Volunteers Needed to Run in Women's Marathon in aid of the Irish Refugee Council

The Irish Refugee Council is appealing for volunteers (ladies only) to run or walk in the 10km Flora Women's mini marathon in aid of our campaigning and awareness work. Registration date is coming up fast, so we would ask you to contact us in the next few days.

If you are thinking of running, or have already put your name down, we would urge you to consider making it a sponsored run on behalf of the Irish Refugee Council (IRC). If you think friends or family would be interested then forward them this message.
Over the last 18 years, the IRC has played an active role in the fight for our vision of a just, fair and inclusive Irish society where people seeking refuge are welcome and valued.

The IRC has started a new advocacy and awareness drive around the four immediate priorities in our strategic plan:
1. A fair and transparent asylum and protection system. We have been working, with our allies in the sector, to raise debate among the public and politicians on the need for changes in the wording and the delivery of the Immigration and Protection Bill which is currently being debated by the Dail and Seanad. We have focused I particular on the need for a fair hearing, promotion of the best interests of separated children, transparency of the new developed Protection Review Tribunal and limits on detention and on deportation without notice.

2. Adequate accommodation and rights for asylum seekers in Direct Provision. Our public campaigns have promoted public awareness of the impact on the lives of asylum seekers of living on 19.10 and not being allowed to work, study or cook for themselves. To highlight this, asylum seekers from all over Ireland and members of staff ran the Adidas Dublin Marathon wearing bright orange t-shirt with the slogan "19.10Euro a week for an asylum seeker = NOT FAIR." We hope to step up the campaign for the abolition of direct provision, or at least a time limit of 6 months, so that asylum seekers can work and contribute to society.

3. Protection and rights for separated children: We are working for the implementation of the recommendations of the IRC report Making Separated Children Visible. This has involved a lot of work with authorities and NGOs concerned with the protection and rights of separated children, advocating for models of best practice, promoting public awareness and working for legal change.

4. Awareness of asylum seekers and refugees, their lives, aspirations and rights. A very pro-active media strategy has meant that the IRC's views and information on asylum and protection have featured in, on average, more than one major article or TV or radio piece on our priority areas every working day for the last six months.

All of this work costs money. We are happy to have the support of two major foundations as well as state funding, but it is vital that we raise our own independent funds to supplement this.

The Flora Womens Mini-Marathon is one of several fund-raising initiatives over the next year. If you cannot run, we would appeal to you to sponsor a runner or make a donation. Any offers to help organise future fund-raising events would also be appreciated.

The IRC relies on the support of a network of members, if you are interested in supporting our activities and becoming a member please return a completed membership form (attached) to Irish Refugee Council, 88 Capel Street, Dublin 1.

Irish Refugee Council
88 Capel Street
Dublin 1
Tel: +353 (1) 873 0042
Website: www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie

How to run for the IRC in the mini-marathon

Please contact Kirsty at Kirsty@irishrefugeecouncil.ie or fantastickirsty@yahoo.co.uk with your full name, address and a contact number before the 17th April if you wish to take part on our behalf. The entrance fee will be paid for you and all we ask is that you donate your sponsorship money to the IRC. T-shirts and sponsorship forms will also be supplied. Alternatively if you are unable to take part but wish to make a donation please send your donations to the above address.
For more information please view the Flora women' mini marathon websitehttp://www.womensminimarathon.ie/race_information/race_information.2.LE.asp

36 Students Sign Up As Volunteers for the Eglinton Computer/Internet Room

Patricia Luby, Suzanne McKane, Triona Nic Ghiolla Choille from the Galway Refugee Support Group with Eglinton residents
Blessing & Chidi at the Student Volunteer Fair in Galway University (NUIG)

36 students signed up today at the 2007 Galway University Volunteer Fair to serve as unpaid voluntary supervisors for the Eglinton Computer Room!

"This was a marvelous result and was due solely to the excellent work carried out by residents", according to Brendan Smith, Outreach officer of the Digital Enterprise Research Institute & promoter of the Computer/Internet Room. Chidi, Esther and Blessing from the Eglinton. "These 3 ladies did a fantastic sales job at at the Fair convincing attendees of the importance that they could play in improving the lives of residents by agreeing to volunteer for the job. 36 was one of the highest responses received at any of the Exhibit's stands. Well done Girls!"
"I am calling a meeting late next week in the university of all volunteers that signed up. I am keeping my fingers crossed though that most of the names on the list will turn up for this induction service on the duties associated with supervising the computer room. If they do we will be able to keep the Computer/Internet Room open 4 to 5 days per week from mid-October, which will be a colossal bonus to the Eglinton Residents!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lorraine Tansey and the CKI team (Ruth, Ian, Mary & Maria), for the brilliant job they do every year in organising the annual Student University Volunteer Fair. They have tapped into a rich vein of goodwill and humanity that exists amongst the young people of Galway University. Last year 800 students participated in volunteer programmes which benefited thousands of people whose lives would have been so much poorer without their assistance."

The Candy Lady!

