Hope Nwosu, a Nigerian writer of Igbo descent based in Finland, recently marked Children’s Day with an event she called “African Children’s Music Day.” Reflecting on the occasion, Nwosu expressed her delight and surprise at the positive outcome of the event.
“It was the first time that I single-handedly produced and organized a music concert,” Nwosu explained. “I was nervous about the event today, given that one of the members of Music Ambassadors couldn’t participate. I also wasn’t sure about the number of prospective participants.”
Despite her initial concerns, the event turned out to be a resounding success, attracting a considerable number of participants and delivering an enriching experience for all involved. The children enjoyed melodic music performances by Joy, a highlight that set a joyful tone for the day. Additionally, the young attendees had the opportunity to learn to play their favorite songs on the piano, an activity that not only entertained them but also introduced them to the basics of musical education.
The event also featured a discussion on the importance of finding hobbies, particularly music, for both children and adults. Nwosu shared her personal experiences of seeking out meaningful activities and highlighted how her interactions with Finns have significantly enriched her journey. This discussion proved insightful as it addressed one of the main challenges faced by African immigrants in Finland: the lack of awareness about how and where to apply for hobbies.
To tackle this issue, practical information was provided to the forty people present at the event, offering guidance on how to find suitable hobbies for themselves and their children. This practical advice was seen as a crucial step in helping immigrants integrate better into Finnish society by engaging in fulfilling recreational activities.
In concluding the event, Nwosu expressed her gratitude to Minela säätiö for their generous grant and to Pasila Library for providing the venue. She noted that the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive and emphasized that this feedback would be instrumental in improving and making future events even more enjoyable.
“My special appreciation goes to Minela säätiö for the grant as well as to Pasila Library for providing the venue. The feedback was encouraging, and we will utilize it to make future events more enjoyable,” Nwosu concluded.
The event not only celebrated Children’s Day but also fostered a sense of community and integration, highlighting the importance of hobbies and recreational activities in enriching the lives of both children and adults.
#hobbies #recreation #music #integration #inclusion
