Host of events for Africa Day in Moate
A host of events with an African theme are planned in Moate this weekend to celebrate Africa Day, including a screening of a thought-provoking film 'Aisha' in Tuar Ard Arts Centre this Friday, May 24.
The weekend of activities in honour of Africa Day gets underway on Friday with a lunchtime African presentation in Moate Library, which is also the location for a very special art exhibition, 'Faces of Africa' which will be ongoing throughout the weekend.
As well as the screening of 'Aisha' at 8pm on Friday night in Tuar Ard Theatre it will also be the location for an event called 'Africa Patterns' by Art Box Studio from 6.30pm to 8pm on Friday.
Aisha is a 'must see’ film or everyone and plays an important role to raise awareness and to educate anyone who may not understand the issues and challenges at sake.
The film follows the life of Aisha, a young Nigerian, who fled Nigeria after members of her family were killed. Ending up in Ireland, she is placed in the direct provision system while seeking asylum.
The film shows how she is caught in limbo for years in Ireland’s immigration system. She tries her best to eke out a living, but is frustrated by the unstable nature of her accommodation situation. In one centre, she befriends local security guard Conor. But as the two grow closer, Aisha struggles with the increasing precariousness of her life in Ireland.
The film is a probing look at the failures of Ireland’s direct provision system, drawing on the real-world experiences of asylum seekers, though a very human lens.
Angry and compassionate in equal measure, Aisha features two exceptional lead performances from Letitia Wright (Black Panther) playing Aisha and Josh O’Connor (God’s Own Country) who plays Conor.
This is a very difficult story, powerfully told. The organisers of Africa Day in Moate say it is “the lived experience of many of our friends living in Direct Provision today.”
A Children's African Art Workshop will be hosted by Art Box Studio in Tuar Ard on Saturday, May 25, from 2.30pm to 4pm. This workshop is suitable for children aged six years and over, and it sure to be hugely popular with local families.
Sunday next, May 26, will see the Dun na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park transformed into a riot of colour, fun and pageantry as Africa Day is celebrated with a very diverse programme of events including a Parade of Flags and Walk & Talk at 1pm and presentations on African culture and education at 1.45pm.
Also on Sunday, there will be a special Sounds of Africa event at 2.15pm in Dún na Sí featuring a drumming workshop and the Ubuntu Voices Choir. Other workshops taking place on Sunday afternoon will focus on Styles of Africa, where visitors can learn about hairstyles, henna art, tribal face painting, African art, and taste the many wonderful foods of Africa. They can also learn more about the many integration projects in the local community.
Vistors are advised to bring a picnic and a rug or chair to relax in Dún na Sí on Sunday afternoon next, where they will be able to soak up the wonderful sounds, smells, tastes and traditions of all things African.
Africa Day is a nationwide event which celebrates diversity, inclusion, friendship and solidarity and more information about all the events taking place in Moate this weekend can be had by phoning: 086 3783483.