The 'live-wire' known as Alejandra from the Student Volunteer Fair organising committee (CKI Alive) making candy floss for the attendees

Galway Intercultural Forum off to a Good Start

The inaugural meeting of the Galway City Intercultural Forum took place last Tuesday night in City Hall. Thirty people from up to 10 countries turned up to review the issues and challenges facing the relatively new non-Irish population of the city.

The event was sponsored by the Galway City Partnership, Galway City Community Forum and Galway City Council.
Oisin Kenny, who chaired the meeting, outlined the role of the Galway City Community Forum and the importance on integrating with local communities and voluntary organisations. He requested all organisations present to affiliate to the Forum as quickly as possible in order to benefit from the information resources and experience available and to get involved in the local government decision-making process. He was followed by Brendan Smith (Community Forum chairperson) who provided attendees with information on the valuable role that emigrants have done in shaping Galway as a outward-looking and vibrant city.
Other speakers included Ernest Bishop of the Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy.
During the proceedings, a series of analysis groups were set up to discuss the main areas of interest and issues facilitated by community workers such as Triona Nic Giolla Choille.
The Galway City Community Forum meets next Tuesday at 7pm in the Menlo Park Hotel. It is hoped that the Eglinton Residents Support committee will be signed up as a full member organisation by then.

Gathering of All Nationalities & Ethnic Groups in City Hall

A get together of all nationalities and ethnic groups from Galway will take place in City Hall at 7pm on Tuesday September 11th.

This meeting will lead to the setting up of a new Galway City Intercultural Forum. Supported by Galway City Council and the local NGO and community sector through its umbrella organisation the Galway Community Forum, the Intercultural Forum will seek to ensure that all new communities now living in the city are involved in its cultural, social and economic development.
All Are Welcome! Teas & Coffees served on the night.
For further information, contact Oisin Kenny at 091-536844

Call for Migrant Representation onto new Taskforce on Integration of Migrant Communities into Society (Aug 2007)

Africa Centre, an organisation working among the estimated 35,000 African immigrants living in Ireland is calling upon the Minister for Integration to seek for direct representation of migrant voices in the proposed taskforce.

The organisation welcomed the announcement made yesterday by the Minster of State for Integration, Mr. Conor Lenihan, to setup a Taskforce on the Integration of migrant communities into society.

Commenting on the Minister announcement, the Director of Africa Centre, Mr. Dier Tong said today that: “migrant community organisations, by the nature of their engagement with migrants at the grass root level and their contact with statutory and non-statutory bodies, are well placed to bring about maximum impact to the work of the proposed task force on integration”. Mr. Tong Continued: “Although migrant community organisations have been actively supporting their communities, they have rarely been directly represented at the policy and decision making forums”. “We are hopeful that the minister, with the commitment and understanding he has shown during the short period since he came into office, will recognise the importance of having migrant voices directly represented on the taskforce”, Mr. Tong concluded.

It is to be recalled that the Minister made the comments yesterday announcing the setting up of a task force to look at the challenges facing foreign nationals integrating into society. Mr Lenihan said that up to 12 people would be appointed to the working group which would identify issues facing communities.
He said the committee should be up and running at the beginning of next year and it would issue recommendations within a year

Africa Centre
Tel/Fax: 01-865 6951
Email: dier@africacentre.ie

The 'African Voice' newspaper- Promoting Cultural Diversity and Integration

Want to write for the 'African Voice' newspaper?
The African Voice (Print Media) is a registered tabloid newspaper, established with the aim of promoting Cultural Diversity and Integration in Ireland. The newspaper will particularly focus on Africans in Ireland, along with more general news coverage.
So do you have a Flair for Writing? If so, the African Voice is looking for Voluntary Reporters/Contributors.
According to their statement, the African Voice is looking for interested persons that have:

• an eye for a good story
• a passion for reporting
• a knowledge and understanding of community development issues
• a reputation for accuracy
• a knowledge and understanding of Cultural Diversity and Integration.

For more information contact: The Publisher- Malcolm Eremionkhale, The African Voice. Email: infoafricanvoice@yahoo.ie. Mobile: 087-2618184

The 'African Voice' newspaper- Promoting Cultural Diversity and Integration

Want to write for the 'African Voice' newspaper?
The African Voice (Print Media) is a registered tabloid newspaper, established with the aim of promoting Cultural Diversity and Integration in Ireland. The newspaper will particularly focus on Africans in Ireland, along with more general news coverage.
So do you have a Flair for Writing? If so, the African Voice is looking for Voluntary Reporters/Contributors.
According to their statement, the African Voice is looking for interested persons that have:

• an eye for a good story
• a passion for reporting
• a knowledge and understanding of community development issues
• a reputation for accuracy
• a knowledge and understanding of Cultural Diversity and Integration.

For more information contact: The Publisher- Malcolm Eremionkhale, The African Voice. Email: infoafricanvoice@yahoo.ie. Mobile: 087-2618184

THE WHITE HORSE CHESS CLUB

Are you interested in learning the art of playing Chess???
THE WHITE HORSE CHESS CLUB,
Will take place every Wednesday from 4.30-5.30pm
in the church area of the Eglinton Hotel.
For more information contact DEMITRIY in room 108.