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European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 

European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 logo
2008 has been designated by both the European Parliament and Council as European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (EYID).

Under the banner Together in Diversity the objective of the year is to promote dialogue between different cultures so as to acknowledge and celebrate diversity whilst at the same time promoting common values amongst all those living in today’s Europe.

 
For further information on the year go to www.interculturaldialogue2008.eu The aim of this site is to become a major networking space for all those involved in intercultural initiatives. It also has details of events throughout Europe and includes pan European initiatives such as a photography competition to mark the year.
 
The lead agency for EYID in the UK is EUCLID www.euclid.info/
They have developed a special UK website for the year: http://inter.culture.info/
The lead agency in Ireland is the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI). Details of events and plans in Ireland are available from www.nccri.ie
 
The Equality Commission is planning a number of initiatives in support of the year. More details will be added to this page as these are finalised.


Calendar of events

    

Equality Commission Sponsors ´Together In Diversity´

Foyle Film Festival 2008

2008 has been designated by both the European Parliament and Council as European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (EYID).  Under the banner Together in Diversity the objective of the year is to promote dialogue between different cultures so as to acknowledge and celebrate diversity whilst at the same time promoting common values amongst all those living in today´s Europe. The Equality Commission is sponsoring a number of initiatives as part of this years Foyle Film Festival in support of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Click here for further information….

Diwali - Festival of Lights - image of poster

Belfast Mela 2008

Homely Planet Radio presents

A two hour special on Northern Ireland´s largest multicultural festival.

Held in Botanic Gardens on 24th August 2008

we give you another chance to hear the day´s activities and also listen in on the backstage chat.

2pm & 7pm this Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Listen in....

www.homelyplanet.org

Inter(net) Cultural Radio – Northern Ireland

Mela website – www.belfastmela.org.uk

Radio Program Supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. www.equalityni.org

You are invited to the launch of the
Beyond Skin / Carol Moore film

"Journey of Equals"

exploring the lives of individuals united through music

7pm at the ´Oh Yeah´ Complex, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG
Friday 8th August 2008

please reply your attendance for catering purposes by July 30th ( Wednesday)
info.beyondskin@gmail.com

Event will feature screening of the 35 minute film, a short discussion panel
& live music. (finishing 9.30pm)

DVD Trailer
 
www.journeyofequals.net

Meet the Neighbours Day

The District Housing Community Network and the Housing Executive for the second year running have organised ‘Meet the Neighbours Day’. The event involves a variety of different nationalities from across the borough and will include ‘a variety of foods, language and music from different countries as well as Chinese Lion Dance-Lambegs-Talent Competition-Bouncy Castles-Workshops-Information Stands-Irish Dancers-Free Food Tasters-Displays.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

All-day Event 10 – 4pm

Saturday 16th August, New Mossley Presbyterian Church, Ballyearl Way, New Mossley

For further information contact Conor Smith
Tel: 028 2566 6072 Email: connor.smith@nihe.gov.uk

 

Belfast Mela poster - click to view information leaflet

Click here for further information

  
Challenge of Change: Towards an Active, Equal and Intercultural Society

A major cross-border conference examining the challenges for the public, community and voluntary sectors arising from extensive inward migration to Ireland, north and south, and the progress that has been made to-date. The conference is themed under the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Thursday 18 September 2008
9.30 am - 4 pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, Co. Louth



Keynote speaker: Terry Waite
Click here to view the invitation and booking form

  
Belfast Carnival Seminar
27 June 2008
1.00pm at the Equality Commission


The changing context for carnival in Belfast
A discussion about the role for carnival as a means of creating
multicultural and intercultural space in the city

Chaired by Dr Dominic Bryan, Institute of Irish Studies, QUB

Click here for more information

Belfast City Carnival 2008
Supporting the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

 
Roll up, roll up, for the Carnival Parade
in Belfast City Centre at 1.30pm Saturday 28 June
This year it’s:
 
Gulliver’s Circus
 
Gulliver comes to town – as Ringmaster of his teeny-weeny, itty-bitty, colossal, ginormous, travelling circus. In his carnival show, you’ll see big performers and little entertainers: clowns, lion-tamers, acrobats, even a human cannonball! From voyages to Lilliput and other faraway nations, Gulliver has gathered all sorts of spectacular and fun-filled acts for your entertainment.
 
