Tag Archives: TIRC

News

PHOTOS: TIRC Hosts Event To Mark World Refugee Day

.
Mary O’Carroll and Sean Lyons of TIRC with Cllr Angie Baily at the event to mark World Refugee Day. Photo by Dermot Crean

TRALEE International Resource Centre (TIRC) hosted an event during Thursday lunchtime to mark World Refugee Day – a day to honour refugees around the world.

It is the international day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the courage of those forced to flee their homes.

This year the focus of the day is on ‘our home’ – from the places we gather to share meals to our collective home, planet earth: World Refugee Day calls for global solidarity with refugees, a world where they are welcomed, not feared.

Continued below…

.

Refugees and guests enjoyed refreshments and a performance from the TIRC choir during the lunchtime get-together.

While there has been a huge influx of Ukrainian refugees to the county since March of 2022,  Kerry has welcomed many refugees over the years, from across the world, all forced to flee conflict in their home countries, and the Tralee International Resource Centre has been working to support them for the past 15 years as they settle into life in Tralee.

“Every person on this planet has a right to seek safety – whoever they are, wherever they come from and whenever they are forced to flee,” said TIRC coordinator Mary Carroll.

Mary Carroll said “there are more than 43 million refugees around the globe, looking for many of the things we Irish take for granted — a home, hope, dignity and justice. