AMAI activities and Events Report 1st January -31st December 2021


This Events and Entertainment Committee report for the period 1st January to 31 December 2021, is presented to the Chairperson of Association of Malawians in Ireland.

Purpose and Aim

The Events and Entertainment Committee is a standing committee with goals of insuring the visibility of the association to the public in multiple formats such as music, football, gala awards, chess competitions, quiz, among others.

The Events and Entertainment Committee aims at promoting the objectives of the association as enshrined in the constitution. The committee acts as the main tool for fundraising of funds for the association.

Activities and achievements 2021

Hosted Africa Day with support from Irish AID

Due to COVID-19 issues, the main organiser of the Africa Day left it with all diaspora organisations to commemorate the Africa Day in their own way. AMAI through the Events and Entertainment decided to do an outdoor activity and Portlaoise was chosen to host this event. So, the Africa Day Commemoration 2021 took place on 29 May 2021 in Portlaoise. Over 50 Malawians and other communities were reportedly in attendance.

Participated in St Patrick’s Day
The Association in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland in Malawi and Publicity conducted a Zoom St Patrick’s Day event on 17 March 2021. Over 45 Malawians participated in the event.

Conducted Online Quiz
The committee organised a Quiz competition which was sponsored by the family of Tom and Lizzie Mitole to the tune of €200. Winners were offered with a free annual membership fee as per the wish of the sponsors.
 

Hosted Independence Day Celebrations
Despite heavy rains and COVID-19, the Events Committee hosted a very successful Independence Day celebrations which took place at Ballymun United Football ground on 11 July 2021. Many Malawians from all counties participated in the event. Refreshments and snacks were served at the event courtesy of Moto Money and many individual sponsors.

Conducted Mother’s Day Celebrations
First of its kind, the Event team entertained Malawians through the Spin Doctor where many Malawian women won African cloth (zitenje) courtesy of the Association of Malawians in Ireland. The event happened on the 16th of October 2021.

Organised AMAI Online Chess Tournament 2022
Chess tournament was introduced and run between 18 and 25 October 2021. The tournament was won by Eric Banda after beating Henry Mkumbira in the final. Eric was awarded with €100 sponsored by VOMI Malawi Ireland.

Hosted AMAI’s Got-Talent Kids Competition
The year was wrapped up on a high note with the memorable Kids’ Competition which attracted a participation of 20 kids. Divine Kaponda won the competition after a unanimous vote by the judges. This event was covered by various Malawian media houses including Zodiak, Nation Newspaper, Nyasatimes, Malawi 24 and Malawi Voice. Divine got €100 and all kids were given €20 as a token of appreciation whilst number two and three walking away with €75 and €50 respectively.

Challenges and Failures 2021
Beach Party
The event committee cancelled the much-anticipated Beach Party due to sudden change of weather. The Event was scheduled for 26th September in Limerick.

AMAI Gala Awards 2021
Due to the surge of omicron variant, AMAI cancelled the Gala Awards which should have happened at Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin. All guests who booked through AMAI designated officials were refunded their cash. The committee agreed to postpone the event to 2022.

Events and Entertainment Calendar for 2022

17 March – St Patrick’s Day (Joining parades in all Counties)

25 May – Africa Day (To be decided by Irish AID – The event usually happens at Phoenix Park in Dublin)

8 July -AMAI Independence Prayers – Limerick, Co. Limerick

9 July – AMAI Independence Day Beach Party (Lough Derg Killaloe, Co. Clare, Along the M7 Road to Limerick)

31 July – Kids Trip to Tayto Park Ashbourne, Co. Meath

27 August AMAI Ladies Night – Athlone, Co. Westmeath

24 September – AMAI International Football Bonanza (Barbecue and Social Day) – Croatia, United Kingdom, or Portugal (To be confirmed)

15 October – Malawi Mother’s Day (Virtual programme)

21 -29 October- AMAI 2022 Chess Competition

1-30 November- Mr/Miss Malawi Culture- Kids Virtual Competition (Language, Food Cooking, Dressing, history) – Dress Code is Strictly African/Malawian Attire.

17 December – AMAI’s Gala Awards Night – Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport (Musician from Malawi)

Conclusion

Overall, the Events and Entertainment Committee ran a successful campaign last year due to available to local sponsors and a stable AMAI financial base. We look forward to a year of many more sponsors and a good working relationship with the Malawian Community.

Magga Mateo

Head of Events and Entertainment

Association of Malawians in Ireland