2008 examination sittings. The dedication of these students, many of whom had to overcome difficult circumstances to achieve their success, their own joy and that of their families and friends are truly inspiring and made me very proud to lead a body which gives people of such ability an opportunity to demonstrate and deploy that talent.
I also met senior representatives of many of our key stakeholders - government, regulators, employers and tuition providers - amongst whom are many ACCA members. It was immensely gratifying to learn of the high regard in which ACCA is held in all these countries and to see individuals having the chance to put ACCA's commitment to professionalism and ethics into practice in positions of real authority.
Wherever I went there are moving and inspiring stories. Here are two examples.
In Mauritius, I shared graduation ceremony duties with ACCA Mauritius president Ashish Ramyead, a senior manager with KPMG. Ashish had the privilege of presenting his own brother with his ACCA affiliate certificate in front of their proud parents and an audience of several hundred. It didn't stop there. Ashish's brother is marrying Ashish's wife's sister - and the wedding has been postponed from November to December to allow Ashish to play his part in the ACCA International Assembly in London next month! What exceptional dedication to ACCA.
I visited the Githurai Primary School in a poor suburb of Nairobi to see the progress of a new classroom being built with funds raised by members of the ACCA Kenya Branch Committee led by Shalini Popat, for children with learning difficulties. From conception to completion, the assignment will take two full years and is a serious long-term commitment. It is a wonderful example of ACCA values in real-life action. I congratulate all our people who are involved in this admirable community project.
Just two examples to lighten our lives in these troubled economic times. There are so many more being played out across the world through the dedication and commitment of ACCA members, students and staff. I salute you all.
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