Africa Day 2024: Shaping youth through Ubuntu philosophy

As part of the annual celebration of Africa Day, Africa Without Borders (AWB) organized a major program at Üsküdar Bilim Merkezi on May 25, 2024. Placed under the theme “Shaping youth through the Ubuntu philosophy” and carried by the slogan “Beyond borders: the success of the new African generation”, this year's edition brought together a rich variety of cultural, artistic and academic activities, offering participants a space for learning, expression and exchange. Poetry recitals The artistic program began with a series of poetic recitations, highlighting African identity, its historical figures and the richness of its cultural heritage. The poem Mama Africa, as well as the works Çağrı in Mandinka and Waa Duni in Somali, were interpreted in a way that conveyed the soul, memory and diversity of the continent. The performance The Heartbeat of Africa symbolized the vital rhythm, unity and resilience of the African people through an expressive and immersive staging. Musical performances and traditional dances Live musical performances and Afrobeat choreography were followed by traditional dances from Chad, Somalia, Ethiopia and Burundi. The parades and cultural displays presented a palette of colors, fabrics and symbols characteristic of different African regions, offering the public an authentic immersion in the aesthetics of the continent. Theatrical performances The play Dream of a United Africa illustrated the quest for continental integration through the staging of inclusive and democratic decision-making processes. The performance concluded with a symbolic vision of a unified Africa, projecting hope for a prosperous and harmonious future. The piece Notre Histoire – History Yetu was inspired by the great African empires, revisiting the historical dynamics between the