Background to the Research

• There are approximately fifteen to twenty thousand people living in Northern Ireland who belong to a minority 'racial', ethnic or religious group. However, it was evident from work carried out at Bryson House Multi-Cultural Resource Centre that there was a distinct lack of awareness of the existence of these minority communities. Ignorance and a lack of understanding of the diverse religions, cultures and lifestyles of people originating from backgrounds which differ from the majority population often results in individuals being treated in a rather discriminatory and insensitive manner.
• The information contained within this report stems from a particular concern about the way in which services are/are not provided within the fields of education, health, welfare and social services to children of families in ethnic minority communities living in Northern Ireland. The aim of the report was to produce information which would enable childcare workers to respond to specific needs of children from minority ethnic groups effectively and appropriately.
  

Research Approach

• The task of the research was to translate the theories of cultures, religions and perceptions of health into guidelines which would assist with the development of services which could best meet the expectations and lifestyles of ethnic minorities.
• In addition to research conducted by the author, ethnic minority individuals and groups have also made significant contributions to the report.
  

Main Findings

• In each of the eleven sections of the report, a brief introductory paragraph presents background information about the main ethnic minority communities currently living in Northern Ireland.
• The ethnic minority groups which are the subject of this report include: people of the Baha'i faith, people of Bangladeshi origin, the Chinese community, people of Indian origin, people of Iranian origin, people of Islamic faith, the Jewish community, people of Malay origin, people of Pakistani origin, the Travelling people in Northern Ireland and people of Vietnamese origin.
• Focus has been directed on what are considered to be the most important facts and issues pertaining to each of the groups, such as individual and/or family attitudes towards religion, diet, childcare, and traditional customs.
• Details are also given regarding the main languages spoken by each of the groups.

Conclusions

• Culture is neither fixed nor static.
• As with the majority population, there can be wide variations among individuals from the same background as people adapt their lifestyles to their environment and to changing circumstances.
• With careful use of the background information provided in the report, childcare workers will be able to adopt an ethically and culturally more sensitive approach.