Minister launches Photo Exhibition celebrating diversity in North Inner City
Statement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD, says there is no place for racism in Dublin’s North Inner City as she launched a major photographic exhibition celebrating diversity.
‘Cherishing all of the children of the Nation equally 1916-2016’ features photographs of local families and the changes which have occurred in the local community in the past 100-years.
Launching the exhibition at the Hill St Family Resource Centre Minister Zappone said “this hugely positive event in a community which is the true home of the rising sends out the message that we believe in inclusion and diversity not division, racism and hatred.”
The Independent Minister added:
“Family life in Ireland is becoming more diversified. Some 27 different nationalities avail of the services of Hill Street, and it is right that it should be the host of the exhibition by photographer Jeanette Lowe.
Days like today, are instrumental in bringing a community together, in integrating new families, and creating friendship and supports.
Productive families are essential to the future of the world we live in. Their strengths reflect the fabric of our society.
Centres like Hill St are there to support families with childcare, training opportunities and counseling to get people through difficult times. I am proud that this work is supported and funded through my Department.
Some families require a minimum of input, for instance a once off parenting course. Others however, require a greater level of support and you are playing a vital role by offering the appropriate level of care and support while recognising that one size does not fit all.
I encourage everyone to visit this exhibition and to be inspired not just about the future of this community but the future of our country. The heroes of 1916 had a vision of a country with equality, fairness and justice – here just a short distance from the GPO we are recapturing that vision.
All of our families and children should be cherished equally – no matter what their background.
It is what our forefathers in 1916 would have wanted.”