Main pic, from left: North West Migrants Forum Director Lilian Seenoi Barr, Chairperson Marija Stuke and Secretary of the Board of Directors Paul Sceeny, all pictured at the Forum’s annual meeting on Thursday January 25.
THE Director of the North West Migrants Forum has used the organisation’s annual meeting to reflect on the achievements of last year and to look forward to future goals and challenges.
Held in the Forum’s Embassy Building headquarters, Lilian Seenoi Barr was joined on the main panel by Chairperson Marija Stuke and Secretary of the Board of Directors Paul Sceeny.
Also among the speakers was auditor Laurie Duffy who outlined the Forum’s financial position and its various incomings and outgoings during the last financial year.
In her address, Marija Stuke said 2022/23 was a year “filled with achievements” that underscored the North West Migrants Forum’s “collective commitment to fostering positive change”.
“Our ongoing support for migrant and minority communities remained at the forefront of our work as we returned to in-person services and support,” said the Chair.
Mrs Stuke gave a rundown of the various projects rolled out by the Forum in 2022/23. These included the National Lottery’s ‘New Beginnings: Building Pathways to a Shared Future’ and ‘Better Health, Stronger Communities’ project, supported by Bank of Ireland.
The Forum was also backed by Derry City and Strabane District Council to develop a ten-week asylum support programme which concluded with a lively celebration on Culture Night.
The meeting heard how the charity’s flagship Social Café continued to be a vital outlet for connection and language improvement while also addressing the isolation caused by the Covid pandemic.
AWARDS
The Advancing Racial Equality Awards, supported by The Executive Office, were another highlight of the financial year. Marija Stuke said it was “heartening” to see the positive impact the awards had in inspiring others to join the cause and contribute to building a more inclusive future.
“In October 2022 we also launched the ‘Black Heritage in NI: The Hidden History Project’ at the Black History Summit in St Cecilia’s College,” she continued.
“Our campaign for free movement rights for third country nationals within the Common Travel Area was also an important aspect of our advocacy work. We also promoted inclusivity through our ‘Let’s Talk Race and Racism’ workshops in nine schools in the Derry and Strabane district area. We are very appreciative of The Executive Office for supporting this programme through their Central Good Relations Fund.”
Mrs Stuke said that as Chairperson she wanted to extend her deepest gratitude to the Forum’s dedicated team, partners and supporters.
“Your commitment and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind these accomplishments. Together we are creating a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities across the North West and beyond.”
Over a dozen people attended Thursday evening’s meeting. Director of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said she was very proud at how the organisation has grown since being established in 2012.
She told those gathered, “I am immensely proud of the impactful initiatives and projects that we have developed in the North West Migrants Forum as we continue to go from strength to strength.
“One of the highlights of this year was the second annual Advancing Racial Equality Awards, a fantastic night that celebrated those committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This event not only celebrated the achievements of individuals and organisations but also served as a platform to inspire others to join the cause.”
Lilian Seenoi Barr said the five-year National Lottery-funded ‘New Beginnings: Building Pathways to a Shared Future’ project was designed to empower individuals to access community services, enhance their conversational English skills, receive vital mental health support and foster new connections through a dedicated befriending café.
“It is heartening to witness the positive impact this project has already had on the lives of those we aim to serve.
BOLD STEP
“Additionally, we took a bold step towards reshaping the narrative of Northern Ireland’s history with the initiation of the ‘Black Heritage in NI: The Hidden History Project’. Launched at the inspiring Black History Summit in St Cecilia’s College in October 2022, this project aims to uncover and celebrate the rich black history and heritage in Northern Ireland.”
Coming out of Covid, every event held a renewed significance for the Forum and its members, said its Director. Particularly poignant was the Christmas party held on December 23 2022 in the Waterfoot Hotel, the first holiday gathering since the onset of the pandemic. More than 40 guests, many of them children and families, enjoyed food, music, dancing and meeting Santa.
Lilian Seenoi Barr spoke of the success of the Derry City and Strabane District Council-funded programme to assist those seeking asylum in the north west. The programme concluded with a lively celebration on Culture Night, September 23 2022 at the Forum’s former base on Fountain Street.
She also highlighted the Let’s Talk Race and Racism workshops which continue to foster inclusivity among young people in local schools and she spoke of the enduring appeal of the Social Café.
“Throughout the year, our unwavering commitment to supporting migrant and minority communities remained a top priority.
“We continued our advocacy efforts for free movement rights within the Common Travel Area with our townhall meeting in the Museum of Free Derry in June 2022 in partnership with the Committee on the Administration of Justice and Bloody Sunday Trust.
“As we celebrate these milestones, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters. Your enthusiasm and support have been instrumental in making these accomplishments possible.
“Together, we are making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being a part of the North West Migrants Forum journey.”
READ THE ANNUAL REPORT HERE:NWMF Annual Report 2022-2023
