Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power TD, today launched the programme for Irish Aid’s Africa Day Limerick.

Africa Day will be marked by a family day in the grounds of Limerick City Hall on Sunday, 30th May. In addition, over thirty smaller events are taking place country-wide this month to mark Africa Day in Ireland.

Africa Day, an initiative of the African Union, falls on 25 May each year.  It celebrates the diversity of the people and cultures of the continent.   Irish Aid - Ireland’s overseas aid programme - is supporting events to mark Africa Day, focusing on the theme of ‘food and food security’.

Announcing the programme for Irish Aid’s Africa Day Limerick today, the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power T.D., said:

"This is the second year we are having Africa Day celebrations in Limerick and I’m delighted to launch such a diverse and interesting programme of events. The flag-ship event in Limerick City Hall will be the culmination of this year’s Africa Day celebrations across the country.

"Africa Day Limerick offers an opportunity for us to highlight our links with Africa and celebrate the culture and customs of the continent and of African people living in Ireland. Last year over 5,000 people attended this event. Africa Day Limerick is a family day of celebration and it also gives the public an opportunity to learn more about the Government’s aid programme and the countries with which we work. Irish Aid staff will be on hand throughout the day to discuss our role with the public. I would encourage people to come and enjoy a great day out and learn more about development issues.

"This year, the theme for Africa Day is food and food security, and many of the planned activities for Africa Day Limerick will highlight Ireland’s work in this area. Ireland has been a leading global advocate in the fight against hunger since the publication of the report of the Irish Hunger Task Force in 2008.  The eradication of hunger is a cornerstone of the Irish Aid programme and we have committed to spending 20 per cent of the overseas development budget to help achieve this.

"Real progress can be made in addressing the hunger crisis when the right approaches are followed.  Last year, for example, Valid Nutrition, with the support of Irish Aid, provided ready-to-use foods to 50,000 malnourished children in Malawi alone. These targeted initiatives help to ensure that children are properly nourished, can attend school and realise their full potential. This is just one example of how Irish Aid’s work in sub-Saharan Africa is helping to build a better future for vulnerable communities."

Irish Aid’s Africa Day Limerick will run from 12 noon until 6pm on Sunday, 30th May, and entry is free of charge.

Highlights of the event will include:

Music Stage
The Stage at Africa Day Limerick will feature an exciting line-up of African and Irish artists. Performances include live sets by The Amazing Few, the Elikya Choir, Lady Sheila Musical Band, Afrish Arts and the RnB group P-Starz.

African Bazaar
In the African Bazaar, visitors to Africa Day Limerick can learn how to prepare Cameroonian food, take part in drumming workshops, listen to the jembe drum, attend a Suya Feast, sit in on an African Storytelling session or learn how to perform traditional dances from the Congo and Togo. There will also be hair-braiding, delicious food samples from DR Congo, Western Nigeria and South Africa, Malawian dancing, and arts and crafts displays from all over Africa.

Education Zone
Visitors to Africa Day Limerick can come along to the Education Zone to find out more about development issues through fun, family-friendly activities: write a letter to Lesotho; take part in a jigsaw puzzle competition, enter a drumming contest, view the ‘Africa Also Smiles’ poster campaign and sample free Fairtrade produce. There will also be an Africa Picture Food Quiz for children and an exhibition, ‘Breaking the Barrier’ about disability in Lesotho on display.

Sports and Play area
The popular sports and play area will be back for Africa Day Limerick in 2010.  Sports activities will be offered by the Football Association of Ireland and the Gaelic Athletic Association, who  will be hosting numerous activities over the course of the day.  These will include mini-matches and skill-based challenges where eager children can hone their football skills, hurling workshops and mini-competitions in the grounds of Limerick City Hall.

Food
This year at Africa Day Limerick, there will be several African food vendors offering a wide variety of authentic African food and drinks for purchase. Visitors wishing to bring their own food can also have a picnic in the grounds of Limerick City Hall.

Full details of the programme for Africa Day Limerick are available at http://www.africaday.ie/limerick/overview.aspx

ENDS
14 May, 2010

Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas assistance. It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information on Irish Aid, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie

For further information or an interview with Minister Peter Power, contact Fionnuala Quinlan, Press Officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975