The Racial Equality Subgroup condemns the recent hate crime perpetrated against

Takura Makoni in Finaghy, South Belfast. The appalling graffiti attack on his home,

bearing the message “Taura [sic] not welcome,” is a stark reminder of the intolerance

and bigotry that still exists in our society.

Takura Makoni, a respected member of our community and a vital contributor to our

work within the Racial Equality Subgroup, has demonstrated resilience, dignity, and

grace in the face of this act of hate. Takura’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and

understanding is steadfast and serves as an inspiration to us all.

We stand in solidarity with Takura, his family, and all others experiencing such harms.

We offer our unwavering support and condemn all forms of racism and discrimination.

As members of the Racial Equality Subgroup, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting

diversity, equality, and respect within our community. Together, we will continue our

efforts to create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and accepted.

For and on behalf of the Racial Equality Subgroup,

Susan Russam MBE

Chairperson of Racial Equality Subgroup

 

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month.  

Eating a lot of red and processed meat increases your risk of bowel cancer.

If you eat more than 90g of red or processed meat a day, it’s recommended to reduce your intake to 70g or less a day.

You can do this by eating smaller portions of red and processed meat, eating these meats less often or swapping them for alternatives.

Find out more at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/red-meat-and-the-risk-of-bowel-cancer/

 

 

I am delighted to be speaking at the Black Leadership Group’s annual conference on 21st March.

It is called Tracks, Trails and Threads: Courageous Leadership in a Fractured World, and will take place across five venues UK-wide – in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London – and online.

This unique and high profile hybrid event, coinciding with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, will bring together people to discuss and shape actions for achieving an anti-racist society and ethnic equity for all.

Through a thought-provoking blend of tracks, trails and threads, keynotes, provocations, roundtable conversations, case studies, collaborative research, and calls to action, the conference will:

explore with us the role and imperative of courageous leadership in the fight for an anti-racist world
hear from trailblazers that are challenging the status quo, by pushing boundaries with initiatives on anti-racism that are making a difference
learn how system leaders are proactively applying the BLG 10 Point Plan to embed an anti-racist culture
discover how educational leaders are invested in co-creation using the anti-racist principles and tools developed to galvanise the energy and talent of teachers, students, and communities
gain opportunities to consider the applicability of the anti-racist lens within different global contexts
learn about the role of artificial intelligence applications in profiling bias and racial prejudice in recruitment, promotion and training
take back to your organisation vital publications to inform your anti-racist strategy

Sponsored by Google for Education, the event is aimed at leaders and practitioners from all levels and backgrounds who share a desire to heal division, eliminate racism and advance anti-racism to create and sustain a more equitable society. It is for individuals and organisations in public and private, civil society, specialist sectors such as education, health, creative. Human Resource professionals. Researchers. Decision-makers. Influencers and thought leaders.

Courageous leadership is at the centre of our BLG conference conversations that are designed to be both provocative and optimistic. The challenge for leaders and their organisations is no longer about being “not racist”. The contemporary question is “How anti-racist are we?”

Join me and my colleagues on 21st March and be part of the change.

For more information and to register, visit the event page at swiy.co/blgconf24

 

Change Studentship for MA Curating Collections and Heritage. University of Brighton
The University of Brighton is pleased to announce for a sixth year their MA studentship award (a fees waiver, mentoring support scheme and £3,000 bursary to support personal costs). The studentship is open to an African diaspora, Asian diaspora or ethnically diverse student to join the 2024/25 cohort of the MA Curating Collections and Heritage course https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/curating-collections-and-heritage-ma.aspx (a course run in partnership between the University of Brighton and Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-finance/postgraduate/uk-students/scholarships/change-studentship.aspx. www.brighton.ac.uk/change-studentship
Please note that the deadline for applications is 1 July 11.59pm UK time.

Please direct informal enquiries to the course convenor, Dr Claire Wintle (c.wintle@brighton.ac.uk).

 

One of the best ways of bonding with your children is hair.
Mums and Dads, book a day and spend it bonding over hair with your girls and boys.

We are hosting our 1st Curl Care boot Camp for parents and their Kids.

You will learn and discover easy, simple , suitable and healthy ways to care for their curls and how they can do it on their own as well.

