Partnership Agenda

Unlimited Potential IT Project Launched

On Monday 22 November, 2004, a new information technology initiative was launched in the Macro building on Green Street. Unlimited Potential is an initiative supported by Microsoft Ireland that aims to address the digital divide.

The project provides PCs, software, and training funds to four community centres to enable local people to become comfortable with technology.

The Taoiseach , Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD, welcomed the programme saying that it represented an investment in peoples quality of life. In being given opportunities to develop computer skills however, people acquire greater opportunities for employment and personal achievement. IT skills are a stepping-stone to a better future, he said.

DICP is a founding partner in this national initiative.

Unlimited Potential will complement existing IT initiatives operating in the inner city such as the Digital Communities Project and the DISC Project, both led by the Dublin Institute of Technology (Community Links Programme)

Launch of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential in MACRO Resource Centre on Green Street. Unlimited Potential aims to address the digital divide by providing computer hardware, software and training to community groups, with Joe Macri, MD of Microsoft, An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern TD, David Connolly, DICP and Larry Byrne, Macro.

Seminar Highlights Issues for Young Foreign Nationals in the North Inner City

On 26 January 2005, the ICON Youth at Risk Programme held a seminar to look at issues facing young foreign nationals who are living in the north inner city. Some of the issues facing this group are problems within the hostel accommodation system, lack of entitlement to third level education, and difficulties in dealing with the asylum process.

The objectives of the seminar were to:

Enable groups and individuals, especially foreign national young people, to meet, share information and network.
Begin the process of examining the issues related to this group of young people particularly looking at educational, health, social and recreational issues.
Agree on an action plan to address these issues.

Three speakers gave presentations from the perspective of different agencies. Marilyn Rowntree spoke about the role of the Health Services Executive, which has responsibility for unaccompanied minors. Stephen Falvey represented the Department of Education (Social Inclusion Unit) and outlined the Department s plans for enhanced services for this group of young people. Ultan Ryan from the Reception and Integration Agency also gave an input.

A number of young foreign nationals who are students in O'Connells CBS also addressed the audience and gave an insight into their experiences of living in the north inner city. Support from schools in particular was singled out for praise by the young people.

Four workshops took place, on health, education, justice, and youth/recreation services, respectively. The workshops focused to a great extent on young people still going through the asylum process and especially on separated children and aged out unaccompanied minors. There were three issues that were raised across all workshops and constitute the most urgent recommendations with regard to improving the welfare of young asylum seekers and refugees. They are:

The need for agencies to work together with a holistic perspective on the needs of the young person (a beginning has been made to this with the appointment of Marian Quinn to RIA to work with the aged out asylum seekers)
The needs for all those working with ethnic minorities to receive training in interculturalism and anti-racism
The need for agencies to predict and plan for the traumatic changes which take place for young asylum seekers when they turn 18/complete the Leaving Certificate and become young adults.

Threat of redundancy lifted from Jobs Initiative Workers

After a long campaign by local organisations to safeguard the jobs of over 250 inner city workers funded through the FÁS Whole-times Job Initiatives, Micheal Martin TD (Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment) announced in November 2004 that there would be no compulsory lay-offs on the Job Initiative Scheme.

Workers on the programme will continue to have their contracts renewed. The local workers are delighted with the news and with the Departmental recognition of the valuable work they do in supporting community services.

In his statement the Minister pointed out that these employment schemes have made a major contribution towards the provision of a network of valuable community services throughout the country.

Equally, they offer people the opportunity to work in a wide range of disciplines which can allow the workers to progress to other work opportunities.

The Minister also announced there will be no compulsory cessation of Social Economy Programmes and the three year cap on Community Employment for the over 55s will be removed to allow people in this category to access scheme places for a maximum of 6 years.

It has also been announced that the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment and the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs intend to explore the means of developing a dedicated programme that will target State investment to sustain vital community services that complement statutory services provision. The DICP welcomes this move and will provide further information on this as it emerges.

Successful Outcomes from Partnership Supported Activity in 2004

A wide range of local development activity took place during 2004 supported by Dublin Inner City Partnership, which included:

Two large-scale community meetings took place in the National College of Ireland in February and October.
Launch of new Implementation Plan 2004-2006 and presentation to Minister O’Cuiv.
Expansion of the Digital Communities Initiative. Delivery of accredited computer training to local residents in eleven local authority sites.
Opening of computer room in Dominick Street flats in May.
Forty schools benefited from participation in the DISC Project. Teachers in inner city schools have accessed relevant IT training for use of software and hardware as an educational aid.
Equal at Work Project successfully completed Phase 1 and was awarded Phase 2 Funding.
ICES placed 260 people in full time jobs and 261 in training.
New coordinators were recruited for the ICON and NWICN networks.
Participation in the Tenants First Initiative.
Launch of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential initiative by the Taoiseach . Initially located in four community centres.
Participation and Practice of Rights Project and community conference, in conjunction with North Belfast.
Meeting between Community and Voluntary groups and trade unions in Croke Park (June 2004) convened by Equal at Work.
Development worker employed in O'Devaney Gardens to support local participation, capacity building, and expansion of services and initiatives.
Tenant workers employed in north east inner city and south west inner city.
Provision of a wide range of training and workshops for community based childcare providers.
Delivery of Disability Equality Training for community workers.
Educational support for young asylum seekers.
Participation in multi-agency initiatives targeting disadvantage, e.g. the ICON Young People at Risk Initiative.
Initiation of research into human resources issues in the childcare sector.
New development worker employed in the North West Inner City Network.
Annual Sports Against Racism multicultural soccer tournament.
Continuation of the community planning service delivered through Community Technical Aid.
Expansion of training places and modules on the Gateway preemployment training project.
Completion of Community Technical Aid's EQUAL funded WIDE initiative
Partnership Agenda newsletter published.
Childcare newsletter published.
Preparing a plan on coordinating local development involving twenty local development organisations.
Convened principals of eleven schools in the Second-level Schools Network. Presentation of a plan for the schools to the Minister for Education & Science.
Support for 83 inner city residents in third level education through the Strive fund/Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage.

Establishment of Grangegorman Development Agency

by Molly O Duffy and Michael McCarthy

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) has plans to move its entire operations to the site of St. Brendan's Hospital in Grangegorman, Dublin 7. This is a major development programme that has huge implications for the residents of the area. The North West Inner City Network, the DICP and other local groups are actively working to ensure that this development benefits the local community.

The Proposal

DIT is a third-level institution with a student population of 21,000, made up of 10,000 full time students, 7,000 studying part time and 4,000 apprentices. At the moment it is spread over 39 buildings in 30 sites. The DIT wants to move to one campus to achieve economies of scale and to provide integrated opportunities for learning. The proposal is that the Grangegorman site, consisting of 70 acres, be shared between the DIT and the Health Services Executive, which will retain certain facilities on the site. The DIT hopes to move there on a phased basis, ending in 2011, with some students moving to the campus by 2007.

The development phase of this project will be managed by an agency, separate from the DIT, called the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA), with ownership reverting back to DIT and the Health Services Executive when the whole building process is finished. A bill is currently going through the Dáil that lays down the composition and remit of the GDA. The hope is that it will be established by early 2005 and that work can begin.

What does all mean for the local community? The project will have implications for the entire city of Dublin but the North West Inner City Network and the Partnership are chiefly concerned with the population living in the immediate vicinity of the development, where there has been a dearth of adequate community infrastructure over the years. Specifically the areas directly affected are: Constitution Hill, Rathdown/ Grangegorman, North Circular Road/Cabra, Stoneybatter and Smithfield/Markets area.

For some of these communities the first impact of the project will be living in a building site for up to 6 years. However, local communities have broadly welcomed the development on the understanding that it has the potential to bring long-term sustainable improvements to their community.

The DIT sees the project as a major urban regeneration project, which will provide lifelong learning, access to sporting facilities, amenity spaces, a science park, employment and new primary care and community health facilities. It promises that the campus will be integrated with the locality and with the fabric of the city and will contribute to flexible international standard facilities for students and staff, as well as for the industrial partners and the local community. (DIT publicity brochure on Grangegorman).

The legislation to set up the GDA envisages the setting up of a Consultative group on which a maximum of 2 residents will be invited to sit. The other members will be local public representatives, representatives of Dublin City Council, DIT, the Depts of Health & Children and Education & Science, and the Health Services Executive. There is a reference to a communications strategy which would be directed at residents among others. However, as it currently stands, only one resident representative (to be appointed by the City Manager) is to sit on the Executive of the Agency, which is where the decisions will be made. The Executive will be made up largely of the same groups as the Consultative Group, with the notable exception of the community and voluntary sector.

The North West Inner City Network has set up a Working Group on the Grangegorman issue. Its first task is to lobby for changes in this legislation in order to give local communities meaningful participation in the GDA and the development process so that they can ensure that the needs of the community are taken into account at all stages of the project. The main concerns of the Working Group with regard to the draft legislation, concerns which are shared by some local representatives and other members of the Dáil and Seanad, are the following:

The absence of a social inclusion remit for the GDA. The Dublin Docklands Authority has such a remit.
The wide definition of the physical area affected by the development, with no particular attention paid to the needs of the nearest areas, those which will be most affected by construction work, traffic congestion, etc., and whose access to educational, recreational and sporting facilities is limited at the moment
The narrowness of the scope of the consultation process; according to the Bill it will be restricted to public transport issues in the area
The reference in the Bill to a communications strategy rather than a community consultation process run on best practice lines
The lack of any plan for the development to enhance the local area, the lack of any reference to community or education infrastructure in the area and the absence of any community representatives on the executive of the GDA
The powers accorded in the Bill to the executive to remove people from the Consultation Group without reference to due process

The Working Group is lobbying to ensure that at each stage of the Bill, account is taken of these concerns.

Once the Bill is passed, the Working Group will continue to work to ensure that the implementation stage of the development reflects the DITs commitment to share the benefits of the project with the local community.

What can the community hope to gain from the development?

The DIT as a third level education provider has much to offer the local community. It provides a large number of part-time undergraduate courses which, though not eligible for free fees, are often the most appropriate for those with care responsibilities or those who need to continue with part-time work to support themselves through college. DIT also offers employment opportunities and good links with industry and employers. DIT already has a Community Links programme. DICP is a partner in two of the elements of this programme; the Dublin Inner City Schools Computerisation project (DISC) and the Digital Communities Initiative. These projects provide IT facilities and training to inner city schools and local authority flat complexes. Other aspects of the Community Links Programme link schools in disadvantaged areas with the DIT and there is also an Access Programme through which 250 students coming from designated disadvantaged schools (about 33 from Dublin Inner City) receive extra supports, including financial supports, during their time at DIT.

