Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week (MSIAW ) will take place from Monday October 15 to Sunday October 21.
The week supports and highlights a series of initiatives that foster connection and equality. Events that are vibrant, diverse and interesting will take place in many towns throughout the county, including Monday’s No Limbs No Limits talk and discussion by Joanne O’Riordan in Westport Library at 7.30pm.
Joanne is a sports journalist, equality activist, Young Person of the Year Award winner, Tedx and U.N. Speaker. Speaking of her involvement Joanne said: "I'm really happy to be involved in the Social Inclusion Awareness Week in Mayo. It's an important initiative that raises awareness and creates conversation around the inclusion of all people in all day-to-day activities in Ireland. The more we enable and empower everyone, the more all-encompassing and balanced society we build."
MSIAW was launched on Friday last at The Kennedy Glasgow Centre, Ballina by the writers and artists of A Strong Heart - a book of stories and dreams for the future by the Syrian and Palestinian children living in Mayo.
The children who participated in the launch are currently residing in Ballina and they are sisters Lina and Rahaf, Shheideh and brothers Amer and Rashed Hussien.
The event was opened with an incredible performance by John Hoban and his wife Isabella. John is a composer, singer, musician and author from Castlebar, he brings music to various and diverse communities and has worked extensively with the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees and rural communities.
The launch was closed by Bernard Lawrence a 15-year-old singer from Castlebar, who is gaining much attention and adulation for his talent. He has performed for President Michael D Higgins at the launch of the Travellers Journey Exhibition held at the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough in July, so impressed by his performance President Higgins requested that Bernard perform at Aras an Uachtarain as part of Culture Night celebrations last month.
For a full line-up of events log on to www.mayosocialinclusionweek.com
