Mayo Social Inclusion Week Graphic keynote panellists jpg

Cairdeas Le Chéile Conference: Building an Inclusive Mayo Together

Ballina Arts Centre
Wednesday, October 11, 9.30am – 1pm
Free admission

Mayo Says No to Racism has announced ‘Cairdeas Le Chéile: Building an Inclusive Mayo Together’, a thought-provoking seminar for Social Inclusion Awareness Week.

The conference is a partnership with Ballina 2023 and Mayo County Council and is part of the Ballina 2023 programme, and Ballina Fringe Festival 2023. 

Following the panel discussion, attendees can look forward to a Q&A session, enabling them to engage with the speakers and delve deeper into the subject matter.

Mayo Social Inclusion Week Graphic keynote speakers jpg

Speakers

The seminar will feature an impactful address by Ballina native and The New York Times’ Chief Africa Correspondent, Declan Walsh, connecting live from Kenya. 

Declan has previously covered the Middle East while stationed in Egypt, and also reported from Pakistan. His credentials include work at The Guardian, and he is the author of the book ‘The Nine Lives of Pakistan’.

Dr. John Mulloy, a lecturer specialising in Art History, Critical Theory, Rural Arts, and Arts-based Community Development at ATU, will deliver a keynote speech. 

He will also moderate a panel discussion titled “Through My Eyes,” featuring individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds sharing their personal experiences and insights on racism. 

Included on the panel are Oein DeBhairduin, Martin Angolo, Paddy Maughan, Celesta Khosta and Emanuella Ubah, a student at ATU. 

Oein is a writer, activist, and educator dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Traveller tales, sayings, retellings, and historical exchanges.

 

Community Initiatives

The seminar will also include presentations highlighting positive community initiatives supporting social inclusion in Ballina. 

Featuring will be the Karen Community Green Garden, the Ballina 2023 Volunteer Programme, and This Giant Tent, a project developed in collaboration with Ballina’s Traveller Community. 

Attendees can also anticipate entertainment and light refreshments during the event.

 

About Mayo Says No To Racism

Mayo Says No to Racism operates as a subgroup of the LCDC Social Inclusion and Community Development Working Group, chaired by Cllr Neil Cruise.

Speaking about the seminar, Cllr Cruise said: “This event promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking day, where fostering greater understanding and engagement from a diverse range of communities will be discussed.”

“As chairperson of the LCDC Social Inclusion and Community Development Working Group, I believe these types of events are key to addressing critical matters pertaining to diversity and racism.” 

Cairdeas Le Chéile’s primary objective is to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities, fostering constructive dialogue and advancing social inclusion. 

Admission to the Cairdeas Le Chéile Conference is free; however, registration is mandatory via Eventbrite to secure your spot at this event.