‘What is Normal?’ 

A review of our Cultural Diversity Awareness Training, 14 August 2015.

Apart from a ‘GoodCraic’ training session, it was one of the finest, sunniest days that 20 people attended Cultural Diversity Awareness Workshop at South Belfast Social Enterprise Hub, Sandy Row, Belfast.  Despite the rare hot sunny day, the group were very participative and enthusiastic throughout the full day training.  The training we delivered was supported by Unite against Hate and we drew upon important research from the report, ‘Challenging Racism, ‘ by Shirlow and Montague, Queen’s University which Unite against Hate had undertaken.

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We started with an Icebreaker and very quickly the group got acquainted with each other and shared experiences of their diverse backgrounds.  We heard some amazing stories, each person’s contribution was valuable and some stories provided much humour and laughter! This was a great start to the session!

The training explored Cultural Awareness, Cultural Diversity, Cultural Differences, Culture Shock, Assumptions and working on making a Culturally Diverse Society and ran from 9:30am to 3pm.  We were delighted that participants enjoyed the session and lasted to the end on such a sunny Friday afternoon!

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As facilitators, we were rewarded in the fact that each individual participant took something from the day’s training or pledged that they would take on responsibility to encourage a culturally diverse society and we received great feedback.

‘Good to hear from the two trainers of their own experiences with backgrounds in ethnic minorities’ communities.’

‘The best part listening to the stories and experiences of the trainers.’

‘It brought me back to be reflective and that I have a responsibility to understand culture personally and professionally for my workplace.’

We had a diverse range of participants from various organisations, sectors, students and volunteers and across the province from The Rainbow Project, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Belfast City Council, An Tearmann Traveller Project, Derry City and Strabane Council, South Belfast Social Enterprise Hub, Reserves and Cadets Association, NICIE, Cruse Bereavement, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Institute for Conflict Research, Community Arts Partnership, Guide Dogs NI and British Red Cross. Such an array of diversity amongst us!

We wish to thank NVTV (Northern Visions), Belfast’s new local TV service, available on Freeview Channel 8 and Virgin Channel 159 who came to film and interview us that day and to the Cecilia and Michelle at the South Belfast Social Enterprise Hub for a friendly and supportive training venue and to our social enterprise. To view the programme please check out their archive on www.nvtv.co.uk

Interested in our training and workshops?  Contact us at info@craicni.com  or check out our website www.craicni.com and join our mailing list to keep in touch for #GoodCraic

As one participant quoted, Cultural Diversity is to be thought of as ‘What is Normal?’ to another group agreeing that there need more ‘Education’ that supports legislation and policy changes for racial diversity.  ‘Northern Ireland is a special case,’ commented one participant and its rewarding to hear from the participants how they will work on cultural diversity in N. Ireland.

Cultural Diversity Awareness Workshop Evaluation 

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