Refugee Awareness and Arabic Culture Programme was a great success
July 10, 2017
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council recently hosted an ‘Arabic Cultural Awareness Small Worlds Café’ event at the Bridge Community Centre as part of the Council’s Good Relations Programme.
Participants came from a range of different backgrounds including the community, voluntary and statutory sector. Altogether 65 people attended the day, which was facilitated by partners such as South Belfast Round Table, Bryson House and the Northern Ireland Muslim Family Association.
This event was part funded by the Executive Office and was aimed at those who work in the field of racial equality and ethnicity or who have a passion for culture and education. Its main aim was to promote diversity and understanding in both the Lisburn Castlereagh area and across Northern Ireland.
The Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow, welcoming the participants said: “It is a great pleasure to be here today and have the opportunity to learn more about the plight of the Syrian Refugees and the Vulnerable Person Relocation Scheme. Events such as this certainly put their hardships into context and help us understand what they are going through as we lead our daily lives.
“It is inspirational to see how the community has come together to welcome those who have arrived in our city and beyond. Events such as this showcase the partnership working between local and central government. I have high aspirations that we will continue as a Council area to make everyone feel welcome in Lisburn Castlereagh and Northern Ireland.
The afternoon session ran as a Small Worlds workshop, which is a café-style event hosted by members of Belfast Friendship Club. It offers a safe meeting space for people to encounter people from different backgrounds and parts of the world.
For further information on future events, please contact: Lynsey Gray, Good Relations Officer on Tel: 028 9244 7818 or Email: lynsey.gray@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk