Community celebrates Africa Day to raise culture awareness

A SERIES of vibrant events were recently held in venues around Tallaght to mark Africa Day, which occurred last month.

On Friday, May 24, the events kicked off with a celebration amongst Tusla staff in Chamber House in Tallaght.

The event was organised by Chamber House staff Yemi Ojo, Ruth Omoreige, Evelyn Oboh and Martina Eghime, and Cllr Louise Dunne was in attendance to deputise for Mayor Alan Edge.

Ms Ojo added that the event “continues to be well received by staff and senior management including, Diarmaid Murphy, a fostering principal social worker.

“Diarmaid wore a Uganda jersey and has always been supportive of the Africa Day celebration at Chamber House since its inception three years ago.”

Louise Owen, a Tusla social worker in Chamber House, said: “We absolutely love Africa Day as it is not just a celebration and awareness of African culture.

“It really encompasses the African community spirit that is so prevalent in African culture, by bringing everyone together to celebrate with lovely food and Afro beats.

“I look forward to Africa Day every year, as does everyone in the Department, and we are all grateful to Yemi for her hard work in planning, organising and bringing us all together to celebrate African culture.”

The morning included a music presentation by iUS Pius, and a ‘My African Heritage’ talk by Hope Omoreige, while food was provided by Jo on the Go.

“The Annual Africa Day celebration aims includes celebrating Africa heritage, promoting cultural awareness and integration,” said Ms Ojo.

The celebrations continued later that day with an event in Rua Red featuring a showcasing of an African short film written, produced and directed by iUS Pius Ojo.

Continuing with the arts theme of the event, a poem was read by Foluke, and storytelling was provided by the Yoruba Language School Ireland.

The grand finale of the celebrations occurred in Tallaght Library on Saturday, May 25, which was launched by Naomi Kewa, the Head of Consular-Embassy of Nigeria in Dublin.

The activities at the event included live music by iUS Pius, an African arts and sculptures exhibition, Africa Day market stalls, and a presentation by the Botswana group from the Citywest Direct Provision Centre.

The atmosphere was friendly,” said Ms Ojo. “There was a feeling of celebration.

“It was happy and peaceful, and [there was] community togetherness especially since it happened in a community space.”