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COMHLAMH e-LINK
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02 May 2008
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1. The 'First Wednesday Debates' at Bewley's Cafe Theatre - Next Wednesday May 7th
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A series of debates on development related issues held on the first Wednesday of each month from October to May from 6.15-7.45pm at Bewley's Cafe Theatre (Grafton Street).
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Next: The 20th Bewley's Debate! May 7th - 'Media: Reality TV, New Media and Development - Is the Truth Out There?'
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All welcome! No reservations needed! Early arrival advised. Spaces available on a first-come first-served basis. Further information at 478 3490 or paul@comhlamh.org or fleachta@comhlamh.org. This Comhlamh event is partly funded by Irish Aid.
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2. New Issue of Comhlamh's Focus Magazine
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The brand new, full colour Spring edition of Comhlamh's Focus magazine will be soon on its way to members by post and is also now available online at http://comhlamh.org/media-publications-comhlamh-media-and-publications-focus-magazine.html.
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3. Afri Famine Walk 2008 - Saturday May 17th
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From Doolough to Louisburgh, Co. Mayo on Saturday 17th May, beginning at 2pm. Read more about the annual Famine Walk on the Afri website at www.afri.ie. Organised by Afri, with Louisburgh Community Project.
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4. Comhlamh's Coming Home Weekend - 23rd-25th May in Newry
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The next CHW for Returned Development Workers is near the end of May in Newry. More at: http://www.comhlamh.org/support-for-development-workers-coming-home.html
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5. Missing Person: Can You, Your Agency or Your Contacts Help Find Him?
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Mr Trevor Patrick O'Donnell, born 17/09/70, born Pembury, Kent (aka Patrick Trevor O'Donnell) who (apparently) suffered a breakdown, and left his job in 1994 and was not seen again. Mr O'Donnell's father has recently revealed that there were several phone messages in 1994 left for Patrick originating from African Aid Organisations.
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Patrick had expressed a desire to work on the sub-continent in such a capacity and had worked in Canterbury for WEDG (World Education Development Group). If FCO staff in as many African countries as possible could look into this matter, it would be very much appreciated.
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Given the name, it is possible that this man may have gone to work for an Irish agency.
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Any information, no matter how small, to: Pete Baylis, PC10134 Baylis, Missing Person Officer, Nackington Police Station, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7AZ; (UK) 01227 868392; fax 01227 868396.
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6. Comhlamh Job Vacancy: Volunteering Options Programme: Project Manager (Dublin)
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In 2004, Comhlamh set up its Volunteering Options programme in response to changes in the international volunteering sector. Its main aims are to help develop best practice in the sector and to support and encourage volunteers in a long-term, ongoing commitment to development. The Volunteering Options programme has played a leading role in the development of the Irish international volunteering sector and is now moving into an exciting new stage.
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The role of Project Manager for the Volunteering Options programme will include both evaluating its successes over the past three years and designing, overseeing and implementing its future development.
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More from: http://www.comhlamh.org/about-us-staff.html or from Marie Therese Fanning at 01-4783490 or marietherese@comhlamh.org.
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7. The Lisbon Treaty: A Summary for Comhlamh Supporters
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What is it? Why should I vote? These and other questions are dealt with in our downloadable summary in PDF format
at: http://www.comhlamh.org/campaigns.html
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8. Volunteers Required for SERVE's National Fundraising Day, ‘Flip-Flop Friday' - Friday May 9th
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On Flip-Flop Friday, 9th May, SERVE aims to raise awareness for the plight of the world's poor. To receive your box of pins you can make contact with SERVE at www.serve.ie.
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9. Theatre of the Oppressed: A Training Workshop - Next Thursday May 8th
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The Irish Development Education Association working with Crooked House Theatre Company, Newbridge, invites you to a day to develop your knowledge and skills in the use of Theatre of the Oppressed and Forum Theatre. Date: 8th May 2008. Venue: Dance Ireland, Foley Street, Dublin 1. Time: 10.00am-4.00pm. Further Information: www.ideaonline.ie. Email: heidi@ideaonline.ie
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10. New Comhlamh Course Starts Saturday May 10th
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Title: Understanding and Engaging with the Irish Political System for Immigrants
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This course aims to introduce immigrants to the workings of the Irish political system and its institutions, so as to facilitate their greater engagement in Irish
society as educators and community actors. More at: http://comhlamh.org/trainings-courses-comhlmh-courses-and-trainings-development-education-courses.html or contact Jim on 01-478 3490 or info@comhlamh.org.