However, there are many ways in which DIT can improve in terms of meeting the education needs of the inner city and the local community. The Education Working Group of the area network is looking at best practice in other third level institutions in order to make proposals to DIT that will improve their access programme and also ensure that DIT will work with existing education providers to provide opportunities for vocational training and lifelong learning for residents in the immediate vicinity and the inner city.

Apart from education, the network is interested in the potential for access to sporting and leisure spaces and activities, meeting and community rooms, childcare facilities, and an improved built environment in the area. It is also concerned about the negative possibilities thrown up by the development: for example the danger of increased high-rise in the area, increased traffic congestion, etc. NWICAN and DICP hope to bring to the process lessons from innovative models of college- community partnerships both here and abroad so that the outcome of the development will be a win-win situation for everybody.

The North West Inner City Network is a local forum of nearly 70 groups working in the Smithfield, Stonybatter and Markets areas, which works to help ensure that the area receive its fair share of resources for the people in the area.

If you want to find out more about the Grangegorman Working Group or other aspects of the Network please feel free to contact: Michael McCarthy (Coordinator) North West Inner City Network, Spade Enterprise Centre, North King St., Dublin 7. 01 617 4847 michael_nwicn@yahoo.ie

Community Cohesion Document

A major issue in the last year was the co-ordination of local development organisations. The Partnership worked with inner city Community Development Projects, local Drugs Task Forces, community networks and RAPID to produce a comprehensive report outlining mechanisms for integration. This report profiled the distinct roles of local development organisations, explained local development processes, and identified areas of cooperation.

It was presented to the Minister OCuiv in the National College of Ireland in October 2004. In order to consolidate this approach and complement the Governments endeavours to maximise collaboration, cooperation and synergy of state sponsored local and community development activities, the Dublin Inner City Partnership in collaboration with the local Drugs Task Force, the inner city Community Development Projects and the local RAPID programme have agreed to work for greater collaboration, co-operation and sharing in the inner city area.

The Dublin City Development Board plan designates the Partnership as the lead agency for the co-ordination and targeting of social inclusion activity in the inner city area.

For further information contact Pat Gates, DICP on 872 1321.

Dialogue on Rights Conference

In October 2004 a meeting was held in of a new rights-based project that is being rolled out in North Dublin and North Belfast. The project was initiated by Inez McCormack, former President of ICTU, in 2001. Since then a sponsoring group has been established to progress the work and develop a feasibility plan for a long term project. The project adopts the idea of using a rights based approach to achieving social and economic equality in disadvantaged areas. Governments have signed up to various agreements that secure rights in principle, but this project wants to translate those agreements into practical and quantifiable actions.

The conference was held in St. Agathas Hall in North William Street and drew a diverse audience of community workers, human rights activists, local residents. It aimed to communicate the experiences of the project to date, to contribute to thinking on the rights agenda, and also to draw in support for the long term initiative.

Lord Mayor Michael Conaghan addressed the proceedings and expressed admiration for the work of inner city community networks and for the whole project of community building. He stated that he would be organising a major conference in 2005 that will bring city, national and international perspectives to the idea of community building.

Inez McCormack emphasised the importance of supporting people to take part in the process of realising rights, rather than making changes on their behalf. She also conceptualised debates about macro issues of globalisation within a local context, citing development decisions such as Public Private Partnerships which will shape the shape the lives of the community in the next decade. She said that people should look at individual rights, and then see what needs to change in their community, i.e. what steps it would take to make that right real.

Tom Redmond from ICON and Noeleen Jennings from NWICN spoke about their experiences of getting people involved in the project at local level. Their work with communities included research and training in the rights-based approach. Patricia McCarthy from Community Technical Aid spoke about their work in Northern Ireland.

For further information contact Patrick Gates on Tel. 872 1321.

Pictured at the Rights Conference in October 2004 were Inez McCormack, Lord Mayor Michael Conaghan, and David Connolly of DICP.

Literacy in Disadvantaged Primary Schools

On January 18 the DICP held a meeting in St. Andrew's Resource Centre to draw attention to the report brought out by the Education Research Centre of St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, on Reading Literacy in Disadvantaged Primary Schools.

The report was based on a survey of 94 designated disadvantaged schools, some of them in the inner city. Questionnaires on literacy were given to pupils, class teachers, learning support teachers, principals and parents. 2,100 pupils were tested for reading attainment in first, third and sixth class and in depth interviews took place with principals, teacher and parents.

The meeting was attended by about 55 people, including teachers, community activists, childcare workers and people working in the area of adult education. Eemer Eivers, one of the authors of the report, made a presentation to the meeting on the main findings of the report. Many of the findings were no surprise to those working on the ground in the inner city. The correlation between low socioeconomic status and poor literacy levels was clear.

