EIL Intercultural Learning

Despite our growing multiculturism and the relative strength of our economy racism, poverty and HIV & AIDS continue to be issues in contemporary Ireland. Read on for 5 minutes and find out how you can inform yourself, contribute to awareness and become involved in making change.

Global issues like poverty, racism and HIV & AIDS are big challenges. Sometimes you may feel like there is nothing you can do… but there is! A lot! Every one of us can make a difference. And it doesn’t have to take long!

Take 5 minutes and see what you can do. The first step is always the most difficult. Yet just by reading through this information you are making a start. If you learn something new, why not share it with friends or family? Learn even more by logging onto one of the websites listed. Then, how about trying out one of the action ideas?

If you would like more ideas, whether you have just a few minutes or are considering volunteering at home or abroad, get in touch with us today!

Racism

Why didn’t the racists cross the road?
They were afraid of the other side!

Sometimes we don’t realise that what we are saying is actually offensive and racist. Stereotyping can be insulting.

Next time you hear someone tell a racist joke, ask yourself how you would feel if it was about you, explain to them that racism is ignorant, it hurts people and incites hatred. Here are some interesting ways to learn about other cultures:

• Chat! - Talk to people in your community; be open to new cultures and find out that we share common experience with all nationalities.
• Have fun and learn! - Organise a party and ask guests to bring something that reflects another culture: food, music, movies or clothing.
• Get involved! - Become involved in festivals and fundraising events that celebrate differences between cultures such as the Festival of World Cultures in Dublin every summer.

Would you like to learn a little more about racism? What it is, it’s impacts on people, racism in Ireland and what you can do about it?

Poverty

Half the world – nearly 3 billion people – live on less than $2 a day.

• Buy FairTrade! - Ask your canteen/local café/shop to stock a fairtrade version of your favourite food! Fairtrade means fair price and conditions for workers. Check out the Irish FairTrade website for a list of cafes and shops selling fairtrade items in your county.
• E-Mail! - Countries that are paying unfair debts cannot afford to invest in health, education or welfare and so are stuck in the poverty trap. In a matter of minutes you could send a campaign letter through Debt and Development Coalition Ireland to ask for this debt to be stopped!

Would you like to learn a little more about poverty?, find out about it's impacts, what are the Millennium Development Goals set out to combat poverty and whether we're meeting them, find out about poverty in Ireland and what you can do about it?

HIV & AIDS

1. What colour ribbon is a symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV & AIDS?
A: Red
B: Purple
C: Green

Answer - A. Wear one in solidarity or put one on your website. You can get a virtual red ribbon at World AIDS Day.

2. What is the difference between HIV & AIDS?< br /> A: There’s no difference- HIV and AIDS are the same thing.
B: HIV is a virus that can develop into AIDS

Answer - B. You can find out lots more by checking out our page on HIV and AIDS.

3. How many people globally are living with HIV?
A: 1.5 million
B: 10 million
C: 33.2 million

Answer - C. The majority live in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, HIV is found in all parts of the world- there are over 4000 people in Ireland living with HIV. Organisations such as Open Heart House offer many support services. Contact them on 01 830 5000 or at 2 St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7.

4. What age group are most affected by HIV?
A: 45-60
B: 5-14
C: 15-25

Answer - C. Young people account for half of all new HIV infections worldwide- more than 6000 contract the virus every day. Education plays a vital role in preventing HIV infection and confronting stigma and discrimination.

5. A person can get HIV through:
A: Kissing
B: Exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids
C: Sharing cups

Answer - B.You cannot get HIV through kissing or casual everyday contact such as sharing food, utensils, shaking hands or touching the same objects. Get all the facts from AVERT.

Would you like to learn a little more about HIV & AIDS? Find out the facts, it's impact on the Developing World and here in Ireland and what you can do about it?

If you would like more free information on Poverty, HIV & AIDS or Racism, contact us at (021) 455 1535 EIL Intercultural Learning, 1 Empress Place, Summerhill North, Cork. E-mail: info@eilireland.org

Free items include:

• Detailed information handout on the themes
• Development Education Newsletter
• More action ideas!
• Workshop ideas on the themes for youth groups
• E-mail alerts on events and public actions

Supported by: