The Celebration of Africa Event in Leeds on the 28th of May a subsequent of Africa day that was on the 25th of May was a great event that saw Africans in diaspora from different countries come together to share, encourage , empower , network and support each other . It was a wonderful event with the various speakers emphasising the need for people to support others in their projects as opposed to pulling each other down
If all began with a word of prayer , which was followed with a bit of history on the African Union. The involvement of Africans in the diaspora and allow them to voice their opinions and offer suggestion in matters that affect the motherland is a great inclusion . I have always thought the fact that one had moved away from their home country didn't make them less of an African and therefore their opinion does count because at the end of the day , the aim is one .
There were speeches from various country representatives (below is Jane Kariuki the Kenyan representative) and then some entertainment (rainbow dancers below) . The artist RDC soldier (a former child soldier in DRC ) was also in attendance to perform .
I was obviously in attendance flying that Kenyan flag and representing Face of Kenya . Setting up and preparing for the day.. and i even had a helper! :-)
It was a good platform to make people aware of what it was about and what the objective of the forum was.
I had baked some cake the day before because well...it's cake! No reason is needed. 😊.And I had a few sweets on the stall as well ( though the kids in attendance might have over indulged an got a bit hyper -apologies ) but it was impossible to say no to their little faces sweetly asking please..and most of them ended up bringing their parents to the stall as well which was a bonus for my charity tin!!!
I incorporated a little competition which was supported by Jenny's Jerk Chicken - currently at Trinity Kitchen - they serve amazing carribean food by the way so do feel free to make a stop over ! The owner (Jenny- lovely lovely girl) was happy to advertise the event and my charity which was great as well !
So back to the competition , it involved finding the hidden 'treasure' - in this case a carribean meal at Jenny's Jerk - . The 'treasure was hidden somewhere in the 47 counties of Kenya ..I had made it easier by only covering half of them so they had about 23 counties to pick from .
This was entered after a donation of any amount ( remember every little helps) We had two very happy winners at the end of the day after several attempts by others ( they got sweets and cake as a consolation regardless) and a chance to vote for me 😊
There was a stall besides me with lovely african skirts and bags. All the skirts were sold by the end of the day which was great! It was nice to see people support others business . And they were really nice as well . I didn't go back with any cake either which was great and would love to give a huge cite of thanks to the organisers of the event for the opportunity to be able to promote Kenya , Face of Kenya as well as make people aware of the work of Imara International.
It was enlightening as well and I enjoyed meeting my countrymen and even hearing some of the ladies speak in Kikuyu got me very excited!!! I missed my mother !I am no doubt looking forward to the next one ! Hopefully we can have more events that will also be inclusive of young people as in future they will be the ones to carry on the tradition .
Thanks for reading as always , I highly appreciate.
Voting is still open and closes on the 5th of June - in case you still haven't cast your vote , I will really appreciate a vote for me as this years Face of Kenya, UK. (PLEASE DO FEEL FREE TO SHARE THE BELOW LINK)
I am also still collecting funds for my chosen charity - Imara international, In case you would like to contribute through a different means do get in touch and we can look into that .
http://www.faceofkenyauk.org/voting.html - Thanks for voting!!
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/emma-mugi-turkington - Just giving fundraising
http://imarainternational.org/our-story/#.VysGrk32Zkg - IMARA INTERNATIONAL - MY CHARITY OF CHOICE
P.S I will be volunteering at the Beeston Festival this coming weekend - 4th June and they will be having a Carnival procession with a Brazilian theme ( in line with the Olympics in Brazil this year). You do not want to miss this ! https://beestonfestival.org.uk/
Voting is still open and closes on the 5th of June - in case you still haven't cast your vote , I will really appreciate a vote for me as this years Face of Kenya, UK. (PLEASE DO FEEL FREE TO SHARE THE BELOW LINK)
I am also still collecting funds for my chosen charity - Imara international, In case you would like to contribute through a different means do get in touch and we can look into that .
http://www.faceofkenyauk.org/voting.html - Thanks for voting!!
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/emma-mugi-turkington - Just giving fundraising
http://imarainternational.org/our-story/#.VysGrk32Zkg - IMARA INTERNATIONAL - MY CHARITY OF CHOICE
P.S I will be volunteering at the Beeston Festival this coming weekend - 4th June and they will be having a Carnival procession with a Brazilian theme ( in line with the Olympics in Brazil this year). You do not want to miss this ! https://beestonfestival.org.uk/
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