Activists have their say at Africa Day celebrations
THE IRISH Government must tap into the abilities of African emigrants in Ireland to best help the continent, say African activists.
The potential of greater economic development links – and African emigrants’ role in facilitating this – was a key message relayed to Minister for Overseas Development Peter Power at last Sunday’s Africa Day celebrations in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens, which attracted thousands of celebrants.
During a discussion on building Ireland’s engagement with Africa, several speakers encouraged Minister Power to tap into the skills of Africans in Ireland as part of the Irish Government’s programmes for development in the continent.
Uganda’s honorary consul to Ireland, Sylvia Katete Gavigan, who participated in the discussion, later told Metro Éireann that NGOs and Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas assistance programme, could have a greater role in encouraging entrepreneurial-minded Afri-cans in the diaspora to assist the continent.
She said Minister Power “said it was a very strong point and he’d like to look into it”.
Commenting on the essence of development aid, Gavigan added: “That money runs out.”
Salome Mbugua, director of African women’s network AkiDwA and a panellist at the discussion, echoed Gavigan’s views.
“It was a good day, a great turn out,” she said of Africa Day, “but it would be more worthwhile to see the outcome that would come from this.
“We made a recommendation to the minister to recognise and listen more on the role which Africans in the diaspora could play in developing Africa.”
Currently over 80 per cent of Ireland’s overseas development assistance is focused on the African continent, funding anti-poverty, education, gender equality and HIV/Aids health initiatives in co-operation with governments, other donors, NGOs and international organisations as part of the global effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Total overseas development assistance in 2010 is estimated at €671.4m, according to Irish Aid’s website.
Africa Day in Dublin, hosted by Irish Aid, is an annual event celebrating “the diversity and potential of Africa and draws on the talents of a dynamic African community in Ireland”.
Visitors to the Iveagh Gardens enjoyed live performances by African and Irish artists, sports and art activities and traditional food from countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.
African drumming and dancing workshops, traditional African games, educational activities and family treasure hunts proved popular.
The main stage featured a line up of African and Irish performers including Choice Music Prize winner Jape; Dave Flynn and Congolese musician Niwel Tsumbu; The Amazing Few; the Discovery Gospel Choir, and the Newpark Afro-Cuban Orchestra.
Speaking at the event, Minister Power said: “Ireland and Africa have never been so close, whether through in-creased development co-operation or growing cultural, trade and community ties.
“Today’s event is a way of celebrating everything that is positive about Africa and it also raises awareness of the challenges faced by much of the continent and Ireland’s contribution to the response.”
Further comments from Minister Power on the suggestions from Africans at the panel event are expected in an upcoming issue of Metro Éireann
Meanwhile, a second large family event will take place in Limerick on Sunday 30 May as part of Africa Day.
Full details of the programme of activities throughout Ireland are available at AfricaDay.ie
