On 23 November 2022, Ambassadors, Patrons, Testimonials, Volunteers and Supporters of the Esharelife Foundation from all over the world gathered in London, at the prestigious In & Out Naval Military Club to celebrate another successful year. This year, the 5th Annual Christmas Gala Dinner, celebrated the life and legacy of Father Giussani, the founder of AVSI and the person that influenced the Esharelife Chairman, Dr Maurizio Bragagni OBE to establish a charity foundation dedicated to the education of young people and name it as per Father Giussani’s words ”Life together and shared!”.
Around 150 distinguished guests, from diverse backgrounds, shared their time and support to advance the Esharelife cause: free access to quality education in the most depressed areas. The event has sought the full patronage of the Consulate General of Italy, the Consulate of San Marino, the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Tratos. Among the guests, there were the Ambassadors of Italy and Albania, the Consul General of Italy, several members of the UK Parliament and government and successful entrepreneurs.
To highlight the importance of education, the core theme of this event, the former Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Sir Gavin Williamson MP, was also present.
Ambassador Lambertini of Italy thanked Esharelife for the very warm welcome and mentioned that education is key to achieving the progress of any society. The importance of educating young people and giving back to society was highlighted as well by Ambassador Qirko of Albania and by several guests in their remarks, whereas Mr Paul Maynard MP stated that he sees the continuity of the rich legacy of Father Giussani at Dr Bragagni’s and Esharelife Foundations’ activities.
In his remarks, Chairman Bragagni highlighted the role of Father Giussani in his life, the significance of education and some of the most important achievements of Esharelife during the year. He thanked guests for their continuous support of Esharelife, by being present, donating and sharing their time.
A culmination moment during the Gala dinner was when Mr Antonino Masuri, AVSI Project Manager, presented to the guests an overview of the activities in supporting education and the wellbeing of children in Kenya, as well as to their parents and guardians, adult literacy, access to microcredit schemes, vocational training and hygiene products.
This moment was followed by another important one, when Mr Ali Malik, Director of the Institute for Reform and Research, thanked Dr Bragagni and the Esharelife Foundation for their crucial assistance in setting free 34 young girls from Taleban persecution in Afghanistan. Through the successful cooperation of Esharelife and the Reform and Research Institute, these girls were able to successfully complete the procedures of seeking asylum in the UK.
The benefits to society by expanding access to quality education to young people and as much as possible to the most depressed areas were again reinforced by remarks of Prof George Holmes DL, President & Vice-Chancellor; of the University of Bolton and professors from prestigious academic institutions such as Bayes Business School, and City University.
In his remarks, Lord Rami Ranger, a staunch supporter of Esharelife since its establishment, shared with the guests his personal life experience of coming to the UK as a migrant and highlighted the importance of creating and maintaining an inclusive society.
The Gala Dinner was an incredible success, as thanks to the generosity of Esharelife supporters, there were secured funds to deliver the AVSI projects, tailored to support around 3000 children in 11 schools in Kenya to complete another academic year.
The Esharelife Foundation continues to deliver its mission thanks to its many supporters. Want to share the beauty of your life? Join Esharelife!