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11. Amnesty Event: Guantanamo Detainee Visits Ireland Next Week
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Amnesty International Irish Section is co-hosting a speaker's tour featuring a former Guantanamo detainee, Murat Kurnaz. The aim of this tour is to raise awareness of the appalling human rights abuse that is the Guantanamo Bay detention centre. More from: http://www.amnesty.ie/amnesty/live/irish/news-events/article.asp?id=19546&page=2158.
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12. Imaging Human Rights at UCD Clinton Institute for American Studies
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This symposium will bring together scholars, NGO personnel and media practitioners to discuss the roles of image producers and the functions of visual imagery in the documentation and communication of human rights issues.
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When: Wednesday 28th May 2008, 2pm-6pm
Where: Newman House, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin
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For further information visit www.ucdclinton.ie or contact Catherine Carey at Catherine.Carey@ucd.ie or 01-716 1560.
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13. Irish Aid: Calling Volunteers for Africa Day on May 25th
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Among the events to mark Africa Day in Ireland on Sunday, 25th May will be a celebration at Dublin Castle, organised and funded by Irish Aid.
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The event is free to the public and is not-for-profit: all of our entertainers and artists are giving freely of their time on the day. The celebration is an opportunity to promote a positive image of African culture, diversity and society in Ireland. get involed! Check out: http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/africaday2008/default.htm or contact Vivienne Gleeson at DHR Communications (vivienne@dhr.ie) who will provide you with a volunteer application form and further details of what's involved.
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14. 'When Will Democracy Work in Africa?' - A Conference
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The African Voice newspaper in partnership with Responsible Policies and Our Own Hands; African Girls Network is inviting you to the conference of the year entitled 'When Will Democracy Work in Africa?' as well as a tourism exhibition themed 'Destination: Africa' to mark the 44th Africa Day celebrations.
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Date: 21 May 2008
Venue: The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre
Time: 9am-4pm
Master of Ceremonies: Mark Little, Prime Time, RTE
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More from: Malcolm Eremionkhale, 087-2618184, e-mail: theafricanvoice@gmail.com; Thabi Madide, 086-1209843, e-mail: responsiblepolicies@02.ie; Neltah Chadamoyo, 086-3287711, e-mail: neltahc@gmail.com.
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15. Get the Red Card!
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Ireland's campaign against racism in sport and society: http://www.theredcard.ie/
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16. Launch of Comhlamh's 'Images of the Global South' Resource Leaflet for Educators
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Photographs are one of the most direct and accessible means of introducing the wider world into the classroom, but images can be contentious and complex. Compass - Development Education in the Primary School (Comhlamh) has just published a free leaflet for teachers, ‘Images of the Global South - Guidelines for primary educators for working with photographs from around the world'.
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For copies of the leaflet, contact Lizzie Downes at 01-4783490 or lizzie@comhlamh.org. Alternatively log onto http://comhlamh.org/development-education-compass-project.html for a downloadable copy.
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17. Amnesty Human Rights Based Approaches Training Course
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Amnesty International is holding a four-day training course on human rights based approaches in Ireland at the National College of Ireland, Dublin from May 26-29. Please contact Amnesty International at 01 863 8336 or hrba@amnesty.ie for application forms and further details. The fee for the course is 200 euro and places are limited. The closing date for applications is 14 May.
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18. Dublin City Volunteer Week: Images of Volunteering - Photography Competition
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Dublin City Volunteer Week is gearing up once again for 2008 (23-27 May) and we invite all photographers of any level to submit an entry for the 'images of volunteering' competition. Send in your images by 4pm, Monday 19th May! If your organisation is based south of the Liffey send your entries to info@volunteerdublin.ie; if it is north of the Liffey, send them to: dcvw@volunteeringireland.ie. Keep checking the website for more information about Volunteer Week: www.dublinvolunteerweek.com.
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19. LASC: Travelling & Volunteering In Latin America Workshop
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A day-long workshop designed for those considering travelling and/or volunteering in Latin America. It will take place on Saturday 31st May at Irish Aid Volunteering & Information Centre. www.lasc.ie.
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20. Training Days on the Injustice of Debt in the Global South: Galway and Cork
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Why not take this great opportunity to get up to speed on the injustice of the debt problem in the Global South?
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Galway: Saturday May 10th, 10.30am to 1pm (lunch provided, Harbour Hotel, New Docks Road, Galway City; Tuesday May 20th, 7.30pm-9.30pm, Galway One World Centre, Bridge Mills, Dominick St., Galway City. To book a place contact: Heike: Galway One World Centre, ph: 091 530590, info@galwayowc.org or Nessa: Debt and Development Coalition Ireland, ph: 01 8571828, nessa@debtireland.org.
