Were you involved in anything that made you stop and think about the people who are living in our communities that are from other countries?

Did you learn anything new?

Have you thought about it?

Immigration has become highly significant to the UK economy, with immigrants comprising 12% of the total workforce. The debate continues as to whether immigration is good for the British economy or not, but the fact is we are living and working alongside many people of differing ethnicities.

Significant numbers of migrant workers and their families have migrated to Northern Ireland to live, work and learn here. While the experience of most has been positive, racism and discrimination continue to permeate our society.

Let's look beyond the stereotyping and the myths that generate racist thinking and behaviour, and start to look towards the individuals. We all belong to one race: the human race.

Let's respect that by respecting others, regardless of where they are from.

Intercultural and Anti-Racism Week is an annual event organised by the Equality Commission in partnership with the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) in Dublin.

For more information, please contact Lee Millen, Ethnic Minorities Support Worker at Ballymoney Community Resource Centre on 028 2766 5068.