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This is the title of a recent project run by the 'Schools Work' division of the Youth Council. The project was the only one in Ireland to receive funding from the Anna Lindh Foundation, which leads regional initiatives and supports local organisations based across civil society that advocate for a better understanding among people, religions and beliefs.
The project, took place during a week that saw many youth orginsations throughout Europe help young people to explore issues faced by immigrants. The Cork programme was delivered to over four-hundred students from multi-denominational schools. The Youth Council utilised informal methods to engage the young people: Students were asked to put themselves in the shoes of a foreigner just arrived in Cork – they discussed cultural similarities and differences, challenges faced such as language, weather, food and religion. A debate was held entitled 'Ireland should welcome all nationalities'. Before the debate students were asked to agree or disagree with the statement. They generally disagreed but feed-back after the debate showed that students were left unsure about exactly how they felt.
The students were then asked to articulate their ideas for a school policy under the banner of 'Stop Judging Me'. These policies were then put together,handed back to the schools in poster form, and will form an ongoing reminder of the commitment the students themselves have made to tackle this issue. |
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Mark Dunwoody, Diocesan Youth Officer says '...forming strategic partnerships with key stake-holders at local, national and international level is essential to the success of the core programmes run by the Youth Council in Cork, Cloyne and Ross. The Diocesan Youth Council would like to thank everyone for their continuing support of the schools work projects –Bishop Paul, The Mother's Union, The Priorities Fund, Anna Lindh Foundation, principals, school staff, parents and last but certainly not least, the students themselves......Our primary aim in the school work we carry out is to help schools tackle the issues that are current.' |
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