Dr. Ramon Das, lecturer of philosophy, Dr. Robbie Shilam, Lecturer of International Relations, and Hannah Blumhardt from Victoria University are three of the outstanding speakers at the first of series of public talks on the Horn of Africa and sub-Saharan Africa which will take place on Saturday 17 September from 11.30 am -1.30 pm at the Wesley Methodist Church, 75 Taranaki Street.

'This is a part of the world that New Zealanders know little about. News headlines bring stories of pirates, drought, famine and war but seldom bring much context or lend any real understanding to what is going on in the region. I hope that these talks will allow a richer exploration of the issues that affect the area,' said Yilma Tafere Tasew, organiser of the event.

There will be a total of six thought-provoking talks on the Horn of Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa will be taking place at the Methodist Church, 75 Taranaki Street, Wellington from September 2011 - November 2012 (dates and times below). Each session will feature several speakers focusing on issues surrounding the areas of the aid industry, refugees, drought, human rights, literature, culture, current affairs and international relations. All are welcome to attend.

There is currently a call for speakers for the last five sessions. Speakers from both New Zealand and abroad are welcome. Talks should be on issues of significance for the Horn of Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Video lectures from overseas speakers are welcome. All potential speakers should send through a short bio, the topic of their presentation and their date of choice to speak to the e-mail below.

For those providing a video lecture, a pre-posted link to the video should be provided three days before the date of the session at the latest.

All queries and requests to speak should be sent to Yilma Tafere Tasew at <a href="mailto:smileyilma@xtra.co.nz">smileyilma@xtra.co.nz</a>

Date, time and location for all sessions:

Session one- Saturday 17 September 2011, 11.30 am -1.30 pm (all speaking slots filled)

Session two- Saturday 3 December 2011 11.30 am - 1.30 pm.

Session Three- Saturday 24 March 2012 11.30 am - 1.30 pm

Session Four- Saturday 9 June 2012 11.30 am - 1.30 pm

Session Five - Saturday 15 September 2012 11.30 am- 1.30 pm

Session Six - Saturday 24 November 2012 11.30 am- 1.30 pm

(All times are New Zealand time).

All sessions at Methodist Church, 75 Taranaki St., Wellington, New Zealand.