Jesuits mark World Poverty Day
‘ATD Fourth World’, and other non-government organisations including Jesuits, will hold a joint commemoration to mark UN Eradication of Poverty Day, on Wednesday, Oct. 17th, 11.30am-1pm, at the Famine Memorial, Custom House Quay, Dublin. The commemoration will be followed by a silent march to Liberty Hall. People from various groups will speak about their first hand experience of poverty including :
• A young couple struggling to raise their family on a council housing estate.
• Homeless and ex-homeless people from Ballyfermot who went to Romania over the summer to help a homeless family to build a home.
• Representatives from a Travellers’ Outreach Health Programme in Co. Wicklow.
• A resident of a direct provision hostel.
There will also be sculpture displays, music and drama by young pupils from the inner city.
Attendees will include John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Dublin’s Lord Mayor, the representative of the UN in Ireland, members of the Oireachtas, local councillors, a variety of voluntary and church organisations and community and youth groups.
According to Stuart Williams, Director of ‘ATD Fourth World,’ “Even though Ireland is one of the richest countries in Europe, there are still 750,000 people living in poverty and many are hidden from view. The 17th October commemoration of the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a chance to see and hear from these ‘invisible’ people and realise the dehumanising effects of not having basic shelter, food or clothing. It’s an opportunity to hear the people who are rarely heard and yet who are struggling to maintain their dignity in the fight against poverty and indifference.”
The speakers will not only address the suffering poverty engenders but also the efforts their groups are making to improve the situation. Positive quote
Metal wire sculptures will also be on display, representing messages from adults and young people in extreme poverty. An international children’s “silhouette” campaign will be presented by sixth class boys from St Lawrence O’Toole National School on the North Wall. A number of musicians will also contribute to the event.
Other members include the European Anti-Poverty Network, the Irish Travellers’ Movement, Slí Eile, St Vincent’s Trust and the Inner City Renewal Group.