Happy days help to unite the people
ASPECIALIST community development organisation for migrants and asylum seeker families in need of protection and access to services were involved in a series of five ‘African Day’ events in an effort to unite the community.
Last month, Rochdalebased charity Caring and Sharing, took part in gatherings spanning five days which were designed to empower the youth and celebrate the diversity of the community.
The Community Mayor of Harlem and Ambassador of Goodwill to Africa at the UN, Queen Mother Dr Delois Blakely joined the occasion as a key note speaker.
CEO of Caring and Sharing, Nicky Iginla, said: “People from all different backgrounds and cultures came to the events and it shows we are one unity in Rochdale.
“I was happy to meet Dr Delois Blakely and a lot of people wanted to see her.
“It was a highly successful event and it was a wonderful week for us.
“I want to say a huge thank you Esther Ejim CEO Global Women Network USA for connecting me with international delegates and for supporting us and thank you to Director of Neighbourhoods at Rochdale Borough Council,
Mark Widdup. Thank you to everyone. We hope to do another African Day event next year and make it bigger and better.”
On the first day delegates from other countries visited Rochdale Pioneers Museum and took a tour along with the deputy mayor, Councillor Ali Ahmed.
The second day featured exhibition stalls and group discussions as well as free training on Kampala/adire and Runestones artistry at Touchstone.
Support And Action for Women’s Network (SAWN) organised the third event which saw attendees enjoying free training on how to make flip-flop slippers and Runestones artistry at Oldham Leisure Centre.
Visitors listened to talks about business links between Africa and UK and joined free training on turban wear for women and Adire top led by Kehinde Okoroafor, CEO of Make me Elegant, as well as digital training on graphic design and animation at Touchstone for the fourth day.
To conclude the fun filled programme more than 200 guests gathered at Middleton Arena for the grand finale dinner and awards night where entertainers from a variety of different cultural backgrounds danced and drummed.
A fashion catwalk stole the show with people from various countries modelling their country of origin’s attire from Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa to Asia, England and India.
Mark Widdup took to the stage to thank Nicky and her charity for delivering food parcels to those in need during lockdown and the Mayor of Rochdale, Syed Ali Ahmed joined him.
Hamida Mbaga, owner of All Things African, set up a stall displaying traditional brightly coloured African accessories.
Dr Delois emphasised the importance of communities working together and making a bright future for the youth.
To visit Caring and Sharing’s charity shop go to the old Marks and Spencer building on Yorkshire Street.