AN INTERAGENCY event to support members of the Black and Minority Ethic communities in Donegal into employment is being held in Letterkenny next week.

The purpose of the interagency group is to support effective and appropriate pathways to work, including entrepreneurship and self-employment, for women and men from Black and minority ethnic communities in County Donegal. 

Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP), and Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), who act as joint secretariat for the countywide action subgroup, worked alongside other members of the BME interagency group, to organise this information session ‘Supporting Pathways to Work’ in The Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny on Wednesday April 17th.

The event, which will take place from 10am until 1pm, is open to all members of Black and Minority Ethnic [BME] communities across Donegal, is also supported by the EUBelong project.

As part of the session there will be multiple local agencies who will support you on your journey into employment/self employment including Donegal Intercultural Platform and Donegal County Council Social Inclusion team.

Balume Amstrong Dube from Donegal Intercultural Platform (DIP) applauded the interagency approach in supporting the Black and Minority Ethnic [BME] communities in Donegal.

“The collaboration of public bodies in Donegal to bring about easier access to employment for marginalised and minority groups is indeed positive and progressive,” added Balume.

“In unity lies strength. Let us collaborate to empower and uplift the BME communities in Donegal, by fostering pathways to work and brighter futures.” 

Free transport will be available from Inishowen, booking via IDP, and other parts of Donegal through DLDC.  There will also be interpreters in Arabic, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian languages available on the day to provide assistance.

Christina O’Donnell, Donegal EU Belong project coordinator, says working in collaboration on projects like ‘Supporting Pathways to Work’ as part of EUBelong is essential for delivering the Black and Minority Ethnic Inclusion Strategy for County Donegal.

“Together, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all,” added Christina.

The community and statutory agencies involved in the event that day are Atlantic Technological University, Citizens Information, DCC Library Services, DCC Local Authority Integration Team, Department of Social Protection, Donegal County Childcare Committee, Donegal ETB, Donegal Local Development Company, Donegal Local Enterprise Office, Donegal Intercultural Platform, Donegal Travellers Project, the Donegal Volunteer Centre and Inishowen Development Partnership.

Though transport is free, it is also limited so booking is necessary via the link below

People coming from the Inishowen Area (IDP):

www.docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaUdlqjOsUrQn7rubRFaJNEM1tDRqX9D08-wzF4MhNyaeS8g/viewform