Africa Day 2010
Promoting diversity
Africa Day falls on 25th May, and is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Presently it is the official day of the African Union, the successor of OAU. Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate African unity, diversity and success; and join Africans around the world in highlighting
the cultural and social energy of the continent.
Ukraine has historically strong connections to Africa – at least through business, education and inter-marriages between Africans and Ukrainians. Many Africans studied in this country during the Soviet era. Currently tens of thousands of students from all parts of Africa are studying in Ukraine.
Africa Day is a major event that brings together Africans and non-Africans of all diversities. In Ukraine, African Center sees the celebration as a means to promote diversity and racial tolerance.
It helps bridge the social and cultural divide.
We are delighted to have the support of the African Union, African Diplomatic Missions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine, the United States Diplomatic Mission in Ukraine, the German Diplomatic Mission in Ukraine and several other non-African Diplomatic Missions, the International Organization for Migration, the UNHCR, Football Against Racism
in Europe (FARE), the office of the Mayor of Kiev, Kiev Regional Administration and several other institutions for the celebration
of Africa Day in Ukraine.
African Center invites people throughout Ukraine to join in an exploration and celebration of African music, folklore, dance, history, art, film, social and political life and much more during Africa Day each year.
In Ukraine we celebrated the Africa Day from 25th to 30th May under the theme "PROMOTING DIVERSITY", within the framework of the African Union theme for the Africa
Day 2010 "LET PEACE HAPPEN".
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| H. E. Andries Venter, Ambassador of South Africa to Ukraine addresses to the crowd |
The flagship event took
place on the Khreshatik central street
on Sunday
30th May.
In line with the theme, Africans, Ukrainians and other nationals celebrated this great annual occasion together through various activities and manifestations featuring cultural dances of Africans, Ukrainians and other nationals; drumming; African music, Ukrainian music, African ‘Jama', quiz; African cuisine; distribution of flyers and many more.
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| Africa Day was an opportunity for African-Ukrainians to show their talents |
This year's Africa Day celebration also saw more active participa-tion of African-Ukrainians.
Their perform-ances portrayed African, Ukrain-ian and eastern cultures as well as the bridge between African and Ukrainian cultures. Those who have not yet visited Africa had a glimpse of African culture. It was also an opportunity for them to connect with one another. A good number of them were meeting themselves for the first time.
Africans from various regions of Ukraine came to Kiev to take
part in the Africa Day 2010 celebration and the turnout among Ukrainians and other nationals was high.
Other Activities during the Africa Day:
The African Center organised a meeting on 25th May to discuss the significance of the Africa Day. Attendants paid homage to the great men and women who fought to dismantle the yoke of colonialism, thereby setting anew the path of freedom on the African soil. The president of African Center, Charles Asante-Yeboa, said everybody has a part to play in making Africa the vibrant, better continent we all dream about.
Other manifestations on awareness-raising, education, promoting diversity and tolerance took place across the country to celebrate Africa Day from 25 to 30 May. They include football matches between African and Ukrainian (or non-African) teams, cultural dances, drumming, quiz on Africa and distribution of flyers. Artifacts and other cultural, historical and traditional items were also exhibited.
More on Africa Day 2010:
Click to see Africa Day 2010 photos
Click to watch Africa Day 2010 video
Click to visit the Africa Day 2010 page on Facebook
Click to watch the Africa Day 2010 video on Facebook