Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4C) Launch – 24th Nov 2018, Hotel Kilmore
The Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4C), a multicultural network funded by Breffni Integrated CLG in cooperation with Cavan County Council, had its formal launch at Hotel Kilmore on the 24th of November. About 180 members and guests represented over 20 countries which include Bangladesh, Brazil, Congo, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldova, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sudan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.
The Guest Speakers at the launch were Cavan County Mayor Madeleine Argue, Latvian Ambassador to Ireland His Excellency Ambassador Jānis Sīlis, Lithuanian Ambassador to Ireland His Excellency Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas, Head of Cavan Public Participation Network and Councillor Daniel Downey, Chairperson to the UN Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Ms. Anastasia Crickley, Ms Yasmin Kutub of the Migrant Centre Ireland Crossing Borders and Breaking Barriers Project, and Gráinne Boyle of the Social Inclusion Unit of Cavan County Council. 4C Chairperson Stanley Nwaneri and Executive Committee Member Donata Simonaitiene who emceed the programme spoke about 4C.
Also in attendance were Cavan County Councillors Winston Bennett and Peter McVitty, Social Inclusion Unit Emer Coveney, Cavan County Council Peace 4 Project Managers Theresa Tierney and Jane Crudden. From Breffni Integrated CLG were Project Co-ordinator Hazel Leahy, Mediation Worker Pamela Carney, Board Chairperson Helen O’Reilly and Board Member Michéal Greenan. Other members and business owners of the community that came were Carmal Gaffney of Loreto College, Brian Daly of Cavan TV, Datsé Silove of Datsé Café and Matthew Tormay of ATB Signs & Print.
The Irish National Anthem was sung by Lithuanian-Irish girl Shannon Coyle followed by performances from multicultural band Dolce Strings, a Filipino-French song by 2018 Junior Eurovision First Runner Up Winner from the Philippines Shaniah Rollo, a Polish dance and modified song by Hug Me Poland Theatre Group of the Polish School in Cavan, a Eurovision Lithuanian song entry by the Lithuanian School, and 3 dances from the Latvian Dance Group Varavīksne.
The Elected Officers and Executive Committee Members of 4C are:
Chairman: Stanley Nwaneri (Africa)
Secretary: Vanda Brady (Philippines)
Treasurer: Vita Yuricha (Ukraine)
Agnieszka Adamska (Poland)
Donata Simonaitiene (Lithuania)
Marisa Goldstone-Leavold (South Africa)
Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4C) is an Association incorporating all individuals interested in multicultural development and integration in a community setting. It provides a representative platform that will empower and support people to engage and participate through training, development and information provision in order to promote integration and influence policy at local level, foster mutual respect and celebrate diverse cultures. For more information go to www.cavan4c.ie.
SHANIAH ROLLO
Junior Eurovision 2018 First Runner Up and Ireland’s Got Talent 2018 Finalist Shaniah Rollo from the Philippines sang 2 songs in one – a combined Filipino and French song- “Dakilang Lahi,” which means Noble Race and “La Vie en rose” which means Life in Pink. Noble Race tells us about the hardships, trials and difficulties the Filipinos have overcome in order to become the country it is right now. Rising up and relentlessly fighting for the Philippines and appreciating the beauty of the Philippines is the true essence of being a Filipino. La Vie en rose is about “Life in happy or rosy colours” or “Life seen through happy lenses” where things are seen in a positive light and everything around you is a source of joy.
FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF CAVAN, 4C Member
FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF CAVAN (FAC) is a caring group that promotes knowledge and appreciation of the Philippines and other migrant communities, supports local entrepreneurs, provides skills and livelihood training while fostering awareness of migrant issues and inspiring respect to marginalised communities.