Among the mayhem of slapstick clowns, the turmoil of staggering stilt-walkers and the bedlam of stupendous samba bands, look out for:
Giant Gulliver: assisting his tiny, but wondrous, performers.
The brave lion-tamer, but beware, the lions have escaped!
Astounding acrobats spinning high above the ground in an immense rotating wheel.
A colossal cannon, and yes, a flying human cannonball!
 
In the parade there will be circus performers, young people from around Belfast, dancers, musicians and drum bands.
 
After the parade, Gulliver’s circus will settle in Custom House Square, where the carnival musicians and circus performers, particularly the young people, will provide further entertainment.
 
The show continues that night – when the Carnival Party kicks off.
 
Carnival Participation
Contact the Beat Office for information about the Carnival.
Telephone 028 90460863 or email info@belfastcarnival.com
 
Parade Route
The carnival parade sets off from Academy Street at 1.30pm. It goes down Royal Avenue and Donegall Place, around the City Hall and back via High Street to Custom House Square, where there will be an entertainment programme from approximately 3 to 3.45pm
 
Carnival Party
Mas Y Mas are headlining the Carnival Party, in Lavery’s Attic. The band is an irresistible meeting of Flamenco, Afro-Cuban and Reggae influences, woven together by driving dance rhythms. The Party programme, which includes The Motion Project and Beat’N’Drum, begins at 8pm. Doors open at 7.00
Tickets £5 at the venue


Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie launches ‘Volunteer – Play Your Part’ a joint publication between the Equality Commission and the Volunteer Development Agency in support of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008

A new guide to volunteering entitled “Volunteer - Play Your Part” was recently launched by the Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie at Parliament Buildings, to mark the start of ‘Volunteers’ Week’ The publication which will also be available in Polish, Portuguese, Lithuanian, Cantonese and Urdu is a simple guide to getting involved in volunteering. “Play Your Part” which was funded by the Equality Commission highlights that volunteering is open to everyone. It also aims to give that final piece of encouragement to those who may have considered volunteering before but never took the last step.

Commenting on the new publication Minister Ritchie said, “I want to encourage the growth of volunteering and provide new and better experiences for volunteers. I therefore welcome this new leaflet and am especially pleased that versions are being printed in Polish, Portuguese, Lithuanian, Cantonese and Urdu. This reflects the inclusiveness of volunteering and the increasingly diverse makeup of our society.”

 

The Chinese Welfare Association

 
Annual Chinese Dragon Boat Festival.
 
The Dragon Boat festival is a symbol of Chinese culture and spirit with a history tracing back for more than 2000 years and today takes place all over the world where Chinese communities have settled. We are proud to celebrate this festival in Belfast (twin city of Heifei province in China) with a series of dragon boat races down the River Lagan.
 
The festival will take place on Sunday 1st June 2008, 10:30 - 4:30 
Venue: Lagan Watersports Complex.
 
Come and celebrate with us, and enjoy the races, the Chinese Workshops, entertainment and food.
 
We look forward to seeing you there!
 
For further information contact: Sofia Botzios, Community Relations Officer, Chinese Welfare Association, Tel: 028 90288277 or email cro@cwa-ni.org


Launch of Intercultural & Anti-Racism Week 2008

 

´New Kid´ Schools DVD
To open Intercultural & Anti-Racism Week 2008 the Equality Commission are hosting a reception in the Ormeau Baths Gallery to launch the ‘New Kid’ schools DVD by Replay Productions. The play tells the story of a migrant family coming to live in Northern Ireland and exposes many of the difficulties they face. The play particularly focuses on racist bullying in the school environment and the impact that this has on children and their families. Copies of the DVD and the accompanying resource pack will be distributed to every primary school across Northern Ireland.
 
Event Details: Monday 7 April 2008, 10:00 am – 11:50 am, Ormeau Baths Gallery, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT1.  This event is by invitation only.  For further Information contact Jim Glackin or Kevin Oakes on 028 90 500680 or 028 90 500698 or email: jglackin@equalityni.org or koakes@equalityni.org
 
 

4th Annual Schools Against Racism Poetry and Short Story Competition

 
To mark the EU Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 & International Day Against Racism March 21, 2008 the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) and the National Consultative Committee on Racism & Interculturalism (NCCRI), in association with Poetry Ireland, have organised the 4th annual poetry and short story competition for schools.
 
The competition aims to combat racism and to celebrate the variety of cultures and people living in Ireland today. The theme of this year’s competition is respect. The competition is open to pupils of all post-primary schools in Ireland, North and South. This year the guest languages are French and Polish. Poems and stories can be in Irish, English, French and Polish. Entries from Youthreach participants or similar fulltime educational courses, members of the Travelling Community and other minority ethnic groups are particularly welcome.
 
Event Details: The Schools Against Racism Poetry/Short Story Competition Awards Ceremony will held on Wednesday, April 9th 2008 in the Linen Hall Library, Belfast at 5pm. This event is by invitation only. For further Information contact Jim Glackin or Kevin Oakes on 028 90 500680 or 028 90 500698 or email: jglackin@equalityni.org or koakes@equalityni.org
 
 

Nerve Centre/Equality Commission – Film, documentary, workshop & outreach screening programme.

 
For the third consecutive year, the Nerve Centre is pleased to offer, in conjunction with the Equality Commission, a programme of international films, documentaries, workshops, and outreach screenings to local primary and secondary schools, colleges, and the general public.
 
BOOKING: To book a Nerve Centre and/or outreach screening or workshop, please contact Bernie McLaughlin on 71373456/71260562. Email: bernie@nerve-centre.org.uk. Alternatively, you can fax your booking to: 71371738. Website: www.nerve-centre.org.uk
 
 
 

Mobile by Michael Collins – An Munia Tober/Equality Commission

 
Michael Collins is a member of the Irish Traveller community who has been an advocate of Traveller human rights for over 20 years. He is an actor, writer and performer he has acted on stage in the Abby and Olympia Theatre’s.
 
The play Mobile looks at the dilemma of a Traveller man who is matched off to fight another Traveller to settle a family dispute. The fellow who he is to fight is not only his cousin but they are also married to two sisters. The play explores some of the issue of internal fighting within the Traveller community through eyes of Peter one of the combatants who is faced with the dilemma will I wont I fight. This exciting play will challenge the audiences perceptions of the Traveller community and the particular issue of internal fighting while highlighting the role of the outside community in contributing to the issue.    
Event details: Culturlann, 216 Falls Road, Thursday 10 April 2008 at 7.00pm. For further information contact Dereck Hanway at: derekh@anmuniatober.org
 
 

Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland – a trade union response 10th April 2008, 10.00 – 2.00 Wellington Park Hotel

 
The aim of the conference is to raise awareness among trade unions of issues affecting migrant workers and their families and to examine the ways in which trade unions might develop an informed strategy of assistance and support.
 
The conference will look at the issues affecting migrant workers from various perspectives, in the workplace and beyond; from organising, through racism and inequalities to supporting migrants in the areas of health, education and welfare provision. A series of workshops will follow presenting opportunities of sharing experience of work in this field and developing good practice models.
 
For further information contact Kasia Garbal on 028 90 247140 or email: Kasia.Garbal@ictuni.org
 
 

Irish Congress of Trade Unions/Equality Commission

 
Launch of Your Rights at Work Leaflet, available in 5 languages. Date and venue to be confirmed.
 
