The University of Edinburgh is offering up to 30 scholarships for full-time postgraduate taught programmes (Masters) starting in September 2024: Education Beyond Borders initiative

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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)

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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

ACSONI & JoinHer Network – Black History Showcase 2023 Closing Reception

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ACSONI and JoinHer Network partnered for the 2nd year in a row to bring the Black History Showcase to Belfast once again. This time the showcase ran from the 14th to the 21st October and it was hosted by Artcetera Studios which happens to be next door to the First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street in Belfast.
Belfast City Council recently unveiled a statue commemorating legendary American Abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The statue stands near the First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street; a site which itself holds significance for not only hosting Douglass during his time in Belfast, but also was the base of the successful outcry against slave ships being commissioned in Belfast in the late 18th century, some 50 years before Frederick Douglass’ arrival. Douglass, a widely renowned orator, gave many speeches at the invitation of the Belfast Anti-Slavery Society.
It was poignant to have a closing reception for the exhibition only s stones throw from the statue of Frederick Douglass.
We were joined by our friends in the community as well as at an institutional level. Our friends from PSNI, National Museums Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council came to show their support for Black History Month and we are humbled and grateful for the time they sacrificed to spend with us last Saturday afternoon.
The First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street; a site which itself holds significance for not only hosting Douglass during his time in Belfast, but also was the base of the successful outcry against slave ships being commissioned in Belfast in the late 18th century, some 50 years before Frederick Douglass’ arrival. Douglass, a widely renowned orator, gave many speeches at the invitation of the Belfast Anti-Slavery Society. It was poignant to have a closing reception for the exhibition only a stones throw from the statue of Frederick Douglass.
Agrippa Njanina, Community Engagement Officer for National Museums Northern Ireland welcomed guests to the reception by setting the mood with the Mbira Instrument and his vocals.
A view of the Mbira instrument from the players perspective
Inside the First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street
Dr. Livingstone Thompson, Chair of ACSONI Board of Trustees began the formalities with a speech.
Lori Gatsi Barnett of JoinHer Network giving her speech.
Triona White Hamilton, Curator of Modern History National Museums NI was kind enough to say a few words on behalf of the National Museums of Northern Ireland.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Ryan Murphy made time to express the commitment of Belfast City to commemorate and celebrate the collective history of all people on these shores while speaking within the context of Black History Month.
ACSONI and JoinHer Network partnered for the 2nd year in a row to bring the Black History Showcase to Belfast once again. Some scenes from the reception
Many of the items on exhibition were donated by members of the community from all over the diaspora. This ashtray from Trinidad & Tobago was kindly donated to ACSONI by David O’Doherty
Part of the exhibition included photographs and documentation evidencing the linkages between Northern Ireland and the transatlantic slave trade; these exhibits were made available as a result of the Links & Legacies project embarked on by ACSONI in commemoration of the 400 years since abolition.
Cllr Ryan Murphy, our Lord Mayor reflects on images from The Links & Legacy project
A powerful image of Belfast’s first citizen.
Another kind donation from Trinidad & Tobago by our friend David O’Doherty
A poem by comunity member and activist Nandi Jola.

Black History Month Showcase at Artcetera Studio

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“For the 2nd year running ACSONI has teamed up with Join Her Network to bring to life a celebration of Black History in Belfast city. This year the exhibition will run from 14th to 21st  October and is hosted by Artcetera Studio on Rosemary street, a stone’s throw from the recently  installed monument to Frederick Douglass.

 

We invite you, your family, friends and colleagues to come and view the interesting installation, participate in lively and engaging discussions and reflect on our collective history through the lens of Black History Month.”

ACSONI Black History Month Activity Calendar released

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Dear Community Members and organisations please see above ACSONI’s activity calendar for Black History Month 2023. We will issue details of each event shortly. Please encourage community members, students and the local host community to attend and participate in commemorating the contribution of African people to the the wider world.

JMS Immigration Solicitors will be conducting their weekly Free Immigration Clinic at ACSONI on Wednesday 6 September from 11am-1pm

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Just a reminder to our members, partner organisations and community. Please be advised and share widely that JMS Immigration Solicitors will be conducting their weekly Free Immigration Clinic at ACSONI on Wednesday 6 September from 11am-1pm. Please feel free to share advise all that it is a drop-in service, no appointment required.

ACSONI AGM Minutes from August 2022 AGM

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Please find AGM minutes for2022 AGM by clicking this link. 

ACSONI audited report for the year 2021 & 2022

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Please find the document on the following link Audit report 21 22

 

Lori Gatsi-Barnett: Looking at business through the language of diversity, inclusion and equity

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‘Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard,’ according to author Liz Fosslien.

Have you ever wondered the true meaning of the words in this amazing quote? Ever felt out of place and a little self-conscious as a result? So much continues to change, leaving the question to keep up or get left behind and where to begin.

