Call For Funding Applications As 'New Year' Celebrated

It was 'Gung Hei Fat Choy' (Happy New Year) for NI's minority ethnic communities yesterday as Stormont Junior Ministers encouraged applications to a £1million fund for local voluntary and community groups.

The announcement was made by the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson and Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly as they joined in with celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Ox, as shown here in a related image marking the clebrations.

The Ministers used the occasion to encourage applications from voluntary groups working with or representing minority ethnic communities for the new funding which they said is designed to promote good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds.

During the celebrations with members of the Chinese community at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, the Ministers recognised the important contribution community and voluntary organisations make to life here.

Junior Minister Donaldson said the funding, which would run for one year until the end of March 2010, would provide vital support for local groups.

"Although Government and the public sector can play a key role in facilitating and encouraging integration between minority ethnic people and indigenous communities, it can not address the challenges we face alone and all sectors have a part to play.

"We see local action as the cornerstone of our future work and recognise and appreciate the valuable work performed on the ground by local community organisations. The Chinese Welfare Association, with its partner groups, is a key contributor to this work," Mr Donaldson said.

Junior Minister Kelly also encouraged indigenous organisations which are working with minority ethnic people to apply for funding as well.

He said: "We are committed to promoting racial equality and good race relations and our funding is solid evidence that we are making good on that commitment, especially given that this funding scheme represents a substantial increase on that provided in previous years."

The Minority Ethnic Development Fund is available for 2009-10 financial year, ending on 31 March 2010 and the application process will be open run until the 2 February.

(BMcC/JM)