Bridging the Gap: A Workshop on Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity

Bridging the Gap is a cross-cultural training workshop facilitated by the Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council for service providers in Newfoundland. The workshop is designed to inspire cultural sensitivity and a greater understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers to the province; the ultimate objective being the provision of more culturally sensitive and effective service provision to refugees and immigrants living in Newfoundland.
Through Bridging the Gap, novel ways of thinking about newcomers and how to work with them are discussed and explored. These approaches, having their foundation in the knowledge of culturally sensitive methods and practices, equip service providers with the knowledge and understanding they need to work with refugees and immigrants in an effective and considerate manner.
The workshop was offered for the first time by RIAC in 1999 and has been a powerful tool in dispelling common misperceptions about refugees and immigrants; misperceptions that form a part of the “vicious cycle of prejudice and stereotyping” that only worsens the plight of these individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives – and often under the most difficult circumstances.
If you are interested in attending this workshop please RSVP to projects@riac.ca by Friday, June 15, 2012. Since space is limited, it will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is a FREE event.