Some of the findings in relation to schools were striking. For example, the survey showed that there is a tendency for teachers with less experience, less or no qualifications and those on temporary or substitute placements to be allocated the lower classes, which are crucial for the acquisition of literacy. There is also, in the opinion of the authors, not enough time spent on literacy at school. They recommend 90 minutes a day to be allocated to English. Other recommendations include developing strategies to promote teachers expectations, providing a starter pack of books for each child to bring home and an information campaign to explain to parents the value of literacy related interactions. One of the clear messages of the presentation was that parents do not need a high level of literacy to be able to help their children with their reading.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session and then the meeting broke into groups to discuss what approaches were working in the area and what improvements could be made. The strategies that were mentioned as successful include, paired reading, shared reading, family literacy schemes, peer reading, write a book schemes, print-rich environments, silent reading sessions, etc. Suggestions for improvements mostly involved increased co-ordination at all levels, starting with government departments but also between pre-schools and primary schools, between parents and teachers and between the community and the school. Many examples were given of members of the community being used as a resource to support literacy; for example in one area a men's group that is improving their literacy goes into the local school to read to the children.

One of the main barriers to home-school co-ordination was felt to be the fact that schools close at three o'clock and some parents are not available during school hours and also the fact that very often the parents who could most benefit from improving their own literacy and working with their child, are often the parents who do not come to meetings for various reasons. The meeting requested that the Partnership facilitate a meeting on outreach with parents, so that groups could exchange information on strategies that have worked or might work. This meeting will be taking place in the near future.

SWICN Youth Achievements 2004

In November 2004, the South West Inner City Network held its annual Youth Achievement Awards in the Rupert Guinness Theatre on Watlin Street, Dublin 8. This event has been run successfully in association with An Garda Siochana since 1999. The aim of the event is to recognise the good work carried out by young people of the area (often in extenuating circumstances).

This years awards were very well attended with upwards of 200 friends, family, relations and community groups there to support the winners. Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister for Labour Affairs with the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment presented the awards.

Caroline Fisher of RTE acted as compere for the evening Awards were given to thirty eight individuals and five groups spread over seven categories, which included: academic; music/drama; community involvement; leadership; personal achievement.

This year, four young people in particular have excelled in their respective fields: Ronan Larkin who won the Young Scientist 2004 for Continuous Fractions, Declan Geraghty who is All Ireland boxing champion, Paul Skinner who has received caps for playing in the position of Goalie for the Ireland U16s squad and Eoghan Mc Connell who, despite undergoing major heart surgery on a number of occasions, has an indomitable spirit and is an inspiration to all those that know him. The interval music was supplied by MaSamba Dublin Youth Orchestra and after the awards ceremony everyone retired upstairs for refreshments.

Although it has been portrayed as an area with social problems, the south west inner city is steeped in history and has an abundance of community spirit. The Youth Achievement awards are designed as a reminder that the majority of young people are not taking drugs, involved in anti-social behaviour or crime. Many pursue healthy past-times and make positive contributions to the wider community.

Sarah Fitzgerald, Kelly Roche, Sinead Kelly and Stacy Zanbra from the St. Teresas Gardens Girls Under 14 Girls Soccer Team with their Sports Award.

Opening of St. Agatha's Hall

by Mairéad Mahon

St Agathas Hall and Swan Youth Service was officially launched by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on the 27th of September 2004.The hall which is based on Dunne St D1 had been closed for 20 years and after many years of hard work, and commitment by the St Agathas committee and the substantial backing of government funding the building is now a state of the art youth and community facility.

The funding received through the YPSFF has enabled Agathas to incorporate two youth projects, the hay Project; a justice project and Swan Youth Service. Swan Youth Service is a new and exciting collaborative venture between The North Wall Youth Development Confederation Ltd and St Agathas Youth Development project.

This service will work primarily with young people between the ages of 10-21 in the North Strand/North Wall catchment area. The service employs 9 staff, 2 full time youth workers, 2 part time youth workers, 2 street workers, a Director, an administrator, a youth services manager a porter, and 4 CE positions. The youth service offers a variety of programs for all age groups and interests. These activities take place in the DCC Hall and St Agathas Hall. Activities include drama, football, arts and crafts, outdoor pursuits, cookery, and drop in clubs. The service also provides a support role and an advocacy role for young people connected to the project.

If you would like any more information on these programs please contact the youth work team at 01- 8560945.

The youth service are also looking for volunteers for these groups if you think that you have an hour or two to spare please contact Ciara Cunningham in St Agathas on 01-8560945.

St Agathas Hall is also used regularly by other community and voluntary groups, including, disco dancing, football, and martial arts, and occasionally for the old folks, DCC events, seminars, and functions. The building also houses a computer room which is the final phase fit out; this is being funded through a joint initiative with the Dublin Inner City Partnership and Microsoft when the room is complete it will enable the hall to run computer classes and accredited training for young people and people from the community.

If you are interested in any of the activities held in the hall or in just paying a visit please contact us at St Agathas.

Finally we are currently looking for a person to fill a 19 hour weekend CE position for the hall; if you are eligible we would love to hear from you.

For more information contact Mairéad Mahon Director Swan Youth Service. Tel (01) 856 0945 Fax (01) 806 9986

ICES Outcomes for 2004

During 2004, the Inner City Employment Service place 260 inner city residents in full-time jobs, and 284 were placed in training (These quantitative outcomes are not comprehensive due to ongoing difficulties during 2004 in the IT connections to F S). The 2004 figures available represent a small decrease on the 2003 comparative rates.This is due to a continuing change in the client profile of ICES and the fact that in the majority, inner city disadvantaged residents using ICES services are not immediately ready for either jobs or mainstream training placement.

