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Join the “Killarney African Youth Tribe” in KDYS this Culture Night for an evening of African music, dance and food.

For the last 6 months KDYS and the Irish Refugee Council have been supporting young people from direct provision to explore their connection to themselves using creative processes such as art, drama and dance, as well as their connection to Kerry- their new home.

On Culture Night (Friday, September 21) the group from the “Rooted” project, funded under the European Youth Initiative Fund, will showcase and share the project and the best of African Culture through dance, music, fun and food.

The event takes place between 6pm and 8pm in the KDYS European Youth Centre, Fairhill and is free to the public. Come along and experience the best of African culture on your doorstep!

Mr Tim O Donoghue, CEO said: “Giving young people a voice and the opportunity to make a positive contribution is what inclusion and integration is all about. Despite all the challenges facing young people today KDYS is committed to Building Futures for all young people and the communities where they live. This is a great example of what results from providing young people with the spaces, skills and opportunities to meet, be included, have a say in their community and create change- regardless of where their journey began.

"Understanding and experiencing different cultures and perspectives is really important in today’s world. Through our partnership with Irish refugee Council we are hoping to extend opportunities and programmes such as this to even more young people. We are also delighted to be welcoming our partners in the European Youth Forum and the UNHCR to the event. It’s a great example of what can be achieved through partnership”

KDYS has an exciting vision for young people in Kerry. A future where all young people can realise their potential, a future where all young people can learn the skills needed for their lives today, and to ensure a healthy and successful future.

The range of supports provided by KDYS to young people focus on helping young people with; active and healthy living, personal development, arts and creativity, eating well and nutrition, helping transition from primary to secondary school, mentoring, preparing for the workplace of tomorrow, team building and leadership, mental and spiritual wellbeing, being resilient and dealing with anxiety, digital and online safety, learning skills for future employment.

PHOTO: KDYS Building Futures initiatives support members like Nyasha Masukui, Precious Ndebell, Rufaro Chitseko, Rudo Chitseko, Priviledge Nkomo and Mongiwa KaQondindlela who are in direct provision. Pic: Sally MacMonagle.