ABCD Project

Co.Louth VEC have initiated an ABCD Project which aims to support emerging and existing minority groups within whom sectarianism and racism could present challenges to their development and that of their community. It is organised through Louth VECs PEACE III Project is supported by the European Union's PEACE III Programme and part financed by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan as awarded by Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership.

The ABCD Project will build on the previous links established under the Louth VEC PEACE III Programme with the Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian, Muslim, African, Polish communities in Co.Louth and aims to have 20 participants within the 2 month time frame from March to May 2011.

The Project uses an ‘Asset Based Community Development’ (ABCD) to build bridges between ethnic minority groups and indigenous communities in Louth. This specific capacity building training is supplemented with English classes on cultural awareness. The capacity-building of the target groups working along with the indigenous communities so that they feel both empowered and capable of establishing future sustainable peace building approaches in their communities.

ABCD training adopts a positive approach to capacity building moving away from what communities need (needs analysis) to what assets and skills (asset development) they have at present. ABCD has a proven track record in building stronger more inclusive communities. It was developed with great success in Chicago and supported by Michelle Obama among others.

Its great appeal lies in its emphasis on the local capacity to bring about such change based on the strengths of groups who are all too often viewed as deficient and needy. This programme instead starts from the premise that the participants are change makers of today who can make significant contributions to local society. They are stakeholders in producing their well being and the well being of the communities around them. The purpose of this programme is therefore to create the enabling environment and tool necessary to bring these principles into action.
Co. Louth VEC believes this innovation training programme will make a substantial impact to sustainable peace in Co.Louth.