Village Institute Cultural Festival

The Village Institute Cultural Festival unfolded on a glorious late spring afternoon at the corner of 14th and Elmira in Original Aurora. After a delicious lunch of delicacies from restaurants at the Mango House, Zahra Nouri and Germaine Tuyishimire (both Village Futures peer facilitators and program graduates)  took the mic as dynamic emcees as young folks from 7 different countries shared poetry and a fashion show.  

Drummers provided the soundtrack as the fashionistas walked down the runway in traditional dress from each of their countries, and then in contemporary clothes contributed by Dress for Success. Afterward, the audience joined the party as people from Basma Dance & Fitness led dozens of folks in shared movement. 

 “It was incredible to see the creativity that came alive during this event,” says Monica Acosta, Director of the Village Futures project. “It was a gift to bring everyone together to celebrate the community we’re building.” 

The Village Institute is a holistic family support center for refugee and immigrant families in Northwest Aurora. Village Futures is the organization’s leadership, mental health, and career development program for teens and young adults.