This story was first published on March 23^th, 2007.

Coffee Morning: attended by Benedicta Attoh of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI)

As part of Intercultural and Anti-Racism Week, B.I.G (Ballymun Intercultural Group) held a coffee morning in the Ballymun Partnership on Tuesday, March 20th.

The purpose of this event was to highlight the theme of the week which is Improving services to Minority Ethnic Groups and Benedicta Attoh from the NCCRI gave a presentation on cultural diversity and service provision. She highlighted her own personal experience of coming to Ireland from Nigeria and outlined some of the cultural barriers that exist. She also offered suggestions on how these can be overcome. Her positive experience in living and working in Ireland was stressed during the talk. There was an opportunity for people in the audience to ask questions and some of the issues raised was in relation to racist crime and also how best to include immigrants in the local area in local events.

Pictured above are Benedicta Attoh (NCCRI), seated, and Ann Scully (B.I.G) with some of the audience.

B.I.G will host another two events during the week:

• A Breakfast meeting for Employers and HR Managers
• Diversity Awareness Training

For more information on the week please visit www.nccri.ie.