Last night I was at a celebratory dinner for Faith Regen Foundation. The evening was a celebration of their recent achievements in projects to reach out to black and ethnic minority communities, support business start-up's, and achieve better futures for unemployed women from these communities. With a varied programme that reflected the multi-faith nature of FRF's work and partners the evening was an enjoyable and inspiring occasion. A gospel choir, a nasheed singer, and a group of young people (on a UK visit from FRF's Bosnia project) each entertained us in turn with music and song.
The keynote speaker was Jim Murphy MP, Minister of State for Employment & Welfare Reform. In an unscripted and engagingly human talk, Jim Murphy reminded us of the opportunity that exists to do away with child poverty and to achieve full employment for all. He spoke about the way in which change can be achieved relatively quickly citing the experience of his family from his grandfather, as a Murphy, facing 'No Irish need apply' signs at the shipyards in Glasgow to today when a Murphy is Minister of State for Employment. He gave examples of individuals that he had met who had brought a spark of life back into the lives of those who had given up hope and said that this is often what people of faith achieve. Success is not about graphs and statistics but about empowering people for changed lives. He wants to expand the involvement of faith groups, charities and voluntary organisations in achieving full employment and ending child poverty through greater opportunities and more resources.
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