ARK HOUSING CELEBRATES CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND GOOD RELATIONS

 Ark celebrates culture, diversity and good relations

This celebration of good neighbours is now an annual event in the Ark Housing’s calendar and it grows in popularity each year.Residents at the family homeless centre hail from numerous countries throughout the world and neighbour’s day is an opportunity to experience the varied cultures through music, song and food prepared by the residents.

There was a full programme of events with an African drumming workshop, Irish Dancing and Chinese Cultural displays.  There were workshops with kids face painting, hair decorating, games and lots of fun for all.  Ark welcomed their next door neighbours from Greenvale and joint managed partners Autism Initiatives to enjoy the food and a bit of traditional craic.  To top it all off the good weather arrived just in time for the celebration of cultural diversity and good relations.

Many of Ark’s partner organisations, who work with our homeless support team, also joined in the day.  They were delighted to welcome the Community Officers from PSNI, Barnardos, NIHE Community Relations and SmartMove NI to share in the day's activities. 

Commenting on the event Kelly Foster Homeless Manager said:

“This is one of many events we organise throughout the year.  Our Neighbours Day is now a firm fixture In Roseville House’s calendar and everyone looks forward to the opportunity to experience the richness offered by the cultural diversity which exists in our centre and community.

“Every year it’s great to experience the food and activities from such a variety of different cultures and that so many of our neighbours and partners who support us in our work attend this celebration.  

It just seems to get better each year and I know that the residents really look forward to it. It’s a tremendous opportunity for us all to experience and understand the many cultures which exist in our society and the kids enjoy and benefit from it.”