Ever thought about what you could do for a child in direct provision? We spoke to the Red Card, to see how small steps can make a big difference.  

 

What does the Red Card do?
Show Racism the Red Card was set up as a charity to tackle racism and we do that through a programme of education and harness the profile of sports stars to help convey that message. Our programmes include anti racism education workshops and training sessions, as well Football Against Racism in Europe, Wear Red Day Against Racism and the Club Welcome for Refugees programme.

What are the benefits of the club welcome programme?
The programme was devised in response to the situation facing refugees and asylum seekers.  While children of asylum seekers are going to local schools, they are in effect excluded from taking up hobbies on account of cost.  To join a typical football club is €75-250 a year and costs increase for many sports. Asylum seekers living in Direct Provision only receive €20 a week and €10 for children.  Combine this exclusion with the actual experience of many asylum seekers and refugees. They are new to the country and many have come from traumatic experiences. The Club Welcome is a way for clubs to reach out with the arm of friendship to Ireland’s newest residents.

How can clubs get involved?
We encourage clubs to get involved with our programme Club Welcome for Refugees and they can do that here.  In October, we also partner with the FAI for Football Against Racism in Europe and last year, more than 4,000 players from 62 clubs participated.

Why is it so important to get involved?
Show Racism the Red Card provides a unique platform of education and sport to tackle racism.  If we work to educate and challenge racism and impact with young people in particular, we can have sustained impact into the future.

 

Image courtesy of the Red Card.

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