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!

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:

01 Chat!
Talk to people in your community- be open to new cultures and find out that we share common experience with all nationalities.

02 Have fun and learn!
Organise a party and ask guests to bring something that reflects another culture-food, music, movies or clothing.

03 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. Get the programme on www.festivalofworldcultures.com.

CLICK HERE for a Fact Sheet with more information about Racism

01 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 www.fairtrade.ie for a list of cafes and shops selling fairtrade items in your county.

02 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! www.debtireland.org.

CLICK HERE for a Fact Sheet with more information about Poverty

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 on www.worldaidsday.org.

2. What is the difference between HIV & AIDS?

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 www.avert.org or by signing up for a free special edition EIL newsletter.

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 www.avert.org.

CLICK HERE for a Fact Sheet with more information about HIV&AIDS

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