Welcome to NetConnect

There are approximately fifteen to twenty thousand people living in Northern Ireland who belong to a minority 'racial', ethnic or religious group. However, it is evident from our work at Bryson House Multi-Cultural Resource Centre that there is a distinct lack of awareness of the existence of these minority communities. Ignorance and a lack of understanding of the diverse religions, cultures and lifestyles of people originating from backgrounds which differ from the majority population often results in individuals being treated in a rather discriminatory and insensitive manner. This information package stems from a particular concern about the way in which services are/are not provided within the fields of education, health, welfare and social services to children of families in ethnic minority communities living in Northern Ireland. It is hoped that the factual information provided in this book will broaden readers' awareness and understanding of the possible factors and issues which may need to be taken into consideration when working with children and families from ethnic minority backgrounds. Practitioners across all disciplines who work with children may be encouraged and enabled in providing services which are more sensitive to 'race', culture and/or religion. Information about the main ethnic minority communities currently living in Northern Ireland have been included. This does not mean that those groups which have not been included, are any less important. It merely reflects the limited availability of time required to obtain such information about the smaller minority groups living here. Focus has been directed on what are considered to be the most important facts and issues pertaining to each of the groups and these have only been included after consultation with individuals from the various communities. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive account of beliefs, practices, customs and lifestyles of the various communities covered. Should the reader, therefore, require more in-depth information about any particular group, further research is recommended. To facilitate the compilation of this reference book, the facts have been presented as general guidelines. This should not, however, lead the reader to adopt a stereotyped image of any particular minority group. Culture is neither fixed nor static. As with the majority population, there can be wide variations among individuals from the same background as people adapt their lifestyles to their environment and to changing circumstance. Similarly, followers of a particular religion observe prescribed practices to varying degrees. It is, therefore, essential that practitioners ascertain individual and/or family attitudes towards religion, diet, childcare and traditional customs before giving advice or taking action. With careful use of the background information given in this pack, childcare workers will be able to adopt an ethnically and culturally more sensitive approach.