International aid saves and improves lives around the world but is still a contentious issue for those who believe the money should stay on-Island. With a general election coming up and the prospect of new MHKs in Tynwald, we look at why it’s important to take a global perspective as well as a local one.
Read our article here.
We are hearing many voices of concern from Island residents concerning events in Afghanistan.
Even before the Taliban takeover, the UN projected that some 12 million people (30% of the population) would face insecurity and malnutrition. 3.5 million are displaced and this number can be expected to rise. The UN has called on neighbouring states to keep their borders open to those fleeing. We are suggesting that anyone wishing to help in the short term consider donations to charities which are already working with those in need of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan as well as those who have fled. These include the British Red Cross, UNICEF, International Rescue Committee and the UN Refugee Agency.
The UK Government is setting up a scheme to resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees over the next five years. The One World Centre fully supports the Isle of Man’s proportionate participation in such a scheme. We understand that the Government’s External Relations department has already had conversations with their UK counterparts on this issue and the External Relations team will brief the new administration after the General Election is concluded. Many charities in the UK have been overwhelmed with donations of clothes and household items for incoming Afghan families so please note we are not collecting at the present time.
We have been pleased to work with Manx National Heritage to create a Google Arts and Culture online story about the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its connections to Peel, now available here: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/aAWRvefqDZ8o4g
The presentation is based on a guided walk put together by One World Centre chair Phil Craine and focuses on the locations and past residents of Peel involved with the “Guinea Trade”, as it was euphemistically known, using artefacts and resources from the Island’s national museum collections and archives.
The Google Arts and Culture story forms part of a series of educational projects that reflect on the impact slavery had in fostering racial and cultural prejudice and injustice which are still playing out in society today. It also highlights that slavery is not consigned to history, with forms of modern slavery still occurring around the world.
Just a reminder the closing date for the art competition is Friday 23rd July. If you have any difficulty in getting your entry in – for example, if you are currently isolating – please call 800464 and we will make alternative arrangements.
We’re pleased to announce we will be hosting a free workshop on Climate Change for small Manx businesses. This will take place at The Nunnery Campus, Old Castletown Road in Douglas on Thursday 29th July.
The workshop is an opportunity for small businesses to learn what they need to think about, and prepare for, over the coming years, as well as the likely trajectory of regulation and the opportunities this change will bring.
There will also be some ideas on what steps small businesses can start taking right now.
Speakers include Dr Christa McCartney, Lecturer of Sustainability in Business at UCM, and members of the Isle of Man Government’s Climate Change Transformation Team.
The workshop is part of a programme of events run by the One World Centre and funded by the Isle of Man Government’s International Development Education, Awareness and Strategy Grant.
The event starts at 8.30am with coffee, tea and pastries available from 8am. The workshop is free to attend but please book through Eventbrite here .
Thank you to everyone who made the Global Village such a fantastic event last week. It was a great celebration of cultural diversity – both in food and performances – and it was brilliant to have charities and groups working in the international development and sustainable development space come along too.
There are lots of photos on our Facebook page here.
It’s July, it’s the Isle of Man, Tynwald Day is nearly here – it must be time for the Global Village!
After an enforced break last year, we are looking forward to another family-friendly celebration of food, fun, song, music and dance from around the world, as well as stalls from Manx charities working overseas and other local groups and organisations committed to creating a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone.
Come and see us down in the Arboretum, just down from the Tynwald Fairfield. Monday 5th July, 10am – 4pm, free entry.
The next free screening in our ‘Sustainable Futures’ film season is Kiss the Ground.
Narrated by Woody Harrelson, Kiss the Ground reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilise Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies.
Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.
The free screening will take place at the Manx Legion in Douglas, on Monday 7th June at 7pm. No advance booking is needed, please just turn up on the night.
We’re pleased to announce the launch of our new art competition on the theme Being a Responsible Consumer.
Reflecting on Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), our competition asks young people and adults to think about all the stuff we buy – and how and why we might make better choices.
There are two classes of entry. Under 18s are asked to produce a poster and 18 & Over can produce any kind of artwork (provided it is easy to move and store!) The competition is open to all Isle of Man residents and the closing date is 23rd July 2021. We plan to exhibit entries later in the year.
For full details check our competition pages here
With the Isle of Man well up in the tables for most number of people vaccinated against Covid-19, we thought it was time to turn our attention to the many low income countries who are struggling to get access to the vaccines for their people.
Jumble for Jabs is an initiative to encourage people to hold jumble sales, garage sales or any other fundraising event, and donate the money raised to Go Give One, a World Health Organisation scheme to buy and deliver vaccines to poorer countries.
We’ll be holding our own Jumble for Jabs event at the Promenade Methodist Church Hall in Douglas on Saturday 5th June but we’re hoping others will take up the challenge to fundraise over the coming weeks and months. As we all know, Covid-19 knows no borders and none of us will be safe until we are all safe.
More information and links to the Go Give One scheme here
