Stronger voice needed within intercultural dialogue
23 Oct 2008 02:49 PM
A major European conference which took place today in Dublin has highlighted the role of adult education in promoting a more intercultural dialogue and an intercultural society. However, real concerns were expressed by a number of speakers in the wake of last weeks budget, as to how this voice could be strengthened. AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation organised the conference to mark the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and over 200 organistions active in adult and community education were in attendance .
This year's budget has seen a number of agencies working for human rights and equality experience substantial budget cuts. Speaking at the conference, Berni Brady, AONTAS Director, said she was 'deeply concerned about the adult and community education sector, which is already vulnerable to funding cuts.'
Sean Haughey TD, Minister for Lifelong Learning, referred to the Department of Integrations plan for an intercultural education strategy. Minister Haughey said that 'as this process continues, the adult education sector will take an active role in helping to shape an intercultural education strategy which fully acknowledges that we are living in a an era of lifelong learning in a richly diverse Ireland.' The Minister also emphasised the need for new immigrants to Ireland to have access to English language skills.
Philip Watt, Director of the NCCRI (National Committee of Racism and Interculturalism) spoke about additional educational challenges facing new immigrants - for example the loss of their heritage language, the substantial cost of attending third level education, and the issue of qualification recognition. Although Mr Watt acknowledged the development of integration initiatives, particularly within local communities, he condemned the cutbacks in last weeks budget, which have affected the Equality Authority, the Human Rights Commission, and the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism. 'After ten years of working in the area of integration, what kind of message is this sending,' he asked?
The keynote address at the conference was given by Bashy Quraishy, from ENAR (The European Network Against Racism). Mr Quraishy spoke about the need for a change in mindset when it comes to integration policies. 'Majority defines the discourse; dictates the terms and refuses to listen' he said. The majority asks the minorities to integrate without making any effort to do the same. The present official integration policy in most European countries is again prescribed by the majority which sets strict conditions, provides few opportunities and often ignores to consult the minorities. On top of this, the blame for the lack of successful integration is squarely put on the doorstep of minorities by claiming: They do not want to integrate.'
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Niamh Farren
087 911 0569
