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The need to educate young people about racism is greater than ever before because of the growth of far-right movements across Europe. That’s according to the anti-racism charity, Show Racism the Red Card, which today (15.05.19) launched an education pack for schools, youth groups and sports clubs across Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Martina Quinn, Chairperson of Show Racism the Red Card, said: “Across Europe and the world, we have seen a growth in far-right movements in recent years. This has been accompanied by growing anti-migrant sentiments and increasing incidents of racism and xenophobia.
“Here in Ireland, where we pride ourselves on our tolerance and our traditional ‘Irish welcome’, we are starting to see some far-right forces creeping in. Some people in public life are using discriminatory statements about migrants and ethnic minorities to scaremonger and court popularity. And racist incidents still occur on the streets of our cities, towns and villages all too often.
“Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever before that we educate young people about racism and the steps they can take to challenge it. At Show Racism the Red Card, we are delighted to work with people who are in the public eye and who choose to use their position for good – to advocate for tolerance and respect, and to influence young people to speak out against racism.
“We know our new education pack will be used by hundreds of primary and secondary schools, youth groups and sports clubs throughout Ireland. As such, it will have an impact – at the most grassroots level – on tackling racism and discrimination.”
Involvement of Ireland footballers
The new education pack contains online resources and an accompanying video, featuring high-profile sportspeople such as Ireland international footballers Aiden O’Brien, Darren Randolph and David Meyler.
The pack was developed with support from the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration at the Department of Justice and Equality, as well as the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, and the Football Association of Ireland. It is available to download, free of charge, from www.theredcard.ie.
Launch by Lord Mayor of Dublin
The Show Racism the Red Card education pack was officially launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, at an event in Dublin’s Mansion House today.
Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor said: “Since it was established in 2007, Show Racism the Red Card has done excellent work in educating young people and adults about racism and how it can be challenged. The new education resources will build on all the work done with schools and youth groups over the past decade. I know they will be put to excellent use in classrooms throughout the country in the years to come.”
Show Racism the Red Card is an international anti-racism charity that was founded in the UK in 1995 with a £50 donation from Newcastle United’s Shaka Hislop. The Irish branch was established in 2006. The aim of Show Racism the Red Card is to harness the high profile of sportspeople to combat racism. The organisation works to produce anti-racism educational resources, and to educate young people through workshops and coaching activities. Further information is available at: www.theredcard.ie.
