On Thursday, January 25th, 2024, we had the pleasure of presenting the latest findings from the EDIFY EDU project at the ‘Promoting Cultural Integration & Inclusion in the Workplace’ seminar. This illuminating event was organised and funded by the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Integration Forum, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, and the Department of Justice & Equality.
The seminar featured insightful presentations, beginning with ‘Introduction to Intercultural Competency’ by Kensika Monshengwo, Intercultural Training Coordinator at the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Kensika, emphasised the power of curiosity in learning about different cultures and fostering inclusivity. He highlighted the benefits of widening one’s perspective and recognising the hidden aspects of culture, using the metaphor of the iceberg of culture. He encouraged participants to acknowledge and be curious about these hidden aspects to avoid making assumptions or relying on stereotypes based solely on observable behaviours.
Dr. Audrey Stenson delivered an engaging update on the EDIFY EDU project, discussing its current stage, where MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are being developed for launch in October 2024, followed by country-specific specialisation courses starting in January 2025. The curriculum will encompass Emotional Intelligence, Business Management, and Communication, covering subjects such as Unconscious Bias Awareness, Emotional Competence Basics, European and National Legal Frameworks, Employee Education, Cultural Competencies in National and Global Business, Digital Literacy, Collaboration and Problem Solving, and Intercultural & Interpersonal Communication. The presentation also outlined the project’s next steps and opportunities for collaboration, including an upcoming seminar on “Educating for EDI in the Workplace”, scheduled for June 7th, 2024, in Eurofound Loughlinstown, Dublin, 18.
Seminar participants engaged in a workshop, identifying cultural barriers in workplaces and discussing strategies to promote cultural integration and inclusion. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Claire McGing, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology on overcoming barriers to promoting cultural integration and inclusion in the workplace. We extend our warm thanks to all participants, organisers, and contributors for making this event a valuable platform for sharing insights, fostering understanding, and promoting a more inclusive work environment.
Dr. Audrey Stenson, Dr. Josephine Brown, Tamara Markey
Stay tuned and connected with the EDIFY EDU project for the latest updates:
Explore our website: https://www.edifyeduproject.eu/
Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edify-edu/mycompany/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EdifyEduProject/featured
