Local anti-racism projects receive £199,000 in grants

The first anti-racism grant scheme has distributed £199,000 and hopes to repeat that in the second round.

As part of its awareness programme, Know Racism, the Government's National Anti-Racism Programme, has so far grant-aided 134 small, community projects across the State.

Among those that were successful in the first round of awards, which were made earlier this month, were the Baldoyle Family Resource Services Centre in Dublin, the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative in Kerry and the County Roscommon Youth Service.

"The kind of proposals we got in the first round were for multi-cultural publications, intercultural drama, information seminars, media presentations and public meetings," a spokesman for the scheme said.

"Just under £200,000 might not seem an awful lot between 134 projects but the projects are mainly about raising awareness about racism at a very local level," he added.

Grants were made available under two schemes.

Some 122 projects were granted between £500 and £2,000 for smaller plans.

Twelve projects got grants of up to £7,000 for projects which could be further developed by other agencies.

The second round of grants will focus on projects planned for next year's International Day Against Racism, on May 21st.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is November 15th.

Mr Joe McDonagh, chairman of Know Racism and a former president of the GAA, said the organisation was "delighted with the level of response".

"Community groups and local organisations can play a very valuable role in promoting greater tolerance in Irish society.

"There is no place in our society for racism and where it exists we all have a duty to stamp it out."

There would be further initiatives over the coming months as part of the three-year programme, he added.

Application forms and information are available from:

The Secretary, The National Anti-Racism Awareness Programme, Room 502, 43-49 Mespil Rd, Dublin 4. Telephone: 01-6632694 or e-mail info@antiracism.gov.ie

Applications from statutory bodies or individuals are not eligible.