UCD Africa Society: United in our differences

Image Credit: UCD Africa Society

Social Media and PR Officer for UCD Africa Society celebrates the complexity and richness of Africa, and introduces us the the Africa Society 2024/25 Committee

The second-largest continent, covering 30.2 million square kilometres. Over 3,000 ethnic groups and more than 2,000 languages are spoken. The rich tapestry of cultures. The ‘cradle of humankind’. Wealthy in natural resources, oil, gold, and diamonds. Home to the world's most famous animals. Colonised in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to profound changes that we still have scars of today. Projected that by 2050, could home over 2 billion people. A variety of landscapes, Sahara, Congo Basin, Atlas Mountains and Kilimanjaro. From tropical in the central regions to arid in the northern and southern extremes. 54 recognized countries coexist. 

Although these facts highlight the complexity and richness of Africa, showcasing its importance on the global stage, it is not who we are as Africans. From the ranges of melanin across each land, to the changes in accents as you travel along the coast, to the traditional attire we treasure and pass on, to the sound of the instruments we use to express ourselves, and the rich flavours we nourish ourselves with. We are Africa. 

All of us are connected, but not a single one is exactly the same. We have separate traditions that we hold close to our hearts and rich histories we protect. We’re not all the same shade and our strands of hair may differ, but we have one thing in common, we are Africa. 

Each country has its own laws, governing bodies and social standards. The systems we put in place to protect those we love. We have different religious practices that we engage in to grow our faith and give us hope, but we coexist in unity because we are Africa. 

It's not the geographical location that makes Africa, Africa, it's the people in it. At UCD Africa Society we cherish Africa in UCD. These differences are what make us Africans. From the youngest child to the eldest adult, those in diaspora and those still living in the local towns, we all play a part in uniting Africa. We are united in our differences. The next time you speak with an African remember the millions of Africans that came before them to influence each decibel they expel. 

To celebrate the differences and diversity in our committee, let me introduce you to our committee and what makes us unique. 

President- Seth Fun Fact: Favourite past time is bartending 

Vice President- Oreoluwa Fun Fact: Travelled to 22 countries before he turned 22 

Senior Treasurer- Raphael Fun Fact: Lived in 3 countries 

Treasurer- Shalom Fun Fact: Wants to be a professional book reader 

Secretary- Busayo Fun Fact: Is obsessed with Coupé Décalé music 

Events Coordinator- Chidimma Fun Fact: Knows how to Dj 

Events Coordinator- Daisy Fun Fact: Is not Nigerian, but instead Cameroonian! 

Events Officer- Deborah Fun Fact: Has been to 6 different schools so far 

Events Officer- Cyrille Fun Fact: Roscommon’s greatest ever sandwich maker 

Events Officer- Fay’d Fun Fact: Raps in Gaeilge 

Sports Officer- Faruq Fun Fact: Perfectly fluent in 3 languages 

Social Media & PR Officer- Aliyah Fun Fact: Owns 2 dogs which she loves dearly 

Social Media & PR Officer- Stephanie Fun Fact: Doesn't know how to whistle 

Social Media & PR Officer- Esther Fun Fact: Read 100 books in a year, last year 

Ordinary Committee Member- Gideon Fun Fact: Knows a bit of sign language 

Ordinary Committee Member- Rachel Fun Fact: Loves to crochet 

Ordinary Committee Member- Stephen Fun Fact: Has been to 9 different countries 

Ordinary Committee Member- Iman Fun Fact: Is into editing & videography 

At UCD Africa Society we recognise that no African is the same, and that’s what makes us who we are. The different countries or tribes we come from does not separate us. We gather together and stay United in our Differences.

Aliyah Olawepo UCD Africa Social Media & PR 24/25