Comparative data from Local Employment Services in other urban areas show that, as of October 2004, the Inner City Employment Service had the highest rate of job placements, and third highest rate of overall client placements. At the November DICP review meeting of the ICES service, David Connolly, Director of DICP complimented the employment service on its effective and efficient operations in support of DICP beneficiaries and remarked on its continuing professional development as it tackles a range of current local and national issues that were not anticipated when ICES was first established in 1996.

During 2005, Peter Nolan in collaboration with the ICES strategic management team will be involved in a root and branch review of ICES in order to address a number of uncertainties that employment services nationally are experiencing. The following tables summarise 2004 outcomes from the Inner City Employment Service.

Strive Fund

The STRIVE fund is part of the Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage and it is administered by Dublin Inner City Partnership with the objective of supporting low-income students from the inner city to access and complete third level courses, be they accredited Post-Leaving Certificate courses in Colleges of Further Education, or Certificate, Degree and Diploma courses in Institutes of Technology and universities. This fund is an important support to students facing significant barriers to accessing third level education.

In some areas of the inner city access to third level education is still almost negligible. The expense incurred and the obstacles faced by inner city residents who do attend third level are considerable. The fund is designed to support students with the extra costs associated with being a student, for example travel, child- and elder care, books, stationary, special equipment, field trips, etc. The vast majority of those eligible for support are recipients of a maintenance grant from either the local authority or the VEC, which covers their fees (if applicable) and registration.

This year the Dublin Inner City Partnership has a smaller fund to disburse than last year. November 30th was the final date for applications and we received applications from about 90 students. Of these, small grants have been allocated to the 83 eligible applicants. Applicants may claim their grant in one or two parts, on provision of receipts. Of those allocated funding:

Forty are males and forty three are females
Thirty two are attending further education courses (for example, Post Leaving Cert. Courses in VEC colleges) and forty two are attending Third Level Colleges (gaining degrees, diplomas, etc. in Universities and Institutes of Technology)
Twenty four are under 23 and 59 are 23 or over (i.e. mature students returning to education)
Thirty two received support previously from the Partnership and are continuing with their studies. Although the amounts are small, those awarded the grant are happy to receive support towards the costs of travel, childcare, equipment etc. In this way the Strive Millennium Fund supports students to stay on at college and gain their qualification. We wish all this year's recipients the best of luck with their studies.

Unusual Third-Level Scholarship Awarded to DICP Supported Student

During the 2002-2003 academic year, the Partnership commenced operating the Millennium Fund. This Department of Education & Science funding is intended to provide financial support for third-level students from disadvantaged areas. John Quilty from Meath House, Dublin 8 contacted the DICP in December 2002 requesting support in order for him to complete his 2002-2003 study programme.

The request was somewhat unusual as John had just commenced a two-year diploma course in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance in the Monkstown-based College of Dance. Johns tutor being Joanna Banks the Artistic Director of the College. John, a past pupil of St. Bridgets School, The Coombe and of Liberties College - where he completed his Leaving Certificate - discovered an early interest in dance while attending drama classes in The Little Flower Centre in Meath Street.

He combined his youthful interest in dance with his skills on the local football pitch and since then his life-story bears a remarkable similarity with that of the film character Billy Elliot. As a consequence of his personal determination combined with his artistic abilities and the support of the DICP, John earlier this year completed with distinction his diploma studies.

Following a number of auditions held during the summer months John has successfully been awarded a comprehensive 3-year scholarship to attend the Rambert College of Dance in London. John commenced his study programme in London in late September. His long term ambition is to return to Dublin and become involved in performance and production where he hopes to encourage other young Dubliners to become involved in the world of dance.

DISC Computers in Schools Project

The Dublin Inner City Schools Computerisation (DISC) Project is a highly successful DIT led initiative that aims to bring local primary and second level schools to high specification multi media capacity. Computer hardware, software and training are provided to the schools through DISC. DICP is a partner in this initiative.

During 2004, two new schools were brought on board the project: St. Marys NS, Fairview, Dublin 3. and St. Laurence OTooles Junior Boys School, Seville Place, Dublin 1. The project provided a wide range of training courses for teachers. The ICT Projects Initiative has been very successful within the project. The main setback has been in trying to source long term funding with two large applications being submitted to the Dormant Accounts Fund and the Information Society Fund in the hopes of securing the project over three to five years to include all inner-city disadvantaged schools.

Childcare Resource Centre Proposal

Dublin City Council, Dublin Inner City Partnership and Finglas Cabra Partnership have been undertaking consultation to develop a proposal for a Childcare Resource Centre for the Central area. The centre would act as an information and support service for parents, childcare providers and others.

The consultation process for the Childcare Resource Centre has included a stakeholder questionnaire, a consultation seminar held in November 2004 in the National College of Ireland, and focus group discussions and questionnaires with parents. A report based on the findings has been prepared to support the development of the proposal. There is evidently broad support and commitment within the sector in moving the proposal forward.

Further, there is a broad consensus of opinion in relation to what should be provided by the centre and key operating principles for the delivery of the service. Analysis of the feedback indicates the need to develop strategies for implementation of the following actions in the delivery of the service:

Information

Of key importance is information, which is local, current, comprehensive, easily accessible, and covers all aspects of childcare.