We will advise and recommend products suitable to use

We will teach simple, tension free and easy hairstyles which you can do at home when taking breaks from braids.

There will be coffee, tea, snacks all at £10.

Call/ Text email to book a slot.

 

ACSONI, a community-based organization in Northern Ireland, seeks proposals from qualified and experienced formative evaluation partners to actively engage in and support the delivery of our strategic project, generously funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT).

Project Overview: 

ACSONI aims to enhance community resilience and tackle racial inequalities among individuals from Africa, the Caribbean, and other families in Northern Ireland. The project, funded by JRCT, commenced in September 2023, and is set to continue for 24 months.

Project Goals:

1. Addressing racial discrimination and disparities.
2. Influencing positive changes in mindset and behaviours towards minority groups.
3. Addressing health and education inequalities.
4. Responding to proposed actions in The Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).

Key Activities:

1. Community Cohesion:

Building capacity among diverse groups actively engaged in the project.

Advocating for cultural identity groups, considering Brexit and the NI protocol implications.

2. Advocacy:

Addressing BREXIT-related issues and complex service access.

Leveraging ENAR membership for ongoing racial justice advocacy.

Enhancing victim support services for victims of racist attacks.

3. Policy and Strategic Challenges:

Strengthening advocacy, structural reforms, and ongoing policy analysis.

Supporting existing strategic work through continuous staff and program development.

4. New Areas of Strategic Work:

Addressing systemic failures highlighted by Black Lives Matter campaigns.

Responding to COVID-19 exacerbated inequalities in mental health.

Advocating for justice, health, and education reforms.

Expected Outcomes:

Establishing partnerships to provide counselling services.

Raising awareness of UN-DPAD 2015-2024.

Providing continuous opportunities for BME people in decision-making.

Measuring Outputs:

Continual community outreach and empowerment programs.

Forming a dynamic community consortium for sustained collaboration.

Ongoing advocacy for racial attacks and services access.

Implementing and adapting a racism-free zone charter proposal with continuous cultural competence training.

Scope of Work for Formative Evaluation Partner: 

The selected partner will be actively engaged in the following areas:

• Ongoing formative evaluation to inform project adjustments and improvements.
• Continuous assessment of project goals and objectives.
• Real-time data collection and analysis using both quantitative and qualitative measures.
• Active engagement with project stakeholders, including community members, staff, and partners.
• Providing immediate and actionable recommendations for continuous project enhancement.

Expected Evaluation Criteria:

• Active participation in planning and execution of project activities.
• Efficient real-time resource management, including financial, human, and material resources.
• Continuous stakeholder involvement and engagement.
• Implementation of a robust and adaptive monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Real-time positive community impact.
• Efforts made to enhance organizational capacity throughout the project.
• Adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Continuous learning from project activities and documentation of lessons learned.
• Demonstrated sustainability strategies.
• Clear and adaptive communication strategies, ensuring ongoing project visibility.
• Openness to real-time feedback and willingness to adapt.

Interested Formative Evaluation Partners Should Possess: 

A. Demonstrated experience in actively evaluating and contributing to the development of community-based projects, particularly in Northern Ireland. 

B. Expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a focus on real-time assessment. 

C. Familiarity with the Northern Ireland community development landscape.

Submission Requirements: 

A. Detailed proposal outlining the approach to ongoing formative evaluation and engagement. 

B. Resume/CV of key personnel assigned to the ongoing evaluation and engagement. C. Sample of a previous project’s formative evaluation report. 

D. Cost estimate: total cost of the tender engagement should not exceed £15,000.00.

Timeline:

Proposal Submission Deadline: (17^th March 2024)

Selection Notification: (1^st April 2024)

Submission Instructions: 

Please submit proposals electronically to the Business Manager at Businessmanager@acsoni.org by the submission deadline.

ACSONI looks forward to receiving your detailed tenders for this ongoing formative evaluation partnership.

ADVERT INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POST OF

CHAIR – BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ACSONI (African and Caribbean Support Organisation of

Northern Ireland)

ACSONI is an autonomous community-based organisation formed in 2003 with a proactive

approach towards targeting needs and facilitating belonging among individuals in Northern

Ireland from the migrant community, specifically anyone with roots in the continent of Africa

and the Caribbean.

