Immigrant workers ‘appreciation day’ organised in Derry following £2.9m funding

A migrants’ forum based in Derry has been awarded £2.9m (€3m) of funding for a cross-border project which aims to encourage an “inclusive and welcoming society” within communities which are experiencing “rapid demographic change”.

The funding announcement comes as a ‘Day of Appreciation’ for immigrants and migrant workers has been organised to take place in Guildhall Square by the local United Against Racism group.

The North West Migrants Forum (NWMF) was one of 15 projects awarded funding from PEACEPLUS for its Intercultural CrossBorder Inclusion Project.

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The funding body is a north-south programme which is co-funded by the European Union, UK government and the Executive.

NWMF’s project is in collaboration with the Rural Community Network, Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI), Irish Network Against Racism and Donegal Intercultural Platform.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who is the CEO and founder of NWMF, said that the funding “marks a significant milestone” for the organisation and its partners.

“This funding is a powerful affirmation of the commitment and dedication our small organisation has shown over the years to building a more inclusive Ireland, one where everyone feels they belong,” she said.

Ms Barr added that the funding comes at a moment when “anti-immigrant sentiment fuelled by disinformation and misinformation” was on the rise.

“We firmly believe that through conversation, education, and collective action we can counter fear with understanding and division with unity,” she said.

“Together, we will continue to shape an Ireland that reflects the values we all aspire to – inclusive, welcoming and strong in its diversity.”

Davy McAuley, from United Against Racism Derry and North West, said that their group was hosting a ‘Day of Appreciation’ for immigrants in the city on April 27.

“We want to celebrate the invaluable contributions that immigrants make to our community and stand united against the rising tide of racism and scapegoating being spread online,” he said.

“Immigrants have enriched every aspect of life in Derry. Our NHS would fall apart of it were not for the workers who come from all over the world to staff our hospitals and care homes.”

He also highlighted the examples of researchers at the local university and the enrichment of the city’s wider culture.

“This celebration is an opportunity for the people of Derry to come together to affirm their commitment to anti-racism, inclusion, and diversity.”