Summer camp marks 19th year with party and talent show

THE Integration of African Children in Ireland’s (IACI) social inclusion summer camp was capped off with a lively party and talent show in the Jobstown Community Centre.

On Friday, July 14, the children who participated in the two-week camp gathered to show off their varied talents with the support of the camp’s volunteers, and to mark another successful year.

Over 50 people participated in the event, and awards for talent show winners and certificates of completion were given to the children by Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Alan Edge.

The camp has been running since 2004 and was established by Yemi Ojo with her husband Elder Tius Ojo, who live in Jobstown and raised their three children in the area.

“The IACI-Social Inclusion Summer Camp continues to make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families,” explained Ms Ojo.

“It is a camp where children from diverse backgrounds are welcome to learn new skills, make new friends and have lots of fun.”

The aim of the social inclusion summer camp is to offer an affordable alternative to mainstream summer camps for children across the community, and to promote social inclusion in the area.

Activities at this year’s camp included arts and crafts, dancing, sports, smoothie making, and a visit to Caragh Open Farm in Kildare.

Speaking about the end-of-camp talent show and party this year, Ms Ojo told The Echo: “The highlight of the 19th Annual Social Inclusion Summer Camp was the SDCC Mayor Alan Edge, who was our special guest and came to present certificates of participation and awards to the winners of the talent show.

“As the founder and the coordinator of this social inclusion summer camp, every year is unique and it’s as exciting as the first year.

“Seeing the children happy and excited to participate in the camp gives me a sense of joy and fulfilment.

“The positive feedback from participants and parents is overwhelming and I’m humbled.”

The camp has become a summer highlight for children and parents in the area and continues to go from strength to strength every year.

Ms Ojo added that she wanted to thank the people who helped to make the summer inclusion camp such a success this year.

“Attitude of gratitude goes to God,” she said, “Tusla’s PPFS-Team, Tallaght West Credit Union, Robbie and his team at the Jobstown Community Centre, South Dublin Community Dept, Citywise Education Centre, the gardai, the amazing helpers and volunteers, the very supportive parents and participants, and The Echo for the annual coverage.”

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