For further information contact Kasia Garbal on 028 90 247140 or email: Kasia.Garbal@ictuni.org
 
 

Information Evening for Migrant Workers – Belfast City Council in association with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions & South Belfast Roundtable on Racism

 
St. George’s Market, 12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast, BT1 3NQ
 
Date: Wednesday 9th April
Time: 5.30 - 9.00 pm
 
An information drop in will operate from 5.30 - 9.00 pm
Interpreters will be available for themed talks in Lithuanian 6.00 pm -7.00 pm, Polish 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm and Slovakian 8.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
 
Refreshments will be served at 5.30 pm.
 
This event is organised by Belfast City Council, Irish Congress of Trade Unions and South Belfast Roundtable.
 
For more information contact the Good Relations Unit, Belfast City Council on tel: 028 90 270 663
 
 

Newry & Mourne District Council

 
Anti-Racism and Intercultural Awareness Programme for community groups in the Newry and Mourne and Louth areas; 29 February, 10 March, 21 April, 7 May in partnership with the National Consultative Committee on Racism & Interculturalism (NCCRI). Anti-Racism and Intercultural Awareness Training for Trainers programme (with NCCRI) - 4 & 6 June.
 
Pilot Polish Language Class for Frontline Staff
Newry and Mourne District Council, 7 & 8 April.
 
The World in Our Village 
An event celebrating cultural diversity for children, parents and community members (in partnership with Kilbroney Integrated Primary School), 12 April.  
 
 
How to get a job?
Practical information on recruitment procedures including looking for a job, filling in application forms, interview process and equal opportunities.
In partnership with the Personnel Department (Newry & Mourne District Council) and Newry Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 9 April, 7.30 – 9.30 pm, Bagenal’s Castle, Newry (next to Lidl).
 
Housing & Environmental Health
Information on housing benefits, rubbish disposal, recycling, keeping dogs & complaints procedures. In partnership with the Housing Executive and the Environmental Health Department (Newry & Mourne District Council).
Thursday 15 May, 7.30 – 9.30 pm, Arts Centre, Newry (next to the Town Hall).
 
Family Health Information Mornings, 10 am – 12 noon
In partnership with South Down Family Health Initiative.
3 April Rathfriland Community Centre
10 April Nautilus Centre Kilkeel
17 April Warrenpoint Town Hall
24 April Cornmill Quay, Annalong
 
Employment Rights Clinic
Monthly meetings with employment rights adviser. In partnership with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
 
English Language Classes for Parents
Crèche facilities provided for children aged 0 – 4. Free of charge.
For more information and to confirm attendance please contact
Katerina Skrebska tel: 028 3025 2544, email: katerina.skrebsky@newryandmourne.gov.uk
All welcome. Please confirm attendance so we can provide you with an interpreter.
 
For further information contact Justyna McCabe, Challenge of Change Project Officer, NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL, 74 Hill Street, Newry BT34 1BE, Tel: 028 3025 0799, Email: justyna.mccabe@newryandmourne.gov.uk
 
 

Racism Moving Beyond Denial - Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council

 
A major conference examining the acknowledgement of racism, its manifestations and what should be done to tackle it. In the context of the duty local government has in tackling racism (promoting good relations) and as part of its Anti-Racism and Racial Equality Action Plan, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council is organising this conference to engage specialist perspectives and Northern Ireland politicians on the issue of racism and what should be done to tackle it. Wednesday 30 April 2008.
 
For further information contact Ligia Parrizzi, Anti Racism Officer, Dungannon Council, email: ligia.parizzi@dungannon.gov.uk or call (028) 87728603.
 
 

HOMELY PLANET Internet Cultural Radio Station Launch – Beyond Skin/Equality Commission

 
Homely Planet Internet Cultural Radio is a service to highlight the positive aspects of multiculturalism on society through music and cultural education. Homely Planet’s vision is to show how people representing different cultures & religions contribute in a more positive way to the economic and social status of the country when we respect and have an understanding of each others’ diversity.
 
