Arab social etiquette training available in advance of refugees' arrival in Londonderry

The courses are being organised by the Council’s Good Relations team at the request of the Mayor’s Civic Action for Refugees Group and will take place on Tuesday, April 5 at the Holywell DiverseCity Building, Bishop Street, and on Monday, April 11 at St Columb’s Park House.

Encouraging people to sign up to the training which is organised under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, the Mayor says its important there is greater awareness out there of the issues facing refugees and what we can do to help prepare for their arrival next month.

“These courses are very informative and a good way of preparing ourselves for the arrival of refugees here next month. There are so many ways in which people can help make a real difference.

“In addition to the courses, the public can donate directly to the fund or can volunteer to take part in our door to door collection, or sign the petition. Every small deed will make a real difference,” said the Mayor.

Full details of this Mayoral initiative and how to register to become a volunteer visit - http://www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Mayor/Mayor-s-Initiatives/The Refugee Arabic Cultural Awareness training course taking place at the: Holywell DiverseCity Building (Bishop Street) on Tuesday, April 5 from 9.15am to 4.45pm. Delivered by Brehon Advisory this training will cover an understanding of the Syrian Essentials – refugee experiences, the challenges and concerns, and explore best practice in how host communities adapt. There will be Arabic communication and social etiquette essentials, with advice on managing prejudice, race and hate crime, and thinking about trauma awareness and mechanisms to alleviate alienation.

The second training course is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 11 at St. Columb’s Park House from 9.30am to 4.15pm. It will be delivered by the South Belfast Roundatable, in partnership with NI Muslim Family Association and others, to provide training on a range of issues relating to refugee issues in Northern Ireland and the UK, Islamic cultural awareness, the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, information on the Belfast experience and a questions and answers sessions with refugees already living in Northern Ireland.

While the courses are open to the public, priority will be given to those in direct contact with refugees in the months after their arrival and prior booking is essential. To book a place please contact [email protected] or tel 028 71 253253 ext 8225. The deadline for booking is Monday, April 4.