INNOVATIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME AT COIS TINEdail
An idea first discussed more than a year ago is finally bearing fruit at Cois Tine. Conversations with members of the Somali Community regarding the barriers to integration identified a number of issues.  Among them was the need for reconciliation within their own community. It was felt that the best manner in trying to deal with this would be within the in the context of a wider training course, not only for Somalis, which would also meet some of their other needs i.e. information re employment, Irish politics etc.  

A year later and after much work and planning this course is now half way through its eleven day programme.  It will culminate with the presentation of Certificates at the Cois Tine Summer Celebration on the 15th of August.

The Programme Aim is to support the integration of new communities in Cork City. This aim is in keeping with The Cork City Integration Strategy 2008 – 2011 and the guidelines of the Office of the Minister of State with special responsibility for equality, Human Rights and Integration.

The 16 participants are drawn from both the Somalian and Sudanese communities and the programme is in the style of a series of eleven workshops.  This programme is co-facilitated by Fr. Angleo Lafferty, Cois Tine and Mary Sheehy, Community Development Worker, Cork City Partnership.  The workshops focus on the topics of employment skills, politics, leadership, community, equality issues and conflict resolution. By the end of the programme participants will have gained enhanced skills in leadership, communication, conflict management and in accessing employment.  In addition they will have an increased understanding of political structures, community settings and equality issues.  All of these will allow for greater understanding and confidence to engage with the process of integration.

The photograph above was taken during a field trip to Dail Eireann during which participants were given and overview of our system of government and also met with TD’s and Senators from Cork.  Our thanks to Deirdre Clune TD, Kieran Lynch TD, Senator Dan Boyle and to Senator Gerry Buttimer who hosted the group.