The radio service will allow all communities, faith groups, schools, organisations, artists and individuals to participate in broadcasting items exploring religion, race and cultural diversity.
 
Homely Planet will be broadcasting 24/7 and information about the service and how people can get involved is available from the official website: www.homelyplanet.org
 
Event details: Launch of the Homely Planet Internet Radio station, 11 April at 10.30 am in Equality House, Belfast. For further information email Darren Ferguson at: info.beyondskin@gmail.com
 
 

Spice up your Life Volunteering Leaflet - Volunteer Development Agency/Equality Commission

 
The Volunteer Development Agency in conjunction with the Equality Commission carried out research in 2007 into multi-ethnic volunteering in Northern Ireland. The study concluded that volunteer organisations had limited success in recruiting Black and minority ethnic volunteers to their organisations. As part of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, the Volunteer Development Agency in conjunction with the Equality Commission has produced this leaflet to encourage greater participation in volunteering by our new communities. Volunteering opportunities exist across a variety of organisations and sectors and could contribute to better integration of new communities into Northern Ireland society. The publication will be available in five languages.
 
Launch date and venue to be confirmed.


St. Mary’s Primary School, Bellaghy

 
St. Mary’s Primary School, Bellaghy, are holding an Open Morning for the wider community, to showcase some of the activities which the children participated in, being a “Rights Respecting School”.
A Rights Respecting School not only teaches about children’s rights and human rights but also models rights and respect, in all its relationships and is directly related to Northern Ireland Revised Curriculum which has been implemented in September 2007.
Mrs. McMullan, Acting Principal, wishes to thank All parents and wider community are welcome to attend this event. The school is one of only five successful schools in NEELB to achieve Level One status in June 2007, promoting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. 
 
For further information contact: Ita McMullan on 02879 386360 or email: edonaghy548@stmarysps.bellaghy.ni.sch.uk
 

St. Colmcille’s Primary School

 
St. Colmcille’s Primary School are organising a multicultural event for the school on May 30th. During this day the school children and teachers will be celebrating diversity in the school through drama, dance and music in conjunction with the ethnic minority forum and artsekta.
 
For further information contact: Terry Rodgers (Vice Principal)
St Colmcille’s Primary School, Cullybackey Road, Ballymena, Antrim, BT43 5DW. Tel: 02825 639970 or email Terencerodgers@hotmail.com
 


Rock Against Racism


 
Rock Against Racism Poster




For further Information contact Jim Glackin or Kevin Oakes on 028 90 500680 or 028 90 500698 or email: jglackin@equalityni.org or koakes@equalityni.org


Click here to download the poster








Rock Against Racism Workshops
Wednesday 30 April 2008.
 
Free entry
 
Venues:
             
Oh Yeah Music Centre,
15-22 Gordon Street (off Hill Street Cathedral Quarter),Belfast,
BT1 2LG
 
Ossia MusicSchool Workshop
5a Sandown Road,
Belfast,
BT5 6GE
 
Rock Against Racism gig,
‘Spring and Airbrake’
(17 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast)
 
Introduction:
 
Rock Against Racism was a movement in the late 70´s which aimed to tackle the growing menace of racial intolerance. The seminal event in the history of RAR was the by now legendary concert in Victoria Park in London where bands like the Clash and Tom Robinson Band took the stage to tell the world in no uncertain terms that music had the potential to unite people regardless of the colour of their skin.
 
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of this event the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in conjunction with NICICTU are planning a day of events at the ´Oh Yeah´ centre in Gordon Street culminating in a ‘Rock Against Racism’ gig at the Spring and Airbrake.
 