There are key fundamentals to keeping your business growing and thriving, as the entire world faces recovery from the last two years. Each marketplace faces new challenges, with innovative adaptability and a renewed sense of resilience, to future proof its sustainability for the coming years ahead.

A new language in business has now emerged, that seeks to question the way things have always been. The importance of diversity, how it increases your business performance and redefines your organisational culture. How to truly capture understanding of the consumer trends, ride the roller coaster of influencer marketing, drive those sales, profit margins, and create new audiences that appreciate the tenacity of business evolution.

While diversity has secretly thrived in commodities and services, rebranding, artificial intelligence, and environmentally friendly bio-degradable renewables, unfortunately the one area it has remained relatively slow is in human resources.

The single largest resource business has, is people. To obtain cultural awareness, appropriate language, communication tools, evaluation and monitoring techniques that begin to map out the strengths and opportunities of diversity rather than the assumed weaknesses and threats are vital. Business will always need people to make the critical decisions, redefine the structure of boardrooms, anticipate better growth, and new development methods.

Often the main question that remains unanswered is how to implement long-term benefits through inclusion. However, while bridging the gaps by broadening the skills, talents, qualifications and lived experiences that people bring, how often do we create opportunities to recognise the immense impact that people potentially bring to our organisations. Inclusion by its unique nature seeks to develop a unified systematic approach, that pulls together different complementary features from people, that automatically have positive outcomes, which accelerates profits.

Understanding the push and pull factors of inclusion is crucial because too often the fragile threads of historical events, continual unconscious bias and perception hinder easier transitions and hamper interactions between people. Inclusion by far remains a key component in residual change. Being open to consider alternatives, thinking creatively, exploring innovative ideas and co-designing strategies that seek to place everyone around the table. Change is inevitable but we must be patient with this process as we all stand to gain as we unlearn old ways to make room for better robust ones.

So, as we pivot and take on new concepts another factor to consider is the power of people equity. Appreciating the differences between individuals and groups makes the art of people equity a fascinating tool. Being able to differentiate each team member’s specific needs and incorporating a workable environment that celebrates their individuality, capabilities, aspirations, and vulnerabilities can make significant changes to employee recruitment retention and promotion. As we shift our business language to a more efficient and equitable environment, we will begin to develop workplaces that are sought after, globally relevant and filled with motivated staff who continue to generate benefits and rewards which every stakeholder will appreciate.

It can be quite the juggling act maintaining the appropriate levels of engagement and sustaining the demands of people equity. Regular training, staying ahead of trends, global changes and societal attitudes help to navigate this process. Admitting when things go wrong, accountability, learning from examples, identifying ways to improve our understanding, and not giving up, especially when we face the fear of change.

‘Rome was not built in a day’, so this creative, innovative approach in business continues to evolve. Guided by diversity in its various forms, reinforced by the endurance of inclusion and sustained by the values of people equity. Business resilience is always measured best by its adaptability and flexibility in communication.

Diversity, inclusion, and people equity are popular, but for them to work well in your business, everyone needs to understand how they work. Having a clear sense of diversity, inclusion, and people equity separately and how instrumental they can be collectively, if applied in a complementary manner. It remains an individual and community responsibility to be curious as well as cautious, open to appreciate whilst confronting our unconscious biases, acknowledge learning and apply activities which nurture diversity, inclusion, and people equity.

The future in business language will seek to preserve and make adjustments to ensure the values of diversity, inclusion and people equity are made central to our governance and good practice decision making.

Diversity welcomes more seats at the table, inclusion now hears every voice as belonging is for everyone.

Lori Gatsi-Barnett, founder of JoinHer Network, looks at why diversity, inclusion, and people equity remain key for success in business and society as a whole but to work well everyone must understand how they operate

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/ulsterbusiness/top-100/lori-gatsi-barnett-looking-at-business-through-the-language-of-diversity-inclusion-and-equity/a1635072229.html

ACSONI: OUR STRATEGY ON A PAGE, 2023-2026

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OUR VISION 

An equitable African and Caribbean inclusive culture.

OUR MISSION 

Promote unity and collaboration to support, advocate and empower our communities in Northern Ireland.

OUR ENVISAGED FUTURE 

A harmonious, inclusive and equitable Northern Ireland – where everyone feels they belong and are valued and appreciated as individuals and stakeholders for the contribution they make to Northern Ireland’s diversity of economy and culture. 

 OUR 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 with the African and Caribbean community and beyond. 

OUR VALUES 

Supportive – Collaborative – Authentic -Collaborative 

OUR BELIEFS 

We believe that collaboration and member participation are important in strengthening, empowering and 

unifying the African and Caribbean community. 

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 

  • Education and Training
  • Advocacy and Support
  • Cultural Activities
  •  Research and Policy

OUR STRATEGY ON A PAGE