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 has launched an education pack for schools, youth groups and sports clubs across Ireland.
Speaking at the launch in the Mansion House, 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.”
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.
It 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’s available to download, free of charge, from www.theredcard.ie.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring launched the education pack.
“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,” he said.
“ 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.”
