MOUNT SION, WATERFORD, IRELAND

Africa Day Press Release

25th May each year is the Official day to celebrate African Union; on this day Africans worldwide gather together to celebrate their history, uniqueness, heritage, culture and diversity. Throughout Ireland, a programme of awareness raising and educational events took place between 15th and 25th of May

In Waterford, the one day Africa Day Event hosted by the Integration and Support Unit for New Communities based in the Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre, Mount Sion Barrack Street, was a huge success. Africans living in Waterford came out in crowd on Tuesday 25th May 2010 to support this event and proudly showcase their rich cultural heritage through Fashion, Music, Dance, Drama, Storytelling, Drumming, Food and lots more.

It was a very joyous, colourful and entertaining event, all Africans present represented their country and region wearing their National dress, Food and Artefacts displays. The turnout and support we received from the local Waterford Community and other Nationalities was amazing. On the side were workshops on
 Hair braiding
 Storytelling and wild life face painting for Kids,
 Scarf tying
 Henna tattoo
And of course the items that went on stage raised a huge buzz especially the Fashion Show, children, adults, men and women all took part and the audience loved it.

The Director of ISU, Br Kevin Mascarenhas gave a brief speech on the day, also Beverly Elechukwu; staff of ISU presented a speech about the history of the Africa Day Event. African leaders came together on 25th May 1963 and successfully established the Organisation of African Unity, ever since Africans worldwide gather together annually to commemorate this day. In her speech, she acknowledged cultural diversities in all African countries, but in occasions like the African day event, Africans come together to celebrate their Unity.

In her speech, Beverly acknowledged the immense work Irish Aid is doing in Africa. Ireland have had long history with Africa over the years and has been working on specific development goals such as eradication of poverty, promoting gender equality, reducing child’s mortality rate etc.

The hosting organisation ISU since 2006 has been supporting New Communities (Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Other Migrants) living in Waterford to enhance their lives and become contributing members of the Society through Educational Programmes, Integration Programmes and Information Services. The Africa Day Event is one of the many cultural events in our calendar year which aims at promoting Integration.

The ISU are very grateful to Irish Aid (Government overseas development programme) for supporting this event across Ireland. Our gratitude goes to all individuals and organisations that supported and contributed to the success of the Africa Day Event. It is really an eye opener to Africans, Irish and other Nationalities who had the privilege to attend the event.