Celebrating African Culture Day!

At Ridgeway Rise, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and inclusive environment where every resident feels valued, respected and connected to the wider world. This month, we were proud to host African Culture Day, which was a joyful celebration that brought together residents, team members, and visitors in a colourful exploration of African heritage, tradition and community.

Our home was filled with music, movement and meaning as we welcomed the Swindon Ghana SDA Church Youth Team. With open hearts and infectious energy, the young visitors shared their love of African culture through traditional dress, dance, storytelling and conversation. Their visit continued a connection built earlier in the year, when Kinga, our home’s dementia expert, and Dagna visited their church to raise awareness about dementia. We couldn't have been happier to welcome them into our luxury home.

The day began with a spectacular display of traditional African clothing. Each outfit was worn proudly by our young guests and told a unique story, representing different regions and customs across the continent. Some of our team members come from African backgrounds and joined in the celebration by donning their own cultural attire, which created a shared sense of belonging and pride.

The sounds of African drums soon filled the home as traditional dances took centre stage. There was no shortage of toe-tapping and clapping and several residents couldn’t resist joining in with the moves! The room was alive with laughter and rhythm, and you could truly feel the joy that music can bring.

Beyond the performances, the event offered meaningful opportunities for learning and connection. Our young visitors took turns reading aloud fascinating facts about African countries, from languages and geography to history and daily life. Residents listened intently, many contributing their own travel memories, complete with stories and photographs of their adventures abroad. A thoughtful discussion about the symbolism behind African flags sparked even more curiosity and appreciation.

We also laid a table with an array of vibrant African fruits and vegetables, which added to the sensory experience. Residents were invited to guess the names and uses of items such as guava, plantains, and dragon fruit. Alongside the display, we included simple African recipe ideas that our residents loved reading and discussing with one another and our visitors.

Celebrating African culture day gave residents a sense of being seen and valued for their past experiences. It encouraged younger visitors to engage meaningfully with an older generation, and it reminded everyone how powerful shared cultural experiences can be. One resident summed it up beautifully: “It was wonderful to learn about a different culture. The dancing was beautiful, and the young people were so respectful and kind.”

For our team, the day offered a change from routine and an opportunity to laugh, dance, and connect with residents differently. It brought a huge buzz to the home and strengthened the bonds that make Ridgeway Rise such a special place to live and work.

Relatives are always warmly invited to join our activities alongside their loved ones, and we hope to welcome more families to future events. Our thanks once again go to the Swindon Ghana SDA Church Youth Team for their generosity and spirit. We look forward to many more days like this, full of joy, learning and togetherness.

To learn more about our purpose-built care home and the activities we regularly provide to residents, get in touch and book a tour. We can't wait to meet you.