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African Youth Festival to Promote Excellence on 17 March
African Youth Festival to Promote Excellence on Saturday 17 March 2012
‘Excellence’ will be the buzzword when various cultural performers and dignitaries gather with the youth at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North Road, Auckland on Saturday, 17 March to celebrate the 2012 African Youth Festival (AFRYFEST).
AFRYFEST is the largest gathering of African youth in Auckland. Established as an annual festival by the Ghanaian Association of New Zealand, it has become a forum to highlight the issues affecting the progress of the youth, bringing together entertainers, policymakers, community workers and leaders to dialogue with the youth and build their confidence.
The theme for the 2012 festival, 'Promoting Excellence', has been succinctly chosen to drive home the imperative for the youth to aim for excellence. "We have an increasing number of African youth particularly in Auckland, who should be encouraged to strive for excellence in their education, training and careers", says Dr Charles Ampomah-Dwamena, President of the Ghanaian Association. “We believe that emphasis on individual responsibility, together with intentional support from the community and good policy initiatives, will unleash their potential for the benefit of society and forestall social menace in our communities. AFRYFEST provides the forum for stakeholders to focus on that objective.”
The event will start at 5pm and will continue through the night featuring performances from groups like Zoh Zoh, Marimba, Akwaaba dancers, other community cultural groups and rap artistes. There will be a parade of African designs and African cuisine. Speakers at this festival include Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Hon. David Shearer (MP for Mt Albert and Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party), Hon. Melissa Lee (Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs) and H.E. Mr. Anthony Mongalo (South African High Commissioner).
The general public is invited to this free event for the opportunity to see, hear, taste and feel Africa!
ENDS
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