In solidarity with the world’s poor IN 1992, the UN General Assembly declared October 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, designating it as a day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. October 17th was marked in Ireland by South West Wexford CDP, Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group in Dublin, Faranree CDP in Cork, ATD Fourth World, the Combat Poverty Agency, and the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, among others. The Blanchardstown CDP asked local Travellers to photograph the issues and experiences they meet in their daily lives, culminating in an exhibition and slideshow. Farranree CDP held a one-day workshop and a photo exhibition. The workshop was for young people to discuss poverty in their local area and how it could be eradicated in Ireland and globally.
Meanwhile, South West Wexford CDP hosted a theatre/drama project for transition year students from The Ramsgrange Community School, Ramsgrange and The Good Counsel School in nearby New Ross. The project developed a participatory drama involving young people to express friendship and solidarity with people who have to live with poverty and social exclusion every day of the year. The drama was performed on October 17th, naturally. The preparatory work, performance and workshops were filmed to be used as a training tool by other groups. For the past 7 years, commemorations have also taken place in Dublin at the Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay. A book ‘Stories of Struggle and Solidarity’ was launched at this year’s event by ATD Fourth World. It is an inspiring book and worth getting if you wish to take part in the future and want ideas. "The fight against poverty is a fight for human rights. People who struggle against
poverty are the first defenders of human rights," said an ATD Fourth World spokesperson. If you are thinking of joining in next year, check out the website www.oct17.org or email 17October@eircom.ie. Further information on the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is available from www.un.org/esa/socdev/poverty/poverty _link3.htm. Or if you are looking for ideas to engage youth, talk to: Sharon Kennedy, Project Co-ordinator SWWCDP, Ramsgrange, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Tel. 051-389418. Fax: 051389264. E-mail: swwcdg@iol.ie Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group, tel: 01-820 7812 or e-mail: btdg@eircom.net Farranree CDP, tel: 021-421 1822 or email: fareecdp@indigo.ie
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