Date: 30th November

Location: Cork City.

On a cold November evening regional members of IDEA and interested individuals gathered together for an evening of informal debate, discussion and information sharing. To kick-start the evening, Anna Visser, director of the European Anti-Poverty Network gave a talk about the links between poverty eradication policies in Ireland and internationally, in particular in the EU. She revealed a number of interesting pieces of research that point to the link between consistent poverty and increasing gaps between the richest and poorest in society. Nearly one in five european citizens is at risk of poverty. Furthermore, countries with smaller gaps between the richest and poorest (i.e. countries with greater economic equality) were countries that were MORE likely to give higher levels of Overseas Development Assistance. Clearly, there is a limit to the amount that wealth can contribute to societal wellbeing. Living in a more equal and just society seems to be just as important.

After Anna's talk, the group had a general discussion and then were invited out onto the dark and cold (though thankfully dry!) streets of Cork city to take part in an awareness-raising event organised by IDEA members Trocaire and EIL. We lit 224 candles in a beautiful series of circles. The candles represent the millions of euros that have been cut, disproportionally, from the Irish budget for overseas development assistance. These cuts are having a severe impact on people around the world, as Trocaire are witnessing themselves through their work. A number of passers-by joined in the event and lit their own candles.

The evening was also an opportunity to meet and share information with others who are engaged in Dev Ed work in the Munster region. Organisations who attended included Waterford One World Centre, Kerry Action for Development Education, Mayfield Community Arts Centre, Ethical Development Action, UCC International Development Society and Experiment in Intercultural Living (EIL).

The Regional Working Group of IDEA is made up of IDEA members from all over Ireland, currently, Belfast, Galway, Waterford, Kerry and Cork. The Group organise events to bring individuals and organisations together in the regions, to highlight work being done and to provide networking opportunities. It may also be possible to see where organisations can work together and support each other in these challenging times! If you are interested in finding out about the Regional Working Group and how to get involved contact us for more info.