Who we are
Cultúr is a community work organization working across Co. Meath with ethnic minorities including immigrants, migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees.
Introduction to the organisation
Cultúr is a regional community organization based in counties Meath and Louth, working with ethnic minorities including immigrants, migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees.
Introduction to the problem / challenge that they address
In 2000 for the first time in Irish history, Ireland experienced inward migration from countries around the world including Eastern Europe, Asia, The Middle East, and Africa. There was very little awareness amongst the wider community of the new
communities and cultures arriving. When the remote and isolated Direct Provision centre was established in Mosney, Co Meath, there were little to no supports either for the new communities to understand Irish culture or for the local community to
integrate the new communities.
Turning point in the development of the organisation/ project
Local community leaders, both Irish and immigrant, got together to start supporting the new communities, including people living in Ireland’s largest Direct Provision centre in Mosney, and the newly arrived Eastern European migrants who came to
work in the rural communities in Co Meath. Cultúr was established to support migrant communities who were experiencing poverty and social isolation, due to little or no English language, and discrimination.
Solution that we offer
Cultúr started by offering support such as conversational English classes, mother and toddler groups, women’s groups, and a drop-in-centre for information and referral in multiple languages. Originally a volunteer lead group, in 2004 Cultúr became a registered charitable entity, started to receive funding, and was in a position to hire staff and develop and grow the support for the communities of Meath and Louth. Now a one-stop centre for the new communities and the local community to support and promote integration, inter-cultural awareness and mutual understanding, Cultúr uses a community development approach to address social justice issues and the challenges faced by ethnic minorities and disadvantaged communities. Cultúr is a multi-cultural lead organisation and has a passionate and diverse team, representing people from cultures around the world.
Resolution – vision for the future
In 2021 we supported over 2000 people from 55 countries. Our aim is to acquire on-
going core-funding that will allow us to develop and grow as an organisation and to
realise our vision.
Our vision is to have a well-resourced community hub for the migrant and new
communities. Our vision is build awareness of our services and supports both
amongst the local and new communities. Our vision is to expand our dedicated team
of professionals and to have a full-time staff of 10 by 2025.
Vision
An equal and intercultural Co. Meath where ethnic minorities and their families are included and respected.
Mission
To promote the empowerment, participation, self determination and rights of ethnic minorities who experience or are at risk of poverty, social exclusion and racism.
Belief
We believe that by working together in solidarity with ethnic minorities and others we can achieve real social change.We are inspired by our Core Principles and Values
- A commitment to working towards an anti racist and intercultural society.
- A focus on an equality framework which is anti racist, anti sexist, with a class analysis and promotes the social inclusion of ethnic minorities.
- An emphasis on a community work approach to our work.
- A commitment to the empowerment and participation of ethnic minorities.
- A capacity and willingness to working in solidarity with others seeking to promote the rights of ethnic minorities through a shared vision and ethos.
Goals
- Goal 1: Community Work
- To use a community work approach to engage with and empower ethnic minorities in Co. Meath, building participation and collective action, supporting ethnic minorities as agents for social change on issues identified by ethnic minorities themselves.
- Goal 2: Human Rights
- To use a human rights framework to ensure ethnic minorities are aware of and can exercise their rights as equal members of the community and that duty bearers are made aware of their responsibilities in this regard.
- Goal 3: Policy Work
- To influence and contribute to policy development on issues affecting ethnic minorities, facilitating their equal participation and representation in order to address their needs and interests.
- Goal 4: Organisational Development
- To continue to develop Cultúr as a valued local community work organisation that has resources, structures and policies to achieve its aims and is accountable to all its stakeholders.
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