Every person has a culture – the many customs and beliefs that shape our perspectives and create a lens through which we see others.
In this training section, there is a selection of evidence-based, engaging materials designed by experienced educators with in-depth knowledge of educational exclusion, marginalisation, racism, and oppression.
The programmes and materials in this section aim to give participants an insight into:
- How having refugee status impacts integration and participation in Irish society.
- The barriers that exist for refugees; personal, social, economic.
Using participative, dialogic, arts-based, and collaborative approaches, we anticipate that using our training materials in your organisation will help participants;
- To understand the plight of refugees and people seeking asylum.
- Be critically aware of people seeking asylum in Ireland.
- To question our inbuilt bias towards asylum seekers and refugees.
- To develop solidarity towards refugees and people seeking asylum in Ireland.
*Each session can be used independently or as a series of sessions.
Session 1 – Deconstructed
Deconstructed is a 3.5-minute artistic video about how peoples’ identity is deconstructed in the protection process, particularly the Direct Provision system. The accompanying guide is to support facilitators in delivering an interactive 1hr cultural awareness session (online or in-person) based on community education principles, using ‘Deconstructed’ as a focal point to explore concepts such as stigmatisation and oppression in relation to refugees.
Download session 1 resources: Session 1
Session 2 – ‘That 19 euro?’
That 19 Euro delves into the harsh realities of survival on a mere €19 per week through this thought-provoking 2.5-minute video. The accompanying guide supports facilitators in leading an interactive 1-hour cultural awareness session that explores the impact of limited financial resources on opportunities and agency for refugees.
Download session 2 resources: Session 2
Session 3 – How to Talk about Race and Racism – with Lilian Nwanze and Zoryana Pshyk
In this 45-minute dialogue, educators Lilian Nwanze and Zoryana Pshyk discuss how, while the subject of racial inequality might be a difficult conversation to have, through creating space to engage with each other, we can dismantle racist belief systems. They highlight the importance of not shying away from having these conversations and model how thoughtful dialogue about racism as well as reflection on privilege, can lead to more culturally inclusive work and learning places. A must-watch for any individual or organisation serious about inclusion.
The accompanying guide contains questions to support educators in facilitating a critical discussion on the topics raised by Lilian and Zoryana in the video.
Download session 3 resources: Session 3