A vibrant showcase of culture was enjoyed in Letterkenny today to mark the launch of One Donegal Social Inclusion Week.
This year’s Social Inclusion Week takes place from the 25 March to 1 April.
The Letterkenny Indian Community threw a paint party on An Grianan plaza, with members of various community groups and Donegal County Council joining the fun.
The festival of colour is a celebration of hope, light, an end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Some of the attendance at the launch of Social Inclusion week enjoying the Festival of Colours at An Grianan Theatre. (NW Newspix)
Cllr. Liam Blaney, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and Deputy Chief Executive Liam Ward participating with members of the Indian community celebrating Festival of Colour at the launch of Special Inclusion week at An Grianan Theatre. (NW Newspix)
Members of the Indian community celebrating FEstival of Colour at the launch of Special Inclusion week at An Grianan Theatre. (NW Newspix)
Colr. Liam Blaney, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council pictured with some of those who attended launch of Social Inclusion week at An Grianan Theatre. (NW Newspix)
Prior to the festivities, Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Blaney formally launched social inclusion week and outlined the value of the events, which aim to increase awareness and understanding of inclusion and diversity in County Donegal.
One Donegal Social Inclusion Week is an annual event which has become an important event catering for the needs of many in the community. It is an action packed, educational, and insightful week with opportunities for community and voluntary groups, services, and educators from right across the county to showcase the work they do.
Speaking at the launch of Social Inclusion Week on Saturday afternoon in An Grianan Theatre, Liam Ward said “the stronger interagency collaboration between communities, the public and private sector in recent years has been seen in our communities over the last few years. Social Inclusion Week gives us the opportunity to promote and highlight the positive work that the public and community sectors are involved in, to reduce discrimination, poverty and social exclusion and to reflect on the challenges faced by vulnerable members of our community”.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Liam Blaney said “the One Donegal Social Inclusion Week programme has a great variety of events happening for all abilities and ages, it also highlights the significant and valuable level of work that is on-going at a local level in Donegal and includes many events being hosted by community organisations and the Councils Social Inclusion Unit, the Libraries and the County Museum.”
A full programme of inclusive events is taking place between now and Saturday, and all are welcome to get involved. From woodland walks to garden gatherings, Ukranian kitchen pop-ups to quilting, music and more, there’s something for everyone.
One Donegal Social Inclusion Week 2023 event programme can be downloaded from www.donegalcoco.ie HERE or pick one up from your local public service centre.
Colr. Liam Blaney, Cathaoirleach with Sharmila Kamat of the Indian Community Centre at the launch of Special Inclusion week at An Grianan Theatre, also in photo are Council staff Liam Ward (Deputy Chief Executive), Charlies Sweeney, Christina O’Donnell and Paddy Doherty . (NW Newspix)
Garda Sgt Sharon Doherty of the Community Policing UNit pictured with members of the Indian Community at the launch of Social Inclusion week at An Grianan Theatre. (NW Newspix)
Members of the Indian community pictured at the launch of Spocial Inclusion week at An Grianan Theatre. (NW Newspix)
To highlight a few events during the week:
Sunday 26 March at 10am to 2pm a Lets Play Family Event with Donegal Sports Partnership in the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park in Letterkenny.
Monday 27 March at 11am – 1.pm Donegal Community Garden Network Spring Gathering hosted by DLDC in The Vestry, Letterkenny. Calling all community gardens in Donegal to attend the Launch of the new community garden network.
Tuesday 28 March at 10am – 2pm Donegal Older Person Council invite you to their Annual General Meeting and Health & Wellbeing Event in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny
Wednesday 29 March 11.00am Woodlands for Wellbeing Walk in Buncrana Swan Park or Stranorlar Drumboe Woods with Donegal Sports Partnership – this is a great opportunity to meet new people while learning more about the environment.
Thursday 30 March 10am – 12.30pm join Pathways to progress workshop with IDP in their Buncrana Offices
Friday 31 March 10am – 1pm start your day by dropping in for a coffee with Letterkenny CDP in the Courtyard Letterkenny where you can meet people, share stories and integrate. You can then go to the RCC to learn from Keith Corcoran about culture in Ireland and Donegal hosted by Donegal Volunteer Centre and Donegal County Council
Saturday 1 April 3pm will see all heads turning towards the Diversity Showcase in An Grianan Theatre – be prepared for an afternoon of fun, culture, music, dance, and fashion.
Cybercrime awareness will be highlighted at each event during the week with a focus on the 4 P’s PASSWORD, PERMISSIONS, PAYMENT, PARTICIPANTS.
Some of th ecrowd who attended the launch of Social Inclusion week which was held at An Grianan Theatre. (NW Newspix)
Colr. Liam Blaney, Cathaoirleach with Sharmila Kamat of the Indian Community Centre at the launch of Special Inclusion week at An Grianan Theatre, also in photo are Council staff Liam Ward (Deputy Chief Executive), Charlies Sweeney, Christina O’Donnell and Paddy Doherty . (NW Newspix)
