Eddie Mwanzia is an inspiring Kenyan leader in the area of community development.  He is the current Executive Director of UONGOZI – Center for NGO Studies, Leadership, and Management.  UONGOZI is a grassroots non-profit organization operating in Kibwezi, Kenya.  The organization strives to empower communities through knowledge, experience, capacity and partnership building.  They are currently addressing many issues, including those of food security, HIV/AIDS, education, and environmental sustainability.  Mr. Mwanzia is a decisive and knowledgeable leader, as well as an experienced and eloquent presenter with 13 years of first hand rural development experience.  He has worked on many community based development projects, particularly relating to HIV/AIDS, sustainable agriculture, disability, and the environment.
 
During his lecture, Mr. Mwanzia will discuss the vision, mission and goals of UONGOZI while exploring the development patterns and approaches utilized in Africa over the decades.  He will also speak about how resource mobilization and stewardship play into current efforts to increase food security and sustainability, as well as improve access to education and healthcare.  He will tie in the importance of partnership building in an age where we can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the plight of the “other.”