Networking

There is a strong desire to see the service play a role in building local networks and linking various stakeholders in the childcare sector.

Location

There was broad consensus of opinion in relation to location of the service. While it should be centrally based, every effort must be made to ensure it is identified as a service for all of the Central Area. Consideration will be given to outreaching the service in key areas.

Multiculturalism

The multicultural nature of the Central area is of critical importance for consideration in the delivery of the service.

Management Committee

There is a need to establish a representative Management Committee, which can develop a programme of work reflecting the needs identified.

For further information contact:

Margaret Quinn (margaret.quinn@dublincity.ie)
Breda Kenny (breda.kenny@fcp.ie)
Emer Coveney (ecoveney@dicp.ie)

Job Placements
1. Full-time jobs - 260
2. Assisted Placements - 41
3. Job Start - 3
4. Self-employed Referral - 2
5. Workplace - 2
Training Placements
1. FÁS Training Centre Training - 61
2. Special Needs Training - 23
3. Contract Training - 100
4. Community Training - 77
National Employment Action Plan
1. Client referrals directly from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs into ICES - 624
Labour Market Programmes
1. Cumulative Community Employment - 690
2. Cumulative Jobs Initiative - 132

Course Titles & No. of teachers

Publisher & Web Design Summer Course 13
Networks & Educational Software 15
Programmable Lego 8
Powerpoint 8
Publisher & Web Design 10
Digital Camera 3
Digital Camera, Digital Video Camera, Laptops & Data Projector 13
Microsoft Powerpoint 12
Microsoft Publisher 12
Digital Video 10
Powerpoint & Digital Camera (Gardiner St. School) 10
Digital Camera and Scanner (Gardiner St. School) 12

Community Networks

ICON

A temporary Development Worker was employed in ICON between February and August 2004. The new ICON coordinator commenced employment in September 2004. Since then she has been pursuing the internal development of the network including preparation of staff contracts, drafting policies and procedures for the organisation, and developing an archive system in the office to improve information accessibility. An ICON newsletter has been developed and is disseminated to relevant groups. Other ICON events during 2004 included the annual lighting of the Christmas tree lights, and lily memorial event to mark International Day Against Violence Against Women.

NWICN

A new coordinator was recruited in 2004 for the North West Inner City Area Network. The area has undergone major changes in recent times, especially property and infrastructure development. Some of this has been beneficial to the community, but in some cases it has had a negative effect, for instance, rising house prices, increased traffic and reduced social cohesion. The network plays a coordinating role for social inclusion activity and acts as a resource for local community groups. During 2004, the coordinator has supported the development of an area based response to the Grangegorman development, the issue of premises for the voluntary sector, and the disability issue. Three new working groups have been established in relation to these issues made up of relevant stakeholders. Efforts were made to improve the networks communication to the community sector, including email bulletins and the development of a communication strategy. The coordinator represents the network on wider forums to ensure the network is informed of macro developments. Over forty organisations attended the AGM.

SWICN

SWICN continued to provide coordination support to a range of initiatives. Its youth services section worked with over a hundred young people aged between 12 and 21 who live in flat complexes in the locality. SWICN also hosted its annual youth achievement awards in 2004. The SWICN Computer Clubhouse uses technology as a tool to engage young people. The Tenant Training and Capacity Building Programme focused mainly on St. Teresas Gardens and Chamber/Weaver Court. The project aims to give tenants the ability to manage their own estates in conjunction with Dublin City Council. Sixty one tenants are participating in the programme at the moment. The project also facilitates the South West Inner City Community Policing Forum. Sixty-three people are employed on the Jobs Initiative in the south west inner city area. SWICN operates a pilot drugs education and prevention project targeting adult and youth organisation in the entire south inner city area. The project is funded through the SIC Drugs Task Force and delivered by SWICN in conjunction with South East Network. There is one worker employed at present. Due to the success of the project is has received interim funding and is currently awaiting mainstreaming.

Community Planning Service

A community planning service is delivered with Partnership support through Community Technical Aid (Urban Resource Unit) to deliver a community planning service with the objective of enabling local communities to understand and participate in the change their local areas are experiencing. During 2004, the service provided a range of technical supports including the following:

Liberty House - work with tenants regarding proposed new developments
Markets area - objections and appeals process
ODevaney Gardens - technical support to blocks committees
Cork Street and Maryland - improved input to planning process
MARDAG - input of community objectives into Markets plan

An accredited training course in planning was provided for ten residents and community workers from the north west inner city. A submission was prepared for the City Plan which combined views from seven different communities. Support was provided to a study on housing in the north west inner city and to the Tenants First initiative.

One World Diversity Programme

One World is an initiative designed and spearheaded by the Community Policing Unit in Pearse Street Garda Station. The DICP has supported this innovative anti racism initiative on a number of occasions since it commenced in 1999. The initiative is a modular programme that rotates around inner city primary schools in the Garda B District. In each school, the project links with different partner organisations. In autumn 2004, One World was delivered for the third time in St. Endas National School. The programme brought together foreign students from the nearby Dublin Business School and local primary school students in St. Endas. Together they undertake a programme of activities that encompasses classroom exercises on diversity and equality, excursions, and workshops along different themes. By participating in these modules, the local pupils learn about people from different ethnic minority backgrounds. Collaboration with the foreign national students helps to dispel any preconceived notions about race and cultural stereotypes. The enjoyable aspects of the modules mean that an intercultural message is presented in a very non-threatening way.

