Building something big with little or no resources is no easy feat. The real work lies in forging new relationships, exploring uncharted territories, and daring to step into the unknown. It is tough, but the journey makes it all worth it. Maktub 👌🏿

Subject: Open Letter to the Australian High Commission Dear @jennydarin @AusHCKenya @SenatorWong @TimWattsMP I am writing this open letter in frustration to express my utter shock over my first-ever visa refusal in the past five years of travel history to 19 countries across 3 continents including attending @UN conferences to engage key stakeholders about the importance of libraries in achieving the @GlobalGoalsUN and attending previous @iflawlic in-person. More about my participation in similar and other conferences can be found here: mainstack.me/damoyedele I am scheduled to attend the @IFLA Information future Summit in Brisbane Australia from 30th September 2024 to 3rd October 2024 where I will be sharing our relentless efforts at @libraryaidafric in leveraging digital technology and citizen engagement approaches to transform libraries into vibrant spaces. I will be presenting an Ignite Speech titled Shaping the Future of African Libraries: Leveraging Digital Technology and Community Engagement Approaches. Due to my active involvement and proven track record of impact within the African and global library ecosystem, the @IFLA Emerging Leaders initiatives, particularly the Emerging International Voices program run in conjunction with the @goetheinstitut (@GI_London1 @GI_Irland @goethejoburg) , and my role on the Trend Report advisory group, I have been invited and fully sponsored by @IFLA to participate in the conference. I am also contributing to the development of materials aimed at maximizing the utility of the IFLA Trend Report 2024 for library and information science students and emerging leaders at the @slqld during the conference. The @ifla ifs 2024.ifla.org/ is also supported by Business Events Australia businessevents.australia.com… , Tourism, Events Queensland teq.queensland.com/au/en/ind… @teqld, Queensland Government @QldGov, State Library of Queensland @slqld among many others. Unfortunately, I received a visa refusal response this morning. Below are key points: -The applicant has not provided sufficient evidence that they genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia. -The applicant has not demonstrated sufficient evidence of any attendance/participation to similar events locally and internationally. -There are also no sufficient ties to their home country and/or current country of residence, which would serve as a strong incentive to return. -I have also noted the circumstances that have motivated them to lodge this application. However, this in itself does not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate a genuine temporary stay in Australia. -After considering the information provided, I am not satisfied that the applicant genuinely intends to stay temporarily in Australia for the purposes set out above. All the documentations submitted and information provided clearly provided justification for temporary stay for participation in the IFLA IFS, attendance in similar events, my ties back home with my work at @libraryaidafric among many others. Hence my utter shock at the reason for the visa refusal. As a young person relentlessly working on innovative programs to transform libraries into vibrant spaces in Africa through @libraryaidafric , with the impact of our work spanning 22 African countries, my participation at the IFLA IFS presents yet another platform to engage, connect, and share with a broader audience. It would be regrettable to be denied this opportunity to showcase the impact of our work and participate in the professional development activities lined up for the IFLA IFS in Brisbane. I will submit another application with more document, and I sincerely hope that this time the reviewer is satisfied that I genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia for the purposes set out above. I am writing this open letter @jennydarin @AusHCKenya @SenatorWong @TimWattsMP for your support on this matter. cc: @coffeemiss @SharonMemis @dswyber Kind Regards.