Cork bodies invited to apply to fund tackling work and educational discrimination

Projects and organisations tackling discrimination and inequality in education and employment across Cork have been invited to apply to a new €1.37 million fund.

The Breaking Barriers Fund, launched by Rethink Ireland, in partnership with State Street and the Department of Rural and Community Development, is a three-year fund that will support diverse workplace initiatives and sustainable employment and education programmes.

“Education and employment are vital pathways to building an equal Ireland, but discrimination continues to block these paths for too many people,” CEO of Rethink Ireland, Deirdre Mortell said.

“Our industry research shows us that diverse workplaces are more innovative and build stronger communities.

“However, talented people from minority backgrounds continue to face significant barriers to entry and advancement in the workplace.

“Through the Breaking Barriers Fund, we’re backing organisations actively challenging discrimination and creating real opportunities for minority communities across the country.”

Not-for-profit organisations that provide greater access and opportunity to education and employability for people of different ethnic backgrounds, migrants, refugees, and the Traveller community can apply for this new fund. Awardees will receive support in the form of a cash grant and a place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme.

Shared aim

“Through the Breaking Barriers Fund, our shared aim is to further enable those who champion and empower all communities in such an impactful way,” CEO and country head at State Street Ireland, Terri Dempsey, said.

Nelia Rareza, co-founder and board chairperson of The Great Care Co-op, which is a previous awardee on Rethink Ireland’s Equality Fund, said: “As migrant women working in home care, we witnessed firsthand the dual impact of discrimination: poor working conditions for carers and compromised care quality for clients.

“With Rethink Ireland’s support, we’ve grown to operate three care hubs, created 25 sustainable care jobs with improved pay and pensions, and delivered over 10,000 hours of home support.

“This has improved outcomes for 31 clients and their families, while increasing care consistency and reliability.”

With a January 10 closing date, eligible organisations are encouraged to apply to the Breaking Barriers Fund at https://rethinkireland.ie.