Mallow is gearing up to mark its third annual ‘Africa Day’

THE Mallow Integration Forum has issued an open invitation to join them for their third annual ‘Africa Day’ celebration, which will take place at the Mercy Centre on Fair Street from 1pm on Saturday, May 26.

Billed as a ‘ celebration of the diversity of Africa’, the event will showcase the many different cultures and traditions of the vibrant African community now living in the wider Mallow area.

It is just one of a number of events taking place across Ireland and the globe during the week to mark Africa Day, which falls on Friday, May 25.

Designated by the African Union as an annual celebration of the continents unity, Africa Day is an opportunity for communities across the globe to celebrate the continents rich and diverse cultures.

Africa Day has been celebrated in Ireland since 2008, with events taking place at various locations across the country including Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny and Cork City.

Following on from the success of the previous two Mallow events, the 2018 Africa Day celebrations will feature slide shows about each of the countries represented and live music with visitors also invited to taste some sumptuous African cuisine.

Formed in 2014 by former local RAPID co-ordinator Margaret Desmond, the Mallow Integration Forum was established in order to bridge the gap in cultural diversity between Ireland and the expanding immigrant community.

The chairman of the forum, Nigerian native Emmanuel Adebesi, said she was able to do that by bringing together people from different cultures under a single umbrella group.

“Ireland is constantly changing and we are striving to let people know there is a thriving African community living in Mallow,” said Emmanuel.

“Our vision is to strive for a society that respects multiculturalism, diversity, welcomes new arrivals and facilitates integration to Irish culture,” he added.

The forum meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Le Cheile Centre and has been proven a vitally important tool for helping promote integration through educational workshops and other inclusive events.

Admission to the Africa Day event is free and all are welcome. For more information about the Mallow Integration Forum contact Emmanuel on 022 20477.