10 Years of Africa Week and still going strong

10 Years of Africa Week and still going strong, students in Kenilworth School and Sixth Form continue to strengthen their links with Uyogo.

This year marked the tenth year of Kenilworth School’s celebration of Africa Week. The largest fundraising event in the school’s calendar, the celebration is in support of the village Uyogo in Tanzania. Funds raised go towards supporting underprivileged children; deprived of basic amenities such as clean water and electricity, their educational and life opportunities are incredibly limited.

In addition to the sponsored events, such as well as the very well-attended USU Swing Night to raise the much-needed cash to improve the lives of the children in Uyogo, the students at Kenilworth School were lucky enough to be able to see the importance of the week through visiting speakers and poets. In Year 9 English lessons led by Beryl Starkey, Secretary for the Kenilworth Uyogo Link, set up 30 years ago with the UN’s Child of the Year, they learned about the background of the Tanzanian village and the lives of young people in Uyogo. Studying photographs and artefacts, the children were encouraged to formulate their own questions about life in Uyogo.

One Year 9 girl said: ‘It’s so easy to take all we have for granted here in England, and particularly in Kenilworth where we have so much going on and so many opportunities. It was fascinating to learn about the children’s lives and their culture, but it also made me reflect on what’s important.’ Another boy added: ‘I’ve never been truly hungry and never needed to worry about whether clean water would come through my tap. It’s a very harsh reality for these kids and we have a responsibility to help if we can.’ The children followed up their learning with letters to the children in Uyogo and after their lessons, many expressed their desire to continue their involvement with the Kenilworth Uyogo Link.

Year 7 students were treated to an afternoon of entertainment and education from the renowned performance poet and BBC Radio 4 Slam Event host, Dreadlock Alien. Excited by the poet’s energy and strong messages, one Year 7 said: ‘This is how I like to experience poetry. I will definitely look him up on Youtube and maybe write some of my own poems now.’

It is hoped that the 2014 has helped to push funds raised over the past ten years towards the target of £60,000. The money raised will continue to help supply medical and educational facilities in Uyogo to support the ongoing development of the community.

A community centre in Syndenham lights up the area

In Autumn every year, the ‘Festival of Lights’ is held at the Sydni Centre in Sydenham. Held between Guy Fawkes’ Night and the Hindu and Sikh celebration of Diwali, this festival brings together the residents in a unified celebration of culture and community.

Year on year, the festival attracts greater numbers, with around 700 people expected to attend the 2014 celebrations. The event includes entertainment highlights such as Bollywood dancers, the Bob Barker fair for the children, the fireworks display and a range of food from different cultures. 

In addition to the entertainment and celebration of the evening, there are also a host of stalls and information points from local community groups and businesses. 

Kate Cliffe, the : ‘It’s a really vibrant festival, the atmosphere is so warm and welcoming; everyone has a great time. It’s wonderful to blend the two celebrations so that everyone feels part of the community and shares in the celebration.’

Set in the centre of the Syndenham Estate in Leamington, the Syndenham Neighbourhood Initiatives (Sydni) was set up by local residents as a place to bring people together to offer support and different community opportunities. The population of around 5000 people is made up of a rich mix of cultural backgrounds including Asian, Polish and Portuguese; a community of which the residents are very proud and the centre is committed to providing a supportive community space free from prejudice where everyone can feel welcome and valued.

Since opening, the centre has become a hub of social activity and community work. The centre offers IT drop-in sessions for those wanting to work on CVs or job applications, ESOL lessons for those who want to improve their English speaking skills along with a host of other information, recreation, leisure and sporting opportunities and facilities. Richard, a long-serving volunteer at the Sydni Centre, said: ‘The range of facilities on offer really are fantastic. I got involved because I wanted to help my sons set up a football team, and it all just snowballed from there. I’m involved in virtually everything now!’ 

International Women’s Day saw ladies from across the county having an afternoon of music food and culture at the centre, and shortly the Syndi will hold another annual event, the ‘May Festival’ which, like the Festival of Lights, boasts an exciting programme of events such as live entertainment, food, table-top sales and stalls from local companies. The local Fire Brigade attend every year, bringing with them information leaflets in the different languages of the community and the local council’s recycling department provide information and activities. For more details, visit the Sydni centre website and Facebook page.