Intercultural and Anti-Racism Week 2008

The week will focus attention on the issues of Racism and Interculturalism in Ireland, North and South. The theme this year is 'Education'. The theme is concerned with 'education for life' and includes all aspects of both formal and non-formal education that we receive throughout our lives. The theme also builds upon the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

In recent years Northern Ireland has experienced significant economic growth paralleled by rapid social, cultural and demographic changes. Significant numbers of migrant workers and their families have migrated to Northern Ireland to live, work and learn here. While the experience of most has been positive, racism and discrimination continue to permeate our society and this affects children and young people as much as adults.

Intercultural Week challenges us to face up to these issues and to look beyond stereotypes and myths surrounding migrant workers and their families. Particular problems can occur when language barriers prevent communication and learning. This is especially so with children and young people . The activities being planned for Intercultural Week should send out positive messages that underline a welcome to new and exisiting minority ethnic groups including migrant workers and their families. Activities should encourage learning about other cultures as well as sharing our own cultural experiences as a positive and enjoyable learning experience, particularly for all our children and young people.

The Commission is keen to support initiatives which introduce children and young people to equality and diversity issues in new and innovative ways. We will be sending posters and other resources to community and voluntary organisations and schools across Northern Ireland in the run up to Intercultural Week and are very keen to hear about any activities that others are planning to celebrate during the week.

We hope that all members of society, organisations and in particular educational institutions will take part in this important week and through taking local action develop a public awareness campaign. We have highlighted below is a list of ways that we can all get involved.

Ideas for activities during Intercultural and Anti Racism Week 2008

Here are a few suggestions on how to get involved:

• Organise an event in the evening or during lunch in your school, college, workplace to coincide with Intercultural and Anti Racism Week such as a concert, a reading or even a quiz night.
• If you work in a school avail of the ‘Intercultural Dialogue in the Classroom Toolkit’ available on the Equality Commission website from March 20th 2008 (further information below).
• Launch an intercultural and anti racism policy document or a publication linked to the theme of the week.
• Organise an antiracism/intercultural training session.
• Organise a school/workplace discussion/debate on the theme of racism/ethnic diversity or a related theme such as immigration.
• Get in touch with local community groups to organise an event in your community.
• Issue a press release to mark ‘Intercultural and Anti-Racism Week’ and to highlight some key event or issue.
• Highlight the Week within the group you work with by displaying posters which will be available on our website soon, or alternatively you can order copies from the Equality Commission.
• Attend some of the events taking place in your locality during the week. A calendar will be available on our website soon and will be updated on a regular basis.

A practical toolkit for all primary and secondary schools, including further education colleges, will be available from 20 March 2008. This publication aims to assist in the co-ordination of practical school based activities. We strongly encourage you and your organisation to get involved.

More information

Please email details of your event to koakes@equalityni.org to be included in this years calendar of events.

For further information on the week and/or to order a poster and information pack visit www.equalityni.org, call 028 9089 0890 or email information@equalityni.org