A NEW programme aimed at creating a more inclusive society within communities on both sides of the border experiencing rapid demographic change has been launched.
The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Through an innovative series of workshops, training sessions, community activities and cultural celebrations, the programme aims to identify and challenge the structures of racism by educating young people and adults on its causes and consequences.
It will also upskill people with lived experience of racism and hate and will work specifically with community leaders, policy makers, teachers and school pupils to address the misunderstandings and prejudices causing division within our society and communities.
From left, Anthony Aborisade, Jahwsill Emmanuel and Patience Opinn of Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI), Conor McNickle of The Executive Office, Imani Strong and Lilian Seenoi Barr of North West Migrants Forum (NWMF), Kate Clifford of Rural Community Network, Paul Sheridan of SEUPB, Shane O’Curry of Irish Network Against Racism (INAR), Liam Caffrey of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Ade Anjorin of MSCNI, Paul Kernan of Donegal Intercultural Platform, Paul Sceeny of NWMF and Bukola Adewuyi of MSCNI.
Funding of almost €3million was allocated following a joint application by five partners – North West Migrants Forum, Rural Community Network, Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI), Irish Network Against Racism and Donegal Intercultural Platform.
The Committee on the Administration of Justice and Social Change Initiative will act as associate partners during the programme’s three-year lifespan, with support from Ulster University and The John and Pat Hume Foundation.
The New Land Choir who travelled from Donegal to perform at the launch of the ICI Programme.
The five partner organisations decided to submit an application to the PEACEPLUS programme following the publication of figures that revealed how 55 per-cent of people of African descent in Ireland have reported experiencing racial discrimination. The fear of being a victim of a racist attack is almost twice as high (64 per cent) as that amongst Black people in other EU states (35 per cent).
The ICI Programme was developed by drawing on existing learning from organisations working to combat racism, prejudice and hate throughout communities and society on both sides of the border.
The launch event, held at Monaghan Peace Campus, was addressed by a number of high-profile figures, including Minister of State for Rural Affairs Jerry Buttimer TD, First Minister for Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neil and Corporate Services Director of SEUPB Paul Sheridan.
Manager of Donegal Intercultural Platform Paul Kernan among the audience members offering a round of applause at the ICI Programme launch in Monaghan Peace Campus.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, said they were delighted to be supporting the ICI Programme.
Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a role in advancing the Intercultural Cross-Border Inclusion Programme.
“It brings me great joy that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and The Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will continue to offer support for this outstanding initiative”.
Representatives from the five partner organisations. From left: Shane O’Curry of Irish Network Against Racism, Kate Clifford of Rural Community Network, Ade Anjorin of MSCNI, Lilian Seenoi Barr of North West Migrants Forum, Paul Kernan of Donegal Intercultural Platform and Jahswill Emmanuel of MSCNI. Also pictured (pink jumper) is Avila Kilmurray of Social Change Initiative who was instrumental in bringing the ICI Programme to life.
Minister Buttimer added: “This programme embodies the core elements of the Building Positive Relations Investment Area through its broad partnership. It seeks to cultivate positive relationships characterised by respect, where individuals are able to live, learn and engage with one another, free from prejudice, hatred and intolerance.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme will support a shared and inclusive future that everyone, no matter where they come from, feels safe, respected and a part of their communities.
“The Executive Office is proud to support this work and this £2.5 million investment is a clear statement that we want to tackle racism, sectarianism and discrimination and to support people and communities. I wish everyone involved success with the delivery of this programme.”