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Cork: Wednesday May 14th, 7pm to 9pm; Wednesday May 21st, 7pm to 9pm. Cois Tine, St. Mary's, Pope's Quay, Cork (access via St. Mary's Church). To book a place contact: Laura: EIL, 021 455 1535, laura@eilireland.org or Gerry/Angelo: SMAs 021-4557760, smajusticeandpeace@eircom.net or Nessa: Debt and Development Coalition Ireland, ph: 01 8571828, nessa@debtireland.org.
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21. Low Carbon Futures - Challenge Europe
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We are looking for the brightest, boldest and best minds in Europe. Have you got what it takes? Climate change is real. Something needs to be done to make a difference and accelerate change to a Low Carbon Future. The time to stop talking and start acting is NOW. The British Council and its local partners are looking for bright young people from the island of Ireland who can make this happen. For more details, please contact Liz McBain, British Council, tel: +44 28 9024 8220 email: liz.mcbain@britishcouncil.org. Check: http://www.cultivate.ie/community.
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22. Play Fair 2008
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Play Fair 2008 lays out concrete steps to improving working conditions. More at: http://en.maquilasolidarity.org/en/node/785 and at http://www.cleanclothes.org.
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23. Latin America Week Conference 2008: Declaration
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The Latin America Week Conference 2008 expresses its solidarity with the people in Europe, Latin America and the rest of the world in their defence of the right to water against attempts to turn it into a commodity, to be traded for profit. More: www.lasc.ie.
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24. Kanda Bongo Man: Live! May 24th - In Celebration of Africa Day
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'If Kanda Bongo Man doesn't make you want to dance, call an ambulance!'
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The Ambassador Theatre, O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, on Saturday 24th. Doors open at 7.30pm; show begins at 8pm. www.ticketmaster.ie or by calling 0818 719 300 or at the Africa Centre on 01-865 6951.
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25. Dervla King: A Big Thank You!
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Everyone in Comhlamh would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dervla King, Project Co-ordinator of our Volunteering Options programme and co-author of Comhlamh's wildly successful and hugely informative 'Working for a Better World' book (recently re-printed due to popular demand!) for her inspiration, dedication, application, passion and enthusiasm for all things Comhlamh, in general, and volunteering, in particular. We'll miss all of that as Dervla has now moved on to new challenges after a long association with, and invaluable contribution to, Comhlamh. We'll also miss her sense of objectivity, perspective - and not a little charm! Visit us now and again, Dervla...
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26. Dochas AGM
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Thanks to Hans, Anna, Holly and all at Dochas for an excellent and engaging AGM on April 30th. www.dochas.ie
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27. Coal Protest for Climate Change!
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People against Climate Change are planning to deliver a tonne of coal to the new Minister for Finance on Thursday morning next to demand that he/she brings in a Carbon Tax this year! Assemble from 10am at the Department of Finance, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, and help us wheel our bags from the square to the department!
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If you have your own wheelbarrow, bring it! Wear black if you can! We have black Face paint to make you look the part if you're willing! Please come and help! Our backs will be broken otherwise! Please tell your friends and supporters!! Further Information from 086-3150153/086-1744938
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28. NAAR Seminar
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The NGO Alliance Against Racism (NAAR) is organising a briefing seminar to raise awareness of Ireland's forthcoming examination under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
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Title: Shadow Reporting under the UN Convention Against Racism
When: Tuesday, 13 May 2008, 10am-2pm
Where: European Parliament Offices, 43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.
More info and bookings details from: Tel: (01) 857 4654; email: justiceop@eircom.net
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29. Sights and Sounds Africa, 2008: Photography Event
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'Sights and Sounds Africa, 2008', photography event, organised by KADE and 'Clubheadbangbang', invites amateurs and professionals alike to submit images that offer a positive portrayal of Africa, urban or rural. This event will be part of the nationwide Africa Day campaign, funded by Irish Aid. A maximum of five images per applicant may be submitted, in high resolution digital format, at least 300 dpi at print size approx 297mm x 210mm (A4). Images to be emailed to: resourceskade@eircom.net or submitted on CD to: KADE, 11 Denny St, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
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30. Skillshare Sponsored Field Visit to Swaziland
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Skillshare will bring members of leading Irish NGOs to visit two of our partner organisations and their projects in Swaziland, the country with the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world and a severe problem with gender-based violence (GBV). If you are interested in joining us or sending someone else from your organisation, please contact Bruce Clark for a briefing pack - email: bruce.clark@skillshare.org or telephone (01) 874 8188.
