Over the years I have been able to witness the power of building together through the incredible work that is achieved by the organisers and sponsors of the Deep Learning Indaba. The planning of the conference takes less than one year, with each team working to place a block towards achieving milestones and working together to combine these blocks to build up to a successful annual event. My message to all organisers is as follows: Sometimes when you are building a house, you can get exhausted. However, upon completion, the house is able to provide shelter, comfort and warmth. You are change makers, and each year a history about the work you do is being written for the world to read. The success of Deep Learning Indaba is achieved through our strength of building together. At this particular point of time, as we write this history, I write to you to say a sincere thank you and to let you know that the work you do has continued to change the lives of very many scholars. We are a strong voice: Sauti Yetu.
I would also like to thank our sponsors and speakers for their energy and support which stands as a key foundation or roots to the success of the blossoming tree: the Deep Learning Indaba 2024. A special appreciation to the Deep Learning Indaba’s Executive Board for the provision of an excellent organisational structure, guidance and a simplified approach to building together the community. The organisation is professionally run, with people of different specialities working together to promote admirable values such as transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and a sensitivity to the needs of the community. This is so admirable, and we all look at you as our role models, continue doing the good work.
To the Indaba’s community I know we are at a time, some of you have received confirmations to attend the conference, others are on a waitlist and others rejected. Some were awarded partial scholarships, others full scholarship, others no scholarship. We appreciate your commitment to the community, and we remind you that there are many ways to get involved – starting with your local chapter of the IndabaX. We appreciate you for your tireless effort in submitting quality applications and even though you might not have been accepted to attend the event this year it does not mean you will not make it in the coming years. Never forget that you are a change maker in your field. Continue ensuring your voice is heard by speaking out about the amazing research and engagements in which you are involved. You are a strong voice: Sauti Yako.
As I close this letter, I look forward to the Indaba’s intense programme, I’d like to celebrate the entire community and look towards those who will be joining us in Senegal. Remember, you are our force multipliers. There are so many people who are waiting for you to share the lessons you will learn, the practical and tutorial materials and all the engagements you will be a part of. We are important agents with power to achieve our dreams, our voices will get us there some day, let us keep building together.
Yours in service and support,
-Elizabeth’ Benson, General Chair of the 2024 for the Deep Learning Indaba. July 2024.