ACSONI is seeking to recruit a volunteer to fill the role of Chair of Board of Trustees with

immediate effect. We welcome application from anyone who believes that they have the

skills, competencies and experience to lead this charity through the fulfilment of its Vision

and Mission. Members of the Board of Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and applicants

are being invited to apply based on the understanding that it is a non-salaried post.

Duration of Role

The appointment will be for 3 years (pursuant to the ACSONI Constitution).

The Purpose of ACSONI

ACSONI delivers programmes and services that improve the well-being of people from African

and Caribbean traditions in Northern Ireland. ACSONI is committed to serving the AC

Community with respect and dignity. Our focus is to help individuals to overcome the social

challenges, including social exclusion and build a greater sense of inclusion and integration

into Northern Ireland.

ACSONI advocates on behalf of individuals to alleviate the everyday pressures experienced by

those in the AC Community who are socially and economically disadvantaged. ACSONI also

assists in the preservation and promotion of African & Caribbean peoples’ identity and

cultural heritage, conveyed through arts, educational and cultural programmes, as well as the

intercultural exchanges, which aid in the wider integration and inclusion process and our on-

going fight against racism in Northern Ireland.

We work collaboratively with other agencies and community groups to support the rights,

interdependence and choices of our members and service users.

ACSONI’s Story:

We are an extraordinary organisation with a diverse group of passionate workers and

volunteers who are approachable and friendly. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our

members. We are caring, supportive, engaging, open-minded and embracing of differences

within the African and Caribbean community and beyond.

ACSONI’S Mission:

To promote unity and collaboration to support, advocate and empower our communities in

Northern Ireland

ACSONI’S Vision:

To develop an equitable African and Caribbean inclusive cultureValues

The following values inform and underpin the work of ACSONI:

• Inclusive

• Collaborative

• Supportive

• Authentic

JOB DESCRIPTION AND ROLE SPECIFICATION

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will have responsibility in the following areas:

1. Governance

a. Chairing the bi-monthly meeting of Trustees & Annual General Meeting

b. Ensuring that organisation status, as charity is kept current with Charities

Commission and HMRC.

2. Management

a. Line management of Business Manager/senior staff at office

b. Facilitating and leading weekly staff check-in & monitoring staff roles

c. Monitoring financial activities and payroll

3. Leading

a. Building relationship with staff and encouraging trustee engagement

b. Supporting volunteer recruitment and deployment

c. Articulating and modelling the way of the organisation values, drive and

direction

4. Representation

a. Representing ACSONI at official events

b. Networking with leaders and representatives from state, NGO’s and

community organisations

c. Representing organisation on state and community bodies

5. Planning

a. Guiding development of strategic plan and positioning of organisation in the

community

b. Guiding financial sustainability and Identifying funding opportunities

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential Criteria

• An understanding of responsibilities of trusteeship

• Excellent leadership and management skills

• Active Listening skills

• A good understanding of the issues facing the African and Caribbean communities and

an awareness of minority rights issues and an understanding of equality.

• The ability to develop positive working relationships, particularly when working

virtually• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written and possess the confidence

to advocate on behalf of the community ACSONI serves, communicate at all levels and

across communities, government and other public bodies, private enterprises and

non-profit organisations

PESONAL QUALITIES

• Ability to motivate and energise others

• Emotional intelligence

• Committed to social justice and human rights

• Commitment to learning and growing.

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and covering letter with a short paragraph on why you believe you are suited

to this role, addressed to The Secretary, ACSONI, 9 Lower Crescent, BT7 1

The University of Edinburgh is offering up to 30 scholarships for full-time postgraduate taught programmes (Masters) starting in September 2024, as part of our new Education Beyond Borders initiative.
More information, including the application form can be found here:https://www.ed.ac.uk/global/education-beyond-borders/displaced-student-scholarship
Applications are open until Monday 4th March 2024.

Eligibility criteria:
Must live in the UK and hold one of the following statuses:
Asylum Seeker
Refugee
Humanitarian Protection
Dependant of any of the above
Listed resettlement scheme
Not have a degree at the same level or higher from a UK university
Meet the entry requirements for postgraduate admission to their chosen programme of study at the University of Edinburgh.

