25 Years of Small Steps Together
The story of Friends of Africa
Friends of Africa was set up as a lay charity associated with the Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers).
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The organisation was established in 1998 and over the last 25 years has grown in terms of membership and the extent of project involvement.
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In April 1998 a group of members of the SMA Summer Camp in Dromantine and their friends, met with the Superior General of the SMA. They discussed how they could become more involved in the Mission work of the Church in Africa.
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Following these discussions they decided to form a group that would facilitate the aspirations of young people connected to the SMA to become more involved in its Mission.
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The group formed, naming themselves the Friends of Africa and set about outlining their goals and objectives. They wished to make positive contributions to the lives of people living in Africa. By establishing positive and direct links between Ireland and Africa the group endeavored to tackle the problems faced by youth in both places. Our partner work in Africa has brought us to Zambia, Tanzania and South Africa.
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A lot has changed in Ireland and Africa since 1998. Friends of Africa, is now a registered charity with a board of governors and over 100 members.
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While our mission is still routed in the values and principles set out in 1998, our work today better reflects the current realities and challenges facing young people in Ireland and Africa.