For the third year in a row, Aidlink for Turkana took to the stage on Saturday 2nd November in its new home, the National Stadium. The fantastic line-up of Irish artists and workplace, community and school choirs filled the stadium with songs and smiles, and despite the heavy showers pouring down, hundreds of guests turned up to support Aidlink and the people of Turkana.
The remarkable grand finale saw over 400 voices coming together to sing Mic Christopher’s Heyday, raising spirits and awareness for our work. We were also joined on stage by our guest of honour, Peris Mootian, project coordinator for our partner organisation the Girl Child Network in Kenya. Peris told stories of the impact and meaning of our work, and highlighted the concern over recent flooding in Turkana. (Read a message from Peris here.)
Peris Mootian and Anne Cleary (Aidlink CEO), Aidlink for Turkana, 2019.
Turkana, northern Kenya, is home to almost 1 million people and has poverty rates in excess of 90%, illiteracy rates of 82% and school attendance is just 39%. Life for women and girls is particularly tough in this patriarchal, polygamist society. Arranged and child marriage is common place and girls are often referred to as food, simply based on the bride price.
Living on the front lines of climate change, the people of Turkana face recurring and prolonged droughts. After almost three years without any rain, there was significant rainfall in October resulting in flash floods. Crops and boreholes were destroyed and the risk of illness and water borne diseases is now even higher. The people of Turkana need your help now more than ever!
Aidlink is currently operational in 17 schools across Loima sub-County, Turkana, implementing a school feeding programme that will be essential to keeping students in school while communities try to rebuild after the latest disaster.
Funds raised will help Aidlink to continue our work educating, empowering and enabling communities in Turkana, Kenya and Uganda.
Thank you so very much to everyone who was a part of Aidlink for Turkana, and a special thanks to Born Optimistic, Maria Stanley and performers:
Ailbhe Reddy, Blaithin Carney, Cry Monster Cry, Davy Lyons, Dermot Lambert (Blink), Eleanor McEvoy, Inni-K, Jerry Fish, Muireann, The Pale, Ruth Mac, The Silken Same, Stockton’s Wing and Ultan Conlon.
Bank Of Ireland Bank Notes, Blackrock College Libermann Choir, Central Bank Notes, Eirgrid- Transmission Amps, EY Choir, Life Choir, Loreto Beaufort, Loreto Dalkey Past Pupils Parents Choir, Mezzo Choir, Primark, SOLAS, Songs in the Key of D, St. Joseph’s, St Mary’s College Singers, The Daydreamers, the Wicklow Community Choir and the 11th Hour Choir.
Eleanor McEvoy and Bank of Ireland's Bank Notes, Aidlink for Turkana 2019
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