About Us
Who We Are
Africa House (NI) was established in November 2014 as an initiative which aimed to represent the interests of a number of African diaspora organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland. It was deemed a Registered Charity (NIC102939) in December 2015 and launched as a fully operating charity on 25 September 2016 at the Northern Ireland Assembly Buildings. It currently has members and associates from fourteen different African countries and has the support of, and participant representation, from twelve different African support organisations.
Africa House (NI) has now established the African community hub thanks to 'Awards for All grant from The National Lottery Community Fund', Thanks to 'Lottery Players', Africa House is able to facilitate the positive integration of African families and individuals into northern Irish society without prejudice to status, tribe, gender, nationality or faith.
Africa House (NI) Office & Community Hub
Africa House (NI)
13a Curran House
Twin Spires Centre
155 Northumberland St
Belfast
BT13 2JF
The organization has a number of ongoing initiatives - such as organising independence day celebrations, volunteering opportunities and support, networking on African issues (such as community development and family support), cultural events, interfaith meetings, youth events, educational support groups and talks on issues relevant to the African community in Northern Ireland.
Africa House (NI) has recently established an after school homework club in partnership with local school teachers and student teachers with over 40 qualified volunteers, and has opened a women's sewing class - held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm in the St Joseph’s Centre, Belfast. It has a Leadership Forum bringing together leaders from different African communities to discuss the issues that the African communities face and facilitates ongoing dialogue for community representatives. There are also bespoke and occasional events, such as football matches, interfaith dialogue meetings, memorial events and talks on, for example, migration, status, and African health concerns.
JUST ARRIVED?
Africa House (NI) will do its utmost to support those who have just arrived through to Northern Ireland. As with other regions of Europe there has been a growth in new communities in recent years. The organisation aims to help to direct our new families and individuals, asylum seekers and refugees to the appropriate agencies and partners. Where possible the organisation will also act as advocates for the new families and individuals arriving and provide one to one assistance including translation support and with social, economic and cultural integration. For those this affects, please contact any member of the Africa House (NI) organisation.
MEMBER GROUPS
- Kenyan Association for Northern Ireland (KANI)
- Ugandan Association for Northern Ireland
- Congo's Tears
- Somali Association
- Sudanese Youth Group
- Project Zambia
- All Nations Ministries
- The Sierra Leonean Association
- Igbo Women’s Association
- Association Darfur of NI (ADNI))
- Sudan Association NI
- Nigerian Community Association NI (NICONI)
- Eritrean Association NI
- Zimbabwe Association
- African Council of Elders
- African Entrepreneur Network
- Pan African Arts Collective
- BLM Ulster
- ABAME All Ireland Network
- Cool Daddies
AFRICA HOUSE NI - KEY PEOPLE
Cuthbert Arutura
Cuthbert Tura Arutura is the Capacity Building Manager since 10 August 2020. Ambitious, focused and committed LLB (Hons) graduate with nearly 30 years experience of working across commercial, voluntary, statutory and creative arts sectors. An established and respected Cultural and Arts professional with 30 years experience of working in the Media, Voluntary and Arts sector in UK and Ireland
Naana Rosemond Prah
An accomplished professional with a MPhil in Administration in Higher Education, Degree in Social Studies, and a Diploma in Economics. A researcher, a Lecturer teaching Entrepreneur with 30 years’ experience. Mother of 5 multilingual children. Her passion and motivation is advocating for inclusion and equal opportunities for BAME groups especially those with disabilities. Recently completed a PG Dip in Special Needs and Inclusion, studying social justice, disability rights, child rights, and leaders as agents of change.
Chairperson and founder of Ghana Association.
Mary Graham,
A meticulous, diligent professional with experience in administration and management. An active member of the Southern African Community. Born in Scotland, educated in Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa, Mary grow up in Southern Africa and speaks four languages, Chichewa, Afrikaans, Zulu and English. A retired maternity nurse and manager in the Royal Hospital Maternity ward.
Dr Stan Papenfus
Dr. Stan is a South African spirit-centered psychologist, psychotherapist, social anthropologist, African drummer, ecumenical Christian and Yogi. He has many experience of community development with particular reference to South Africa and working with the African community Drumming and Music as therapy at Ubuntu Life Cycle Centre. Stan is the Chair of Africa House (NI).
Lt Col Mary Winifred Reynolds LLM, RMN.
Retired Zimbabwe Army Officer.
Trained lawyer with special interests in Immigration law, Mental Health law & Human Rights. Retired mental health nurse in the the NHS hospital and in the Community multidisciplinary services. Part of the duties involved counselling, risk assessment, psychosocial support and management of people with mental health issues and their treatment regime.
been diverse and has given me a wide range of interpersonal skills and experience.
Served in Mozambique, Rwanda and Kenya under United Nations Peace Keeping Force. Other skills include Refugee Evacuation, Counselling, Welfare and support.
Tunde Oladipupo
Mr Tunde Oladipupo is an active member of the Nigerian Community, trained accountant with experience in auditing. An active member of the Nigerian and Islamic community and Treasurer of Africa House NI.
Mr Abdulai Shapo
A member of the Ghana Association, Chairperson of the African entrepreneurs Network. Interested mainly in empowering the Africa Community and increasing civil and political representation.
Pastor David Maganda
David is the convenor of the All Nations Ministries and a member of the clergy at Belvoir Parish Church of Ireland. He is a long standing member of the African community in Northern Ireland and has contributed significantly to the assimilation of new members of the community to the regional society.
Dr Gerard McCann
Gerard is a Senior Lecturer in International Studies at St Mary’s College, A College of Queens University. He was one of the founders of Africa House and has volunteered in a number of charities supporting African community development. He was the Chair of the Centre for Global Education and is on the DSAI Steering Committee. He continues to work extensively with partners in Zambia, Uganda and Kenya.