Kieran McGuire, SDC Chairman, sampling Polish food on offer during SECA’s Polish night in St Pat’s Hall, with Bobby Rao, Damien and secretary Agnieszka.

Bartosz Thiede and Piotr Wisniewski playing piano and guitar repecitively.

A group of Polish children getting their faces painted by Rosie during the Polish night at St Pat’s hall, organised by SECA.

The event was organised by Agnieszka Sakowska, and she started the night off with a welcome message to those attending. Food was prepared by Katazyna Trecka & Agnieszka Sikorq, very unusual for the locals but was well-recieved. Locals were introduced to some new Polish words, such as ‘Sniadanie’, ‘Obiad’ & ‘Kolacja’ meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively.

The food and performers were well-recieved and a good time was had by all who attended this SECA event.

Bobby Rao prepares some Indian food for Year eight and nine pupils at Knockavoe School and Resource Centre, Strabane, with Sonya McGill, Jennifer Maybin, Louise Crawford and Wendy Scullion, RC2034 

As part of learning about local and global citizenship, Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils of Knockavoe School are learning about community comunity celebrations. Bobby Rao, development officer of SECA, has been giving multi-sensory lessons to Knockavoe pupils about Diwali and Indian culture. Pupils have listened to Indian music, tasted Indian food and learned some Indian dancing.

“It is very important, as part of the revised curriculum, that our pupils learn to work and think of others in our community. Knockavoe pupils have enjoyed the interactive way Bobby has done this,” said Julie Murphy, acting principal.

Pictured below are members of SECA on their own float.

Vice-chairperson Damien Preiable with Richard Mortimore and the fire safety team

Describing the initative as ‘very successful’, chairman of SECA, Bobby Rao, said it also generated interest among local residents. “There were a few local people there who didn’t know about the hazards and safety and they were asking about it”, he said. “It was a great success.” Mr Mortimore added: “It was a very, very successful event. We were recieved with open arms by the community and we got good feedback from the community. A lot of other people asked us about it and we have taken names and addresses which will be followed up.”

Mr Mortimore has called for more awareness of the potentially life-saving visits, which are free of charge to the public. Anyone interested in this service can call the Home Fire Safety Unit on 92600477 to make an appointment.

Diya Guram and other SECA members presenting Jarlath McNulty with an Interfaith Calendar.

Speaking after being presented with the calendar by Bobby Rao, Mr McNulty said:
“This calendar is a valuable tool to raise awareness of the different religious communities evident in today’s multicultural society. It is extremely informative and has the potential to promote mutual respect among cultural, racial and religious communities. I trust that this calendar is widely distributed and I do hope that it instills in all readers, an appreciation of the diversity within our society and an acknowledgement that this diversity can be society’s greatest strength.”

The large crowd present, which included members of Strabane’s growing multicultural community, members of local community groups and the Council Chairman enjoyed an evening of ecletic live entertainment and Indian cuisine, courtesy of Masala restaurant.

Chandini Guram and Natasha Sharma performing Traditional Indian and Bollywood dancing.

Compere for the evening, Vijay Elangovan, explained the festival and its global significance. Dr Narenda Babu Koyyalamudi, Chairman of SECA, told those gathered, “I’d like to welcome everyone to our small party here. Tonight we celebrate the multicultural society that we have become. I’d like to thank all who were involved in organising tonight’s event and Strabane Council, who have always been supportive of all projects like this,” he said.

Council Chairman, Jarlath McNulty, added, “This evening aims to promote racial harmony and good relations between local residents and those from other countries. By bringing everyone together we are highlighting the benefits of cultural diversity.

“The Indian community have long been resident here and we are delighted to be invited to share this festival with them. Diwali is the most important event in their year and occassions like this greatly help us understand each other’s cultures.”

Dr Narenda Babu Koyyalamudi of SECA and SDC Chairman Jarlath McNulty lighting candles together at the festival.

Both he and Dr Koyyalamudi lit the traditional Diwali lamp. The evening’s entertainment included special performances from the Pop Tap Dance Academy, Bollywood dancer Natasha Sharma and Chandini Guram, who performed a traditional Indian dance. The Artsekta Fusion Band rounded off the night with their unique blend of world music.

Michael Lafferty, Public Relations Officer for SECA, heralded the evening a great success: “It has been one of the most successful events of our calendar year, well supported by the community groups and our members. I would like to thank the Council, our members, all the performers, the staff of St Patrick’s Hall and the Department of Social Development for their support.”

These chefs from local Indian restaurant Masala are being prepared for the IELTS by SECA, with new legislation coming in shortly requiring all Asian immigrants to have a qualification in English to have their visa renewed.  SECA has organised English classes to help the chefs stay in business and continue to support the local community.

This box is for all the upcoming events involving SECA, and also serves as a congratulations box, including birthdays births and other celebrations.

If you know of any special events coming up then please contact us and we will update the Event Box.