Culture Connect opens in Dundalk

There were great celebrations last Friday to mark the opening of the Culture Connect Centre at Bridge Street, Dundalk.

This marked a major step forward for the group which expanded into Dundalk two years ago in addition to Drogheda.

“It’s very exciting to have a place of our own,” says Flora Okobi. “We’re over the moon to have our own place, with modern office facilities and room to provide services to our clients.”

Culture Connect is an intercultural organisation that addresses the barriers that new communities and Irish society experience in working and living together; focusing on facilitating culturally appropriate services that ensure ongoing support for ethnic minorities, promote intercultural awareness and mutual understanding.

“We provide a range of services including information on social welfare entitlements, employment rights and opportunities, and an after schools service, English classes and immigration and legal advice” says Flora.

“We work to help people share difficult cultures and hold monthly meetings for people to get together to share information about themselves and their countries.”

Culture Connet works closely with other organisations to deliver a wide range of supports and services to those who need them.

The organisation brings people from different communities together to reduce conflicts about xenophobia and racism.

Their aim is to work with those who are new to the community and with for local Irish people, she says.

“We’re like a bridge for local people who want to find out about foreigners and for foreigners who want to integrate into a new community.”

They also host cultural and sporting events and have taken part in celebrations such as St Patrick’s Day and International Women’s Day as well as marking important days for the different ethnic communities living here.