At the moment in Ireland it is rare enough that positive happenings are recognised in a country which is drowning in a sea of financial problems. Even though there was a lot of damage done to the country during the years of the Celtic Tiger, this country also developed in cultural identity.
This was a very conservative country until new people from different backgrounds came and mixed with us. These people cultivated a cultural diversity that wasn’t there before and added to our own culture. This diversity and cross cultural understanding will be celebrated at this year’s MAMA awards.
The MAMA Awards which honour individuals, groups, companies and journalists who promote crosscultural understanding – are making a much anticipated return this year.
Members of the public are being urged to log-on to www.mamaawards.com and nominate entrants for this year’s programme.
First staged in 2002, the MAMAs were established by Ireland’s first multicultural newspaper, Metro Éireann, and the 2011 showing is proudly sponsored by An Post, Dublin City Council Office for Integration, Foras na Gaeilge, The Irish Times and MK Design Studio.
“We believe that the initiative have never been more important than this time when we are faced with strong economic challenges,” said Metro Éireann editor and awards founder Chinedu Onyejelem.
There will also be a Foras na Gaeilge award for an individual or organisation promoting the Irish language and culture amongst new immigrants, and a Special Judges’ Award.
The deadline for receipt of entries is Friday 20 May. Applications will be assessed by a panel of well-known equality, integration and HR experts drawn from different areas. Shortlisted entries in each category will be announced at the end of May, with the awards ceremony taking place in June 2011.
For further information contact the MAMA awards co-ordinator at 01 878 3223, e-mail info@mamaawards.com or visit www.mamaawards.com.
Siún Ní Dhuinn is a writer and lecturer at UCD
