Latest Laois Event: Laois Integration Network host first-ever Intercultural Awareness Training Day
First-ever Intercultural Awareness Training Day in Portlaoise
Laois Integration Network today announced that for the first time ever, they will host an ‘Intercultural Awareness Training Day’ in Portlaoise. This event, which will focus on developing awareness of cultural assumptions as well as identifying and addressing biases will be held in the Portlaoise Parish Centre on Wednesday 14th June from 9.00am to 14.30pm. Everyone is welcome, lunch is provided and the event is free to attend. People must however register by emailing laoisintegrationnet@gmail.com or reaching out on Laois Integration Network Social Media Platforms on Facebook or Instagram. People can also register by contacting either Karen McHugh at 0879775080 or Emer Liston at 0876818117.
Karen McHugh, Chairperson of Laois Integration Network said that she greatly looks forward to welcoming both the community and service providers in Laois to this important event. Ms McHugh commented: ‘This aim of the training is to encourage individuals to explore their assumptions and preconceptions about other cultures and create awareness of own cultural heritage and how it affects individual worldviews, values and assumption. The session is designed to help individuals to reflect on their attitudes and behaviour while working/living in a diverse environment in a dynamic and thought-provoking way. We know that diversity enriches lives, but of course this has not been without its challenges. We want to help dispel the widespread myths and misconceptions around the topic of immigration and migrant integration. We greatly look forward to welcoming old and new friends to Portlaoise Parish Centre on Wednesday 14th June’, concluded Ms Karen McHugh.
Invited speakers include Dr Salome Mbugua, CEO, Akina Dada wa Africa (AkidWa), the African Migrant Women’s Network; Summayah Elizabeth Kenna, Welfare Officer with the Islamic Culture Centre of Ireland (ICCI) and a diversity officer from the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit.
An International themed lunch will be provided.
Speakers and format for the day include (some minor timetable changes may occur):
09.15 Registration & Refreshments
09.30 Karen Mc Hugh – Chair of Laois Integration Network
Welcome & Introduction to Trainers/Outline of Day
09.35 Dr Salome Mbugua – CEO AkiDwA
Areas to be covered
– Developing awareness of cultural assumptions
– Identifying & addressing biases
– Becoming culturally competent
There will be a 10 minutes convenience break – tba by Salome
12.00 Summayah Elizabeth Kenna – ICCI (Islamic Culture Centre of Ireland) Women’s Welfare Officer
13.00 Diversity Officer – Garda National Diversity & Integration Unit
– Role of the Unit
– Reporting procedures/guidelines
13.20 Conclusion – Salome Mbugua
13.30 Lunch & Networking
This event is kindly funded through the Community Integration Fund of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Everyone is welcome, lunch is provided and the event is free to attend. People must however register by emailing laoisintegrationnet@gmail.com or reaching out on Laois Integration Network Social Media Platforms on Facebook or Instagram.