Minister Brophy marks Africa Day 2021 with Nigerian folk tales in Balgaddy Child and Family Centre

24/05/2021

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

The Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, joined the Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Ed O’Brien, at Balgaddy Child and Family Centre on Monday 24 May to mark Africa Day 2021.

Africa Day takes place on 25 May and is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 25 May 1963.

In Ireland, Africa Day represents an opportunity to acknowledge a diffuse, diverse and important group of people from 50 African countries, who enrich and make a valuable contribution to Irish society. Africa Day events are supported by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and celebrate African diversity and success and the cultural and economic potential of the continent.

For today’s event, South Dublin County Council teamed up with Gomba Educare to provide an interactive storytelling session for young children in Balgaddy. The children will be transported into a magical world through beautifully crafted songs and stories, followed by a fun and educational quiz about Africa and finish up with a storytelling session of the Nigerian folk tale ‘The Story of the Lightning and the Thunder’.

Speaking during his visit Minister Brophy said, ““It is a real pleasure for me to visit Balgaddy Child and Family Centre today, and to see adults and children alike immerse themselves in songs and stories from Africa. I encourage everyone to visit AfricaDay.ie to see what is happening all around the country and to join in the virtual celebrations.”

Cllr Ed O’Brien, Mayor of South Dublin County, said, “I was delighted to join Minister Brophy in Balgaddy today to celebrate the rich culture of Nigeria and the growing diversity of South Dublin County. Africa Day is an extremely important date in the calendar as we get to share some of the rich cultures of the entire African continent. We have a proud storytelling history in Ireland and it was wonderful to take in a Nigerian folk tale today.”

ENDS

Media Contact

For further information relating to Africa Day 2021, please visit https://africaday.ie/

For further information relating to South Dublin County Council led events, please contact:

Communications Unit, South Dublin County Council  

Email communications@sdublincoco.ie

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  Africa Day Launch
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  Africa Day Launch 3