Africa Day Cork 2017

Hundreds turn-out for Africa Day celebration in Cork.

Srs. Anne Cahill, pictured left, with Janet Nutakor and Jo Cox at the OLA Stand during Africa Day Cork.

Africa Day Cork celebrations took place in Fitzgerald Park, Cork on Saturday 27th May, 2017. With the park bathed in warm early summer sunshine, many flocked to the event. Ten groups had a stand at the celebration and three of these stands included a display - the OLA stand was one of these.

Sr. Janet Nutakor, co-ordinator of the OLA ministry which reaches out to Africans living in Ireland, remarked that the OLA stand proved very popular with much interest in the materials and artefacts on display:

"The OLA stand had materials from Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania on display.  We had African print clothing from west Africa including Kente from Ghana. We also had a type of drum commonly used across West Africa and a special doll made by one of our Sisters in Nigeria. The point of interest with the doll is that it showed a typically dressed Nigerian girl in her school uniform. We also had other items such as a rattle, a hoe, ear rings and carvings. Other groups with displays were the South African and Sudanese stands. There are many Sudanese, South Africans in Cork along with a sizeable Cameroonian community."

The OLA Stand at Africa Day Cork.

Sr. Janet, originally from Ghana, felt the event further enhanced the connection between Ireland and the 54 countries of Africa while it also offered a platform for African youth to share their native culture:

"Overall there were a lot of people in attendance. Mostly African youth. The DJ and the rap music was a great draw! The day was lovely and there were many Irish families sitting out in the sun in the park enjoying a sandwich and a drink while soaking up the African themed atmosphere."

Sr. Maria Lee, pictured left, with Sr. Anne Cahill.