Our Summer Fiesta was a Vibrant Celebration of Diversity!
On July 7th 2024, our community came together for an unforgettable celebration of cultures from around the world. Our Fiesta was a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and taste, bringing people together to share in the richness of our diverse community.
From the infectious rhythms of Wilson Magwere, to the tantalizing aromas of Thai Arts NI, the event was a sensory delight. Our talented performers took the stage, showcasing a stunning array of cultural expressions. And of course, no celebration is complete without delicious food! We indulged in a world of flavours, from spicy curries to sweet treats.
Many attendees reflected with us that they thoroughly enjoyed the event. We hope to return next year!
The winners of the ERANO ‘Refugee Week Photography Competition’ are as follows:
1st prize winner – Anfaal Almughallis from Yemen, now living in Belfast.
This photo I have taken when I was walked in Belfast center when I was with my new baby to picked up my daughter from school … I looked to the sky and I saw this beautiful big heart it’s wasn’t a normal heart for me as a refugee who looked for new hometown and safe life for me and my family but it is God message for me in my new home Belfast .
I would love to share it with you because it’s mean a lot to me .
2nd prize winner- Nafisa Elmahina from Sudan.
I am Nafisa from Sudan, thank you for giving us this opportunity to share our favorite picture of home with you.
I took this picture on 23th of January 2022 in Sudan/Central Market in Khartoum. I was passing by this piece of art after a very long day, the temperature was about 49 degrees.
The paint on the wall grapped my attention. It is a Sudanese woman “Kandaka”, who is a symbol of the strong Sudanese woman and a queen of the the ancient Nubian Kingdom. She has dark skin and sharp looks that pierce the horizon, proud of her distinctive traditional dress.
Above her the victory sign, and next to it is written, “We resist but do not compromise.” “We are the ones who will build Sudan,” referring to building a new Sudan after the revolution against the dictatorial regime in Sudan in 2018.
I noticed there was a simple man walking, lost in his worries wearing the traditional jalabiya and a decorated white hat with ancient Sudanese patterns trying to protect himself from the burning sun. Walking with worn slippers on dusty feet, which reflect his journey of perseverance and toil.
I was amazed by the shot, although it was quick, but it expressed exactly what my people feel. Power, freedom, peace and simplicity.
3rd prize winner – Yousif Al Shewaili, from Syria .
Our first home is the sacred sanctuary of our mother’s womb. Where the miracle of life begins. A universal experience that connects all of humanity. Where we all felt warmth, safety and love. This haven is our first refuge, our first home.
ERANO would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that entered the competition, and to our independent judges from the Ulster Herald Newspaper – Mr. Jonathan Rainey, News Editor and Mr. Thomas Maher, Digital Journalist for their time. We would also like to thank Image Express for printing out entries as a gesture of goodwill towards our charity.
There will be a showcase of all entries in the ERANO Omagh office on Wednesday morning and everyone is welcome to call in and view. We will even make you a cup of coffee:)
Starting off Refugee Week, we wanted to give a platform to our local refugee voices in a time where they need to be heard. In a recent BBC Radio Ulster interview conducted in our Omagh office, John Toal spoke with refugees who have recently settled in the area. The conversation highlighted the refugees’ journeys, their experiences of fleeing conflict and persecution, and the challenges they faced in seeking asylum. The refugees shared personal stories about their transition to life in Omagh, including the support they’ve received from the local community and the obstacles they continue to face.
Are you a refugee? Time is running out to win £300. Get your photograph into our competition before 21st June. What represents “Our Home” to you? Submit your entry to erano.omagh@gmail.com
ERANO invites you to celebrate Refugee Week with us and come along to the Strule Arts Centre and watch this feel good movie that represents the best in people. If your interested in coming along please let us know so we have an idea of numbers.
THE OLD OAK is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice. In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara [Ebla Mari] with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes. THE OLD OAK is directed by BAFTA winner Ken Loach, written by BAFTA winner Paul Laverty and produced by BAFTA winner Rebecca O’Brien.
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This year the theme for refugee week is ‘Our Home’ and this has many different meanings when you are a displaced person. Is it your original home, your new home, of is it a sight, sound or taste that reminds you of somewhere you identify as home? We would like you to invite those with refugee backgrounds to participate in our photo competition. Capture a photograph that represents your interpretation of ‘home’ and include a line or two why you think so.
Three prizes will be awarded: 1st £300/ 2nd £100/ 3rd £50
Submission details:
The deadline for submission is 21st June 2024 @ 5pm.
Entries will be judged by an external panel of judges.
Submit your entries to:
erano.omagh@gmail.com
