Africa Day Event
What is Africa Day?
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which took place on May 25th, 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The OAU, now known as the African Union (AU), was established by African nations to promote unity, solidarity, and the political and economic liberation of the continent.
What Africa Day Represents:
A celebration of African unity, culture, and identity
A reminder of Africa's independence movements and ongoing development goals
A space for African people and communities worldwide to come together in pride and solidarity
An opportunity to showcase African heritage through music, dance, food, fashion, storytelling, and more
Why It Matters to YVA.
For Young Voices of Africa, Africa Day serves as a platform to amplify young African voices, share untold stories, and engage the public through art, performance, and dialogue. It’s a day to honour our roots, reclaim our narratives, and celebrate the impact of African youth in Ireland and beyond.
Young Voices of Africa at Africa Day 2025—A Celebration of Culture, Identity, and Unity.
The invitation.
On Saturday, 24th May 2025, Young Voices of Africa (YVA) proudly took part in South Dublin County Council’s annual Africa Day Celebration, held at Tymon Park in Tallaght, Dublin. This vibrant event is dedicated to honouring African heritage, culture, and the many contributions of African communities in Ireland and beyond.
Africa Day is more than a celebration; it is a moment of connection, storytelling, and visibility. It provides a space where African identity, resilience, and creativity are uplifted and shared with the wider public.
Event
Africa Day
Year
24/05/2025
What took place?
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YVA was honored to be invited by South Dublin County Council to participate in this year’s celebration. We joined forces with the Talent Into Action youth group from Creativity and Change (Cork City) to bring an unforgettable day of artistic expression and cultural pride.
Throughout the day, we welcomed visitors to our YVA Gazebo Station, where we showcased who we are, the work we do across Africa and its diaspora, and how our youth-led approach is creating change through education, art, and activism.
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Our YVA Diaspora Ambassadors in Ireland delivered two standout performances on the main stage, combining spoken word poetry, storytelling, dance, music, and movement. These performances were more than entertainment — they were acts of resistance, remembrance, and celebration. Together, our Ambassadors told stories of migration, identity, unity, and the African experience in Ireland.
We were proud to spotlight our “Blood Diamond” project, a creative storytelling initiative that reflects on the impact of the civil war in Sierra Leone and honors the voices of survivors. This performance was a powerful reminder of why our work matters — to keep history alive and ensure young African voices are heard.
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Africa Day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, diversity, and unity of African communities around the world. It celebrates African cultures while also providing a platform for dialogue, awareness, and solidarity. For us at YVA, it is a chance to affirm our place in the Irish and European narrative — as young African leaders, artists, and changemakers shaping the future.
In Gratitude
Our heartfelt thank you.We extend our heartfelt thanks to South Dublin County Council, Karen Aguiar (YVA event producer), and all the organisers who made this event possible, as well as to everyone who came to support us, cheer us on, and celebrate with us. Special thanks also go to Creativity & Change for the collaboration and creative synergy.
We are still buzzing from the energy, pride, and power shared that day, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.