Issues related to religious diversity are becoming increasingly important in European societies including Scotland. Not only has Europe become more religiously and culturally diverse, providing a rich opportunity for intercultural understanding, but it is also an undeniable aspect in many modern-day conflicts in intercultural relations.  It is important to respect the development of individual religious and cultural identities and at the same time to confront prejudice and discrimination.

The training module has been developed by six European countries along side some ’experts in the field’ over a period of four years. The materials and delivery structure have won a number of major international awards for their quality and innovation.

Methodology and Objectives
The programme aims to address diversity and discrimination issues related to religion and belief. Some of the issues are also intrinsically linked to cultural and intercultural understanding. The programme’s can range from 1 day religious and cultural awareness training, to five days intensive training for trainers programmes. 

The programme has a unique flexibility to engage practitioners from the private, public and third sector as well as individuals and community members.  Therefore the programme is designed to suit organisational needs as well as community development needs.

With highly interactive and participative activities, participants will learn from each other with the guidance of the trainers (who use facilitation methods rather than teach).  The methodology follows the principles of starting from a personal exploration of the self before exploring the ‘other’.

The objectives of the 2 day programme are:
•    To increase understanding of the issues related to religious diversity
•    To share experiences of religion/belief and culture.
•    To learn to recognise stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination related to religion.
•    To increase skills in order to help create a more inclusive diverse environment.
•    To develop an appreciation for the complexity and richness of religious diversity. 
•    To appreciate the need to develop individual skills and institutional strategies for creating inclusive intercultural environments.
•    To enhance desirable personal and career development in today’s multi-cultural society.
•    To have some fun and remove the fear created by unfamiliar situations

Participants Comments

The programme has been received well within all sectors.

    “Useful, both with colleagues, clients and with care home staff – often represent clients within care homes”

    “I would like to use the Chronological Thinking exercise with my team in order to improve their knowledge and open their mind to the different individuals we may serve through the Council”

      “Extensive and thought-provoking, enlightening and well delivered in a 
       way that retained interest throughout - very interactive”

“I think the process of exploration resulted in the group bonding together in a way I’ve never experienced in other workshops and training sessions.”

“The first day of the course really provoked a lot of discussion at home which I loved. The family were all interested to learn more”

     “ Not only did I acquire a lot more information and techniques for deepening and
       broadening discussion which will help me as I go forward, but I found the 
       environment in which we did this very supportive and varied. I'm so glad I 
       chose to come along! “




Training Dates 2018

The 2 day training will take place on:

Dates:          May 15th and 16th and September 12th and 13th 
Time:            9.00am to 4.30pm
Venue:         Eastwood House, Eastwood Park, G46 6UG
Cost:            £30

To learn more about the programme contact Farkhanda Chaudhry, Farkhanda.Chaudhry@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk, 0141 577 8454, 07950008859

To register please contact Margaret Telfer email Margaret.Telfer@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk, 0141 577 8389.

Registration forms here