Young people win all-Ireland award for speaking out against racism.

Roddy Doyle last night presented young people from youth@clc, with the MAMA Media Award for Video for their anti-racism video, True Colours, at a ceremony in Dublin's City Hall.

"We are delighted to have won this important award, not just on a personal level but because it gives us another opportunity to speak out against racism" said Punam Tohani, youth@clc, one of the young people who participated in the making of the video.

"Racism is a real problem in Northern Ireland. Children and young people experience it daily. Youth@clc want to speak out against racism and help other young people to do that as well," added her sister Nisha, also one of the video team.

"This award recognises the work we have done in raising this issue and it also shows that when young people are given a voice, they can help make a difference," continued Nisha.

"This video is designed to be used with young people in schools and youth groups to help people understand the problem of racism and what we can do about it - we have high hopes that it can make a real difference" said Punam.

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Contacts:
Paddy Kelly, 028 90245704 (w) 07810 502701 (m)

Notes for Editors

1.The Children's Law Centre is a registered charity, which aims to help young people, their parents and professionals work with and understand the laws, which affect children. Founded in 1997, under the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the centre provides legal advice, undertakes training and research with both statutory and voluntary organisations as well as working directly with children and young people.

2. youth@clc is the youth advisory group of the Children's Law Centre.

3. The MAMA (Multicultural And Media Awards) Awards, which were hosted by Metro Eireann, a multi cultural newsletter, based in Dublin, were held in City Hall, Dublin.

4. The True Colours video was launched on May 2, 2001 by Martin McGuinness, Minister for Education.