TT at 1st Pan African Conference on Training of Translators- Conference Interpreters- Public Service Interpreters

Tamarind Translations Ltd participated in the UN organized First Pan African Conference on Training of Translators- Conference Interpreters- Public Service Interpreters held on 23-25 February 2009 at the United Nations headquarters Gigiri, Nairobi. The opening statements of the conference were made by Ms. Anna Tibaijuka, Director General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi and Executive Director of UN – Habitat. Hon. Kilemi Mwiria, Assistant Minister for Higher Education spoke on behalf of Hon. Sally Kosgey, Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology of Kenya, lauding the conference organisers for the initiative. The conference held at the United Nations headquarters Nairobi reviewed findings of a study concluded in October 2008 by the Pan-African Project Coordinator Mr. Noel Muylle on the status of translation in Africa. Various experts presented their perspectives on the subject making various recommendations on the proposed creation of adapted training progammes for translators, interpreters and public service liaison officers/interpreters. The latter topic raised an interesting discussion on the role of African languages in public sector, based on the concept of ‘Africanophonie’ that was expounded by Mr. Souleymane Sangare of the African Academy of Sciences (ACALAN), Mali. Other panelists included Conference chair Mr. Rudy Van Dijck, Chief of Division of Conference Services UNON, Olga Cosmidou, Director General Director General of Directorate for Interpretation & Conferences European Parliament, Mr. Hossam Fahr, Chief Interpreter United Nations New York. Tamarind Translations is proud to be associated with this initiative that corresponds to one its missions for the new in Nairobi office: enhancing the standards of translators through training and practical orientation. Managing Director Britt-Marie Seex led the TT team at the conference. Her intervention on the role of professional language agencies in the promotion of standards in the industry were well received by the participants.