If you´re interested in the modern day equivalent of RAR visit Love Music Hate Racism at www.lovemusichateracism.com
 
 
The ´Motion´ Project workshop:
 
11:00am – 12 Noon - The ´Motion´ Project Workshop is aimed at anyone who is interested in getting involved in learning a bit more about the variety of musical cultures in Northern Ireland. This music collective based in Northern Ireland has representation of artists from many different cultures. The Motion Project tour around Northern Ireland providing unique world music interactive experiences, programs and performances.

They aim to address racism, sectarianism and other discrimination issues in Northern Ireland by showing how our individuality can produce something far more attractive and unique when we work together. Motion provides people with the opportunity to hear and play music from around the world and to meet others from different cultural backgrounds.
 
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
 
Lunchtime Screening of ‘Who shot the Sheriff’.
 
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunchtime Screening of the Documentary ‘Who shot the Sheriff?’
 
Produced by Inertia Films and Directed by Alan Miles ‘Who Shot the Sheriff’ tracks the rise of racism and the National Front in Britain during the 1970’s – and how a generation, black and white, used music to fight the Nazi threat.
 
The documentary features lots of rarely seen archive footage from the Punk and Rock Against Racism era along with a wealth of interviews with leading artists and activists.
 
Who Shot the Sheriff? tells the story of one of the most exciting mass movements in British History.
Aimed at city centre workers or anyone interested, this film is shortened to 20 minutes and will be followed by an open discussion (sandwiches and tea/coffee provided).
The full length film will be shown at 6:00pm.
 
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
 
´Punk Rock, Open Minds And Alternative Ulster´
 
4:00 pm- 5:00 pm: Oh Yeah Music Centre. Presented by Stuart Bailie, BBC broadcaster and former Assistant Editor of NME. This workshop will discuss the power of music to broadcast important ideas, to educate, stimulate and organise. 
  
Punk and anti-racism is a great start because it was an important time to take issue with the wrongs in society. Rock Against Racism used popular music to counter the increasing acceptance of intolerant prejudiced public racial speeches.
 
Rock Against Racism was informed by punk and reggae music which discussed social issues in the music business. The Clash summed it all up best, preparing the way for The Specials, 2 Tone and beyond. This workshop will look at the themes and then trace the history back to Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, even further back to spirituals, slave songs and union anthems.
 
And how did all this impact on Northern Ireland? It was clearly in the music of Stiff Little Fingers, Ruefrex and later songs by The Undertones. A song like ´Alternative Ulster´ was the inspiration for a whole other mindset, away from tribalism and sectarianism. Many of us feel that the spirit of that age did encourage young people to open their minds. The future for Northern Ireland is a more tolerant, enquiring place and again, music is helping to prepare people´s attitudes for this process.
 
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
 
Ossia MusicSchool Music Workshop.
 
Ossia Music School, in Belfast in support of the Rock Against Racism celebrations are compiling musical pieces based on the theme of Rock against Racism/Love Music Hate Racism. The pieces produced by young musicians will be available from the 30 April 2008 as a download from the Commission’s and Ossia Music School’s website. This is an invitation only event.
 
For more information on the work of Ossia MusicSchool go to www.ossiamusicschool.com.
 
Tea time Screening of ‘Who shot the Sheriff’.
 
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm:             Full Screening of the Documentary
‘Who shot the Sheriff?’
 
Produced by Inertia Films and Directed by Alan Miles ‘Who Shot the Sheriff’ tracks the rise of racism and the National Front in Britain during the 1970’s – and how a generation, black and white, used music to fight the Nazi threat.
 
The Documentary features lots of rarely seen archive footage from the Punk and Rock Against Racism era along with a wealth of interviews with leading artists and activists.
 
Who Shot the Sheriff? tells the story of one of the most exciting mass movements in British History.
 
The film will be followed by an open discussion.
 
To register for this event call Conor Shaw on 028 90 500 598 or email cshaw@equalityni.org.
 
Rock Against Racism Gig
 
9:00pm – Late: Rock Against Racism gig,
‘Spring and Airbrake’
(17 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast)
 
 



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