Event marks 20 years of Strabane Ethnic Community Association

Strabane Ethnic Community Association (SECA) marked its 20th anniversary at the weekend with a ‘very special’ event at St Pat’s Hall.

Over 140 people, including the mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, turned out on Friday night to help celebrate the auspicious milestone.

“It was a very nice night where people who have been involved in SECA over the last 20 years got together to celebrate the great work we have done in the community,” said association chair, Kamini Rao.

“The group started out very small with just seven people in my parents’ living rooms but has grown to having over 500 members. It was a very special night and hearing how much SECA means to the local community makes all of the hard work we put into the group worth it.”

SECA was founded in the home of Kamini’s parents, Bobby and Josephine Rao with just seven members in 2004.

Now twenty years on the group has grown to become an integral part of the Strabane community. SECA has supported and helped thousands of newcomers to Strabane settle into the town as the ethnic community continues to grow.

Kamini added, “I would like to thank Brian McCallion from St Pat’s Hall for the great work he did on the night. And I would also like to thank ‘We Do Parties’ for making the hall look amazing.”

One of those in attendance at the event was Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Boggs who said he would like to commend the work of SECA as they marked 20 years in existence.

Cllr Boggs said, “Strabane Ethnic Community Association have played an invaluable role in supporting people from ethnic minority backgrounds for 20 years, since their inception in 2004.

“Not only have they provided invaluable support to people who have come to call Strabane their home, but SECA has also enriched the cultural fabric of Strabane through many successful events throughout the years.

“There is no doubt that the team at SECA have helped shape Strabane into a more welcoming and culturally diverse town.”