Approximately thirty primary school pupils participated. Partners in this One World Programme include: Garda Siochana, St. Endas NS, Dublin Business School, WAYS (Whitefriar Area Youth Services) and DICP.

At the closing ceremony in November 2004 the pupils were presented with their certificates. Partners in the project spoke about the value of the initiative in an increasingly multicultural society.

Pupils from St. Endas NS enjoying a workshop in the Chester Beatty Library as part of the One World programme.

An activity based learning programme for the promotion of intercultural relations and the prevention of racism.

Digital Communities Initiative

2004 was the second year of the Digital Communities Project. While the first year focused on the installation of computer resource rooms in inner city flat complexes, during the second year the emphasis was on training of local residents. The Microsoft IT Academy was selected as the accrediting body and local residents commenced training with the IC3 qualification. IC3 differs from ECDL in that it has three modules instead of the seven in ECDL. The Microsoft qualification was also adopted because it has higher currency with employers. The Dublin Institute of Technology's Teaching and Learning Centre developed an introductory teacher training course in collaboration with the project. Students who complete one module of IC3 are then offered a place on the teacher training course, which runs for ten weeks with a two-hour session per week. On completion of the three IC3 modules and the Teacher Course, students receive their certification plus five ECTS credits. This gives participants the opportunity to look at other third level courses and map out their own educational path under the auspices of the Digital Communities Project.

All training commenced in February 2004. Nine students have completed all three IC3 exams. Seven have completed two modules and fifteen have completed one module. Forty additional residents are studying IC3 with a view to sitting the exam in 2005. Currently there are thirteen students on the Teacher Training course and it is hoped they will graduate in March 2005.

Two people who completed IC3 training are now working as part-time paid tutors within the project. The project also encourages residents to participate in a range of other courses including FETAC. In November 2004, eighteen students completed FETAC Foundation Level and eleven completed FETAC Level I. Residents who complete Level II FETAC will be eligible to attend degree courses in DIT. Between February and June 2004, the project ran sixty courses across eleven centres training over 650 people. In addition, about 175 children attend homework clubs on a daily basis in the computer resource rooms.

The computer room in Dominick Street flats was officially opened on 28 May 2004 by President Mary McAleese. Digital Communities is led by the Dublin Institute of Technology. Partners include DICP, Eircom, Hewlett Packard, the National Centre for Technology in Education, Dublin City Council, the Digital Hub and Microsoft. Participating flat complexes are Bridgefoot Street, Charlemont Street, Dominick Street, Michal Mallin House, Whitefriar Street, St. Teresas Gardens, ODevaney Gardens, Fatima Mansions, Hardwicke Street, Dolphin House, and Iveagh Trust.

Gateway Women's Programme

The Gateway Project runs pre-employment training for women from the Dublin 7 area. During 2004, Gateway negotiated with FÁS to increase their participant numbers from 20 to 28. Between them, participants completed 49 work experience placements during the year. Furthermore 3 of the participants progressed to employment. Gateway participants collectively completed 170 academic modules in a range of subjects that were accredited by FETAC. There were 49 modules taken by local CE participants who joined the Gateway participants in completing the FETAC Childcare Certificate delivered by Gateway. Seven participants received honours in their Junior Cert. Additionally Gateway facilitated training in Health Issues, Family Planning and Information Technology. Gateway has had a year of learning, achievements, challenges, advocacy and progression. This is the 5th year of Gateway and its overall aim is to continue to provide a curriculum that has breath, balance, continuity and progression opportunities.

Community Technical Aid

by Deirdre McCarthy

On the 3 February 2005 Community Technical Aid held a graduation ceremony for our participants, in Failte Ireland, Amiens Street, Dublin 1. The Graduation was to present the trainees and participants with certificates to certify their training and mark their achievement. Some of the trainees received awards from the Open College Network Northern Ireland, while others obtained certificates from Community Technical Aid.

Over 60 participants were invited for awards, and while some could not attend, 37 received their awards on the day. The training included, Rights Based Training, Community Development, Group Work, Research and Social Analysis, and Urban Planning and Environmental Justice.

The participants came from a variety of communities, including people from local communities in the inner city of Dublin, local authority tenants, members of African communities, Eastern European and Middle Eastern Communities, and Nationalist and Loyalist communities from north Belfast (Mount Vernon and New Lodge).

Many of the communities have been marginalised, and disadvantaged, particularly in relation to education and training. Many of the trainees would not have had a positive experience of education, and in some cases this is their first accredited training since school.

For some participants from minority ethnic communities, this was their first experience of training and education in Ireland, which has supported them in developing their new lives. This is a critical area, training to support multiculturalism, in the light of increasing racism.

The certificates were awarded by Conor Lenihan, TD Minister of State for Overseas Development and Human Rights, at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

After the formalities, the participants and guests retired to the bar for some networking! It was a very positive day, with the opportunity to bring all the participants and organisations together.

CTA would like to thank all of the participants, the community organisations who supported participants, the funders who made the training possible, the DICP and Equal, our partners in the WIDE Equal project, Dublin City Council and FÁS and Failte Ireland.

