refugees

Tim Dixon gave the keynote speech at the Welcoming New Communities conference held on Monday, July 15, in Dublin Castle. Originally from Australia, Tim is a cofounder of More in Common, which was set up after his friend, the late British MP Jo Cox, was murdered by a white supremacist. His talk looked at the role of the community in managing conflict. He presented clear results from scientific research and surveys in other countries, showing, for example, how to better tap into positivity within communities.

Ukrainian support workers in North East West Kerry Development (NEWKD) have created online resources for Ukrainian refugees about life in Ireland and information on career options. Tralee Library has also installed a Ukrainian language bookshelf.

Multi-ethnic diversity is nothing new to Dublin City Community Co-op however it has been in emergency response mode for the past two years.

The growth of a camp of 215 tents in April along streets and laneways near the building where people apply for refugee status was a new phenomenon for Dublin inner city community workers seeking to support everyone.

Minister Joe O’Brien announced the new €3m programme to support communities, and a further €1m for supports for new arrivals at the Welcoming New Communities conference in Dublin Castle this week.

Active Arranmore coordinator Fiona Ní Ghloinn believes the Government could be doing more to help Ukrainians in their late teens and twenties to integrate.

Tetiana (Tania) Kovalova from Ukraine has been working with Sisk to build modular homes for fellow refugees. Her work in Ireland fuels her dream of one day helping to rebuild Ukraine.  She has been working since the first week she landed in Shannon Airport in May 2022. She came here devastated over what she left behind, nervous of what lay ahead, carrying a small bag, her passport and €300 in savings. She came alone, speaking no English.

In a recent visit to Árainn Mhór, Allen Meagher was hoping to meet one particular Ukrainian family. The whole family could not make it, but Alexander, proud father of five children, told the story that astounded locals.