The Europe Challenge

The Local Challenge

The Marino College is situated in a traditionally working class part of the city, with some marginalisation of communities and increasing gentrification. This is contributing to an erosion of the traditional community spirit of the area, which the local residents association is working hard to preserve. The area has become a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests, with political and hate groups stirring up local tensions in the inner-city community, to their advantage. This challenge will focus on combating prejudice to bring a more understanding, inclusive, collaborative vision for the shared community. 

 The Initiative  

Building on their first Culture Festival, opening the school to the local community to celebrate diversity, last year they organised a Creative Minds Festival. With a parade around the neighbourhood, they celebrated the local area’s diversity and biodiversity together with the school library. This year’s festival goes further with an additional collaboration with the Marino Residents Association; celebrating common interests and learning from one another’s wealth of history, culture and experience. 

What’s Next?

Here’s a quote from the team: “This Challenge project built our community! Breaking down ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentalities across race and class and allowing everyone be seen as different but equal, creating a new sense of ‘we’.” They have experienced many new communities being attracted to their space and have come together as an entire community with their challenge work. Many doors have opened for the Marino School Library such as local political recognition, national media interest and additional funding awarded to them. 

Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.