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We can also organise events and workshops tailor-made to suit the individual or organisation’s needs. Here are some examples of work Starlight Enterprise Limited has already completed:  Supporting children of African Caribbean heritage to do well in school; Learning about racism as a white parent/carer; Setting up a local support group; Equality issues in teaching.


 
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'DOES COLOUR MATTER?' CONFERENCE

We hosted the ‘Does Colour Matter?' conference in Oxford, London and Brighton with the hope of taking this ‘roadshow' conference to more locations around the UK in order to gain a true picture of working relations and offer a realistic way forward. Starlight is aware that, despite all of the legislation and equal opportunity policies, a genuinely culturally diverse, open and equal environment has yet to be created. By hosting this debate independent of any organisation, local authority or other institution, Starlight believes it is most likely to give participants an opportunity to explore these issues in an honest, open environment, free of any pressures, real or imaginary, that may limit contributions if linked more directly to their work environment.

The conference offers an opportunity to debate how white and black professionals can move on in terms of their perceptions of racism and begin to contribute to the development of an inclusive set of services that values the skills and talents of a diverse range of people. We had hoped that we would be able to offer a report that outlined the issues raised and solutions offered, in order for it to act as a practical toolkit for use in the workplace to take this work forward.

trevor_conference
Trevor Gordon, Staff trainer and Education Management Consultant, speaking at our conference in London.

Quote from participant at the conference held in Oxford in March 2005.

"It was a very good conference. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and met some nice people. Well done Glen and Sue, keep up the good work"

 

The day's discussions began with a panel of expert speakers with many years experience working in this area, outlining their perspective and suggestions for the way forward. The issues they raised were then discussed in the main forum before moving into smaller workshops where participants could firstly identify what they felt were the key barriers to achieving equality of opportunity before moving on to looking at potential solutions and the way forward.

Sadly, due to the small numbers participating in this debate we had to place this idea on hold but we would be very interested in hearing from anyone who would like to work with us as we really believe this could make a significant contribution to the creation of cultural synergy in any organisation.

TWO DAY COURSE:

Assessing & meeting the needs of black children

A two day course related to the National Assessment Framework for assessing and meeting the needs of black children. The course offers an opportunity to look at the importance of nurturing a positive racial identity and self concept. It includes valuable personal insights as well as practical tools and ideas that can help empower foster carers and workers to nurture a positive self identity in the children in their care. There is also an opportunity to reflect on an individual's values and beliefs and their understanding of racism and discrimination.

Quotes from previous participants:

2006

" I really enjoyed the two days."
"The course in general was excellent."
"I really enjoyed the course."
"A very enjoyable course which was reasonably generic and met most of the needs of a diverse group."
"Enjoyed course, would take course again. Information and materials very good and a great help in my work as a foster carer."

  

2007

"I found the course very useful. Keep up the good work. Thank you."
"I have enjoyed the two days and the way it was presented and would like to know about all courses run in the future."
"Well presented and very interesting."
"I thought the course was brilliant. It is very thought provoking and very motivational."

ONE DAY WORKSHOPS:

Tackling racism in predominantly white areas

This workshop explores how to tackle racism in predominantly white areas. Delegates have the opportunity to consider strategies that can help them successfully challenge racism. Practical tips and ideas are discussed with the delegates.

Supporting Dual Heritage Children and Young People

This workshop explores the issues that may face dual heritage children and young people. Delegates have the opportunity to consider the importance of nurturing a positive racial identity and self concept. Strategies to support dual heritage children and young people are also discussed with the delegates.

Understanding and Challenging Discrimination

This workshop provides an opportunity to consider what discrimination is and how prejudice & stereotyping play there part. If we really want to work towards a fairer, more tolerant and peaceful society, we must continue to be willing to challenge ourselves, as old habits and patterns of thinking can be difficult to break. We are all a product of our upbringing and the experiences life has brought to us. By reflecting on our values, attitudes & beliefs, we can begin to separate facts from unhelpful opinions and attitudes. This workshop can help us to develop the skills to become a reflective thinker whereby we will begin to become aware of how these values and beliefs may be inhibiting our ability to experience another culture or person from a different background to our own.

Some examples of comments from past participants who have attended the above workshops:

"Thank you. Very positive atmosphere. Very positive day." Race Equality Adviser


"Absolutely fantastic - keep up the good work and all the best with Starlight." Teacher


"Great day. Thank you." Head of Year


"I found it inspiring and in a safe environment in which to hear and share." Participation Worker


"Thanks for an empowering day." Recruitment Officer


"I found the course very insightful." Senior Social Worker

 
To contact us: 1 Mole Place, Oxford, OX4 7SD, E-mail StarlightEnt7788@aol.com, Telephone : (01865) 776691, Company No. 5543672