Galwegians have the chance to celebrate Africa Day with a host of music, arts and entertainment, food, and cultural activities on May 28.
Africa Day in Galway city has grown from strength to strength since it was first introduced, and this year's programme will be the largest nationwide. It will also see a return to in-person events for the first time since 2019 supported supported by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Galway City Council.
Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, says reland has been enriched in so many ways by the presence of a vibrant African community.
"Ireland’s arts, culture, business, community development, sport and so much more have been strengthened by people of African origin or descent. Africa Day is about recognising that contribution and celebrating the culture and potential of the continent as a whole.
“After two years of online events, this year will see the welcome return of in-person events nationwide. Irish Aid’s partnership with local authorities will bring the fun of Africa Day to communities around the country. I am delighted that Africa Day 2022 is set to be our biggest-ever Africa Day celebration.”
Galway City Council is supporting a number of local community groups with their plans to mark Africa Day this year.
African United Galway (AUG ) are celebrating at Salthill Park, Galway on May 28 from 2pm to 6pm with an electric show of culture through music, arts and entertainment, food and cultural fusion, reinforcing the strong collaboration of all the African organisations in Galway to create a symphony of unity and cohesion.
SOS Congolese Youth/Galway, African United Galway, Galway African Diaspora, Shining Light, African United Galway and GoCom Radio (broadcasting live ) have worked to create a festival that will surely showcase Galway as a city of culture and a city of the tribes.
A number of primary schools are taking part in the ‘Show Racism the Red Card programme’, organised by the FAI Development Officer. This programme is aimed at fifth/sixth class pupils which incorporates class based videos to promote inclusion. Each school will also research African history in advance as a class project to form part of the programme.
AMDALAH Africa Foundation is holding a summit and talent show, focusing on innovation, inclusion, youth empowerment for developmental transformation of disadvantaged youth with an educational component showcasing the beauty of Africa through a presentation called – The Africa No One Told You About. The summit will offer a dynamic platform to young people to engage in critical and interactive dialogues in the form of discussion and career building sessions, project presentation, debate and networking through fun activities and games.
Shining Light is arranging a friendly soccer match with the local community Gardaí in Galway on May 23 at Knocknacarra FC sports grounds. It is also involved in planning and organising the main Africa Day event on May 28 at Salthill and a youth Africa Day celebration to be held at Ballybane library on May 25.
