AIC President, Kim Shukla (centre), presents AIC international awards to Dinah Ceplis (left) and Beny Mwenda (right) at ceremonies in Quebec City , November 2005.

Dinah Ceplis, CSHS member and project coordinator for the CSHS-Ghana Institute of Horticulturists partnership program sponsored through the International Twinning Partnership Program of AIC was awarded the International Recognition Award for her work in Africa .  It was awarded to Ms. Ceplis at the AIC meeting in Quebec City in November 2005.  The following is the citation prepared for the presentation.

The 2005 recipient of the AIC International Recognition Award, Dinah Ceplis , has made a truly outstanding contribution to improving the lives of many of Africa �s rural people and in helping Canadian youth to understand the importance of global citizenship.

Over many years, Dinah has traveled often to East and West Africa to assist in the development and management of two agricultural projects in the International Twinning Partnership Program of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. 

Dinah has worked closely with the Canadian Society of Extension in partnership with the Tanzanian Society of Agricultural Education and Extension in helping to establish micro-enterprises to aid rural youth to lead productive, diversified lives. In addition, she serves as a volunteer coordinator with the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science and the Ghana Institute for Horticulturalists partnership to assist farmers in the poorest part of Ghana to improve food security by producing irrigated vegetables during the dry season.

Through her employer, Assiniboine Community College , Dinah�s first experience with Africa combined her agricultural skills and adult education background in a partnership focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural initiatives with an agricultural college in Tanzania .  Also, Dinah has been involved with the non-governmental organization, the Marquis Project, in Brandon , Manitoba over many years, helping to build global perspectives around international issues including HIV/AIDS, fair trade, and rural community development.  She was awarded the Marquis Project�s Global Citizenship Award in 2002. 

Dinah�s attention to detail, encouragement of her African partners, her sensitivity to their culture and her focused approach to efficient project management reflect her passion for the rights and well being of others.

�One key thing that I have learned from my volunteerism is that women and men the world over want the same things that we want:  local and world peace, a standard of living that provides us with necessities, good health, safe housing, education for our children, opportunities to contribute to our social communities, and a sustaining environment,� said Dinah in her acceptance of the award.

Dinah Ceplis is the first woman to be awarded the AIC International Recognition Award.

Congratulations Dinah!