Thank you for your support in helping us spread the word and make a positive impact on the lives of displaced students. Any questions, please contact the team at educationbeyondborders@ed.ac.uk
Many thanks 😊

ADVERT INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POST OF

CHAIR – BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ACSONI (African and Caribbean Support Organisation of

Northern Ireland)

ACSONI is an autonomous community-based organisation formed in 2003 with a proactive

approach towards targeting needs and facilitating belonging among individuals in Northern

Ireland from the migrant community, specifically anyone with roots in the continent of Africa

and the Caribbean.

ACSONI is seeking to recruit a volunteer to fill the role of Chair of Board of Trustees with

immediate effect. We welcome application from anyone who believes that they have the

skills, competencies and experience to lead this charity through the fulfilment of its Vision

and Mission. Members of the Board of Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and applicants

are being invited apply based on the understanding that it is a non-salaried post.

Duration of Role

The appointment will be for 3 years (pursuant to the ACSONI Constitution).

The Purpose of ACSONI

ACSONI delivers programmes and services that improve the well-being of people from African

and Caribbean traditions in Northern Ireland. ACSONI is committed to serving the AC

Community with respect and dignity. Our focus is to help individuals to overcome the social

challenges, including social exclusion and build a greater sense of inclusion and integration

into Northern Ireland.

ACSONI advocates on behalf of individuals to alleviate the everyday pressures experienced by

those in the AC Community who are socially and economically disadvantaged. ACSONI also

assists in the preservation and promotion of African & Caribbean peoples’ identity and

cultural heritage, conveyed through arts, educational and cultural programmes, as well as the

intercultural exchanges, which aid in the wider integration and inclusion process and our on-

going fight against racism in Northern Ireland.

We work collaboratively with other agencies and community groups to support the rights,

interdependence and choices of our members and service users.

ACSONI’s Story:

We are an extraordinary organisation with a diverse group of passionate workers and

volunteers who are approachable and friendly. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our

members. We are caring, supportive, engaging, open-minded and embracing of differences

within the African and Caribbean community and beyond.

ACSONI’S Mission:

To promote unity and collaboration to support, advocate and empower our communities in

Northern Ireland

ACSONI’S Vision:

To develop an equitable African and Caribbean inclusive cultureValues

The following values inform and underpin the work of ACSONI:

• Inclusive

• Collaborative

• Supportive

• Authentic

JOB DESCRIPTION AND ROLE SPECIFICATION

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will have responsibility in the following areas:

1. Governance

a. Chairing the bi-monthly meeting of Trustees & Annual General Meeting

b. Ensuring that organisation status, as charity is kept current with Charities

Commission and HMRC.

2. Management

a. Line management of Business Manager/senior staff at office

b. Facilitating and leading weekly staff check-in & monitoring staff roles

c. Monitoring financial activities and payroll

3. Leading

a. Building relationship with staff and encouraging trustee engagement

b. Supporting volunteer recruitment and deployment

c. Articulating and modelling the way of the organisation values, drive and

direction

4. Representation

a. Representing ACSONI at official events

b. Networking with leaders and representatives from state, NGO’s and

community organisations

c. Representing organisation on state and community bodies

5. Planning

a. Guiding development of strategic plan and positioning of organisation in the

community

b. Guiding financial sustainability and Identifying funding opportunities

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential Criteria

• An understanding of responsibilities of trusteeship

• Excellent leadership and management skills

• Active Listening skills

• A good understanding of the issues facing the African and Caribbean communities and

an awareness of minority rights issues and an understanding of equality.

• The ability to develop positive working relationships, particularly when working

virtually• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written and possess the confidence

to advocate on behalf of the community ACSONI serves, communicate at all levels and

across communities, government and other public bodies, private enterprises and

non-profit organisations

PESONAL QUALITIES

• Ability to motivate and energise others

• Emotional intelligence

• Committed to social justice and human rights

• Commitment to learning and growing.

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and covering letter with a short paragraph on why you believe you are suited

to this role, addressed to The Secretary, ACSONI, 9 Lower Crescent, BT7 1NR. Applications may be

sent via email to admin@acsoni.org.

Deadline: 9th February 2024