Mayor Elisha McCallion
TO assist with the arrival of a group of Syrian refugees into the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, two free training courses that will help give key community and statutory workers, volunteers and interested individuals a better understanding of their needs and create better awareness of the situation in Syria, are being held.
The courses are being organised by the Council’s Good Relations team at the request of the Mayor’s Civic Action for Refugees Group and will take place on Tuesday, 05 April at the Holywell Diversecity Building, Bishop Street, and on Monday, 11 April at St Columb’s Park House.
Encouraging people to sign up to the training which is organised under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, the Mayor says its important there is greater awareness out there of the issues facing refugees and what we can do to help prepare for their arrival next month.
The Mayor encouraging people to sign up to the courses said it was a good way of making a positive difference ahead of the arrival of refugees to the area.
She said the Civic Action Group has been very proactive in looking at options for the long-term sustainability of welcoming the refugees to the city and district.
“These courses are very informative and a good way of preparing ourselves for the arrival of refugees here next month.
“There are so many ways in which people can help make a real difference. In addition to the courses, the public can donate directly to the fund or can volunteer to take part in our door to door collection, or sign the petition.
“Every small deed will make a real difference,” she said.
Full details of this Mayoral initiative and how to register to become a volunteer visit –http://www.derrystrabane.com/mayor/initiatives.
The Refugee Arabic Cultural Awareness training course taking place at the: Holywell Diversecity Building (Bishop Street) on Tuesday, 05 April from 9.15am to 4.45 pm.
Delivered by Brehon Advisory this training will cover an understanding of the Syrian Essentials – refugee experiences, the challenges and concerns, and explore best practice in how host communities adapt.
There will be Arabic communication and social etiquette essentials, with advice on managing prejudice, race and hate crime, and thinking about trauma awareness and mechanisms to alleviate alienation.
The second training course is scheduled to take place on Monday 11 April at St. Columb’s Park House from 9.30am to 4.15pm.
It will be delivered by the South Belfast Roundatable, in partnership with NI Muslim Family Association and others, to provide training on a range of issues relating to refugee issues in Northern Ireland and the UK, Islamic cultural awareness, the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, information on the Belfast experience and a questions and answers sessions with refugees already living in here.
While the courses are open to the public, priority will be given to those in direct contact with refugees in the months after their arrival and prior booking is essential.
To book a place please contact[email protected] or tel 028 71 253253 ext 8225. The deadline for booking is Monday 04 April.
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