This Art Project which forms part of One World Week was developed by the Teenage Integration Programme which is part of the Information and Support Unit for New Communities based at Mount Sion. The programme involved the production of a single piece of Art Work documenting the journey of young people from their home country to Ireland, highlighting the infringements of their Human Rights that they encountered on the way. The theme for the art piece was “Where are my Human Rights – the Search”.
The participants involved young people from New Communities and Ireland who could share their experiences and learn from each other. It taught them to walk in the shoes of those who had made difficult journeys or had experiences that were affected by Human Rights issues before and after resettlement in Ireland. The art project was completed over a four day period with eight young participants assisted by volunteer supervision.
The Art Piece was launched by the Mayor of Waterford Jack Walsh on Wednesday 4th February 2009. It will be exhibited locally and used as a discussion tool to raise the awareness of Human Rights in schools and local libraries before returning to the ISU which will be its permanent home.
This project proved to be very worthwhile as many had the opportunity to discuss Human Rights issues and share experiences of what it means to be a young person in a foreign land.
This Project was supported by the National Youth Council of Ireland and Information and Support Unit