Mercy Family Centre Re-opening

by Bernadette Anderson

The Mercy Family Centre on South Brown Street has undergone a major re-development. An Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern officially opened the new premises on 31st January 2005. The new centre is a bright, accessible, spacious building offering a comprehensive range of family support services.

The Sisters of Mercy established the Mercy Family Centre in 1980 by engaging people from the community to come together and start up a project to support themselves and their families. Twenty-five years later the centre is bigger and better, providing excellent services to children and families in the community.

In 2001 the sisters handed over the building to the community and the project was granted 2.2 million under the National Development Plan and the Health Services Executive to renovate and extend the existing building and develop the service. The centre is located in Dublin 8, an area with a wealth of history. It is an area that is undergoing major structural, multi-cultural and demographic change. The Mercy Centre has evolved with those changes and achieves a high level of professional and essential service to the community. We have a team of highly dedicated staff working within the service. From the time the doors open in the morning the centre is a hive of activity. It is a very special place where people can come and be involved on many levels in education and training, avail of the wide range of excellent professional services the centre provides and be part of something better for themselves, their children and their families.

Our mission

The Mercy Family Centre provides direct innovative programmes that help children, families and individuals to work together to be their very best. We are committed to providing the highest quality childcare, adult education and social service solutions.

Childcare

We are members of the Irish Pre-school Playgroup Association, National Childcare Nursery Association and St. Nicholas Montessori Society. We aspire to nurture each child's unique qualities and potentials. Our childcare team work in partnership with parents as the primary educators of their children. The centre provides the childcare team with ongoing curriculum development, and presents its service as a model of good practice. Our childcare facilities include state of the art facilities that include 8 rooms for children from age 3 months to 5 years providing sessional childcare and future full day care for up to 94 children per day with quality adult child ratio. We have a large outdoor play area and wet play area for the children for outdoor activities.

After-Schools Programme

The Little Monsters after schools programme addresses after-school care for children from 6 years to 13 years old. The Monsters club operates from its own club house within the centres grounds providing nutritious lunches, homework support learning and development initiatives that include Drama, Sport, Art Activities, Project Based Intergenerational shared learning initiatives, computer and digital technology in partnership with the Digital Hub.

Adult Education

We try to open the landscape of possibility and potential and we are dedicated to supporting the search for knowledge and the experience of the quest for knowledge in a rapidly changing world. We have broadened our remit on adult education and our target groups are male as well as female and older age group as well as the younger age group, opened up to the wider Dublin 8 area. In cases where clients left school early or are not comfortable in a group setting, one-to-one tuition is available which supports confidence development, helps with goal setting and progression. We offer a wide range of courses from computers, literacy, one to one guidance, drama, photography and communications. We offer tailored courses to suit individual needs and group needs, linking into more than one activity. We are working on Bridging the Gap, an intergenerational programme which encourages linking the young and old in communication and using different mediums of communication to learn from, understand one another and give a sense of identity and history to both young and old. We are working on Tapestry, which is a similar model, but linking cross cultures working together. Our adult education programmes have developed links with the National College of Art and Design on Thomas Street. Third year students from the college are working on various projects and two artists from the Irish Museum of modern art are working with the Mercy Family Centre. Postgraduate students from Trinity College Dublin who are moving into teaching undertake work experience in the centre. We operate SAFE PASS on demand and depending on group size. Overall we work to link as many resources together to develop something different for the client, which supports learning and development in an ever changing world.

Psychological Support

We have psychological support services in operation. We take referrals and direct appointments, with 5 psychotherapists on site available to anyone who wishes to avail of the services.

Family Support Services

We have family support services available to anyone that need immediate help and support in any area that they may find difficult in accessing, such as housing, counselling, social welfare receipts and addition supports and any additional family supports and information

Health Services and future plans

In recognition of the fact that many people have difficulty accessing health-related services, Mercy Family Centre endeavour to act as a key point for rapid access to appointments and services in health, childcare, child assessments, and relevant therapies including speech, language, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, adult health and a broad range of social support.

For further information, contact Bernadette Anderson, General Manager, Mercy Family Centre. Tel. (01) 454 3713 Fax (01) 454 7860 Email bernadetteanderson@eircom.net

Partnership Agenda is produced by the Dublin Inner City Partnership. Dublin Inner City Partnership, Equity House, 16 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7. Telephone (01) 872 1321 Fax (01) 872 1330 Email office@dicp.ie Website www.dicp.ie ISSN 1393-9068

New Mercy Family Centre premises on South Brown Street, Dublin 8. Photo by John Searle

Adult education class in the Mercy Family Centre. Photo by Derek Speirs

Funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006

Participants from Robert Emmet CDP who graduated from Community Technical Aids training programme in social research. Photographer Jim Berkeley.

Eamon Brady

The Board and staff of the Partnership extend to the wife and family of Eamon Brady our condolences on his recent untimely death. Eamon, as Managing Director of Inner City Enterprise, worked in collaboration with staff in the DICP for many years supporting inner city disadvantaged and unemployed residents who wished to explore Self- Employment progression options.

Dublin Inner City Partnership, Equity House, 16 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7. Telephone (01) 872 1321 Fax (01) 872 1330 Email office@dicp.ie Website www.dicp.ie NETWORK NEWSLETTER ISSN 1393-9068 Spring 2005 Partnership Agenda 1

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