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31. The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008
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You may be aware that the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill has been published and Integrating Ireland, along with RIS, IRC, MRCI, encourage you to raise local media awareness and lobby your local public representatives and TDs in the coming weeks on the issue, as your actions will be critical alongside national lobbying if we are to win amendments to the current bill. Some of the provisions of the Bill may have serious ramifications for returned development workers. A summary of key concerns can be found on: http://www.integratingireland.ie/userfiles/File/Database/IRP%20Bill%20Leaflet%20Feb%202008.doc.
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More info and submissions also on the Comhlamh website at: http://www.comhlamh.org/campaigns.html.
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Read the Irish Refugee Council's two submissions on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, 2008 which they have sent to the Joint Oireachtas Committee, at www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie.
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And more from New Communities Partnership at: www.newcommunities.ie.
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32. 2008 CIVICUS World Assembly - June 18-21 - Glasgow, Scotland
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The CIVICUS World Assembly is a forum for international civil society representatives to get together, exchange ideas, experiences and build strategies for a just world. The theme for this year's forum is 'People, Participation and Power'. More at: http://www.comminit.com/en/node/268171 or contact civicusassembly@scvo.org.uk or worldassembly@civicus.org.
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33. Comhlamh's Critical Voice...
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Comhlamh members and supporters have always seen overseas development work as part of a broader commitment to global development and solidarity. Many of the causes of global inequality, poverty and oppression have their origin in the industrialised countries and can be addressed by education and campaigning. Right now, human rights, social justice and global development were never so important. We'd really appreciate your support and input by joining as a member (or by renewing your membership if it has expired). Please click here to join with us: http://www.comhlamh.org/get-involved-join-us.html.
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34. Courses
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Dtalk courses - Development Training & Learning @ Kimmage. Courses at: www.dtalk.ie.
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Learning Point - This website from The Wheel is for all your training searches, enquiries and needs! Just input the topic in which you wish to train and it will search the database for courses nationwide! More: http://www.learningpoint.ie/courses/.
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The Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle): http://www.citizensinformationboard.ie/providers/providers_training.html.
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The Carmichael Centre: www.carmichaelcentre.ie.
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The Kimmage Development Studies Centre (KDSC) invites applications for the following HETAC accredited programmes, commencing in September 2008:
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- MA/Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies (KI04)
- BA Degree in Development Studies (KI001)
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For further information contact: Kimmage Development Studies Centre; phone: 4064386/4064380; e-mail: info@kimmagedsc.ie; web: www.kimmagedsc.ie 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution Skills
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The Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies at Coventry University, in partnership with Responding to Conflict. Online learning or International Summer School. More information and an application form are available at: www.coventry.ac.uk/peacestudy. Email enquires to: c.rank@coventry.ac.uk and/or courses@respond.org.
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UCD Equality Studies Centre
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Equality Studies is an exciting and dynamic interdisciplinary programme that provides students with a unique and challenging opportunity to examine a wide range of equality, human rights and global justice issues through research and analysis. The centre offers the following programmes: MSc Equality Studies; Graduate Diploma in Equality Studies; Graduate Certificate in Equality Studies. The centre also offers PhD and MSc (Research) programmes.
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The closing date for applications is 15th May 2008. Late applications may be considered subject to availability. For more information and applications, please go to http://www.ucd.ie/socialjustice/postgraduate.htm, contact socialjustice@ucd.ie or telephone 00 353 1 716 7104.
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UCD Women's Studies Centre
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The UCD Women's Studies Centre offers a wide range of both full-time and part-time courses. The Centre offers the following courses: MA Women's Studies; Graduate Diploma in Women's Studies. The centre also offers PhD and MLitt programmes. The closing date for applications is 15th May 2008. Late applications may be considered subject to availability. For more information and applications, please go to http://www.ucd.ie/socialjustice/postgraduate.htm,  contact socialjustice@ucd.ie or telephone 00353-1-716 7104.
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35. Jobs Links
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This link is from the Comhlamh website, which is always worth checking: http://www.comhlamh.org/jobs-noticeboard.html.
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As is the Activelink website: http://www.activelink.ie/ce/active_section.php?id=4.
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And here are three international resources: 
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http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/res.nsf/doc212?OpenForm.*
http://www.oneworld.net/job/list/professional//?JobTitle=&CareerSector=-1&CountryBasedIn%5B%5D=-&RestrictPackage=0&Search=Search.
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http://www.internationalservice.org.uk/.

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Comhlamh: Join us online right now at http://www.comhlamh.org/get-involved-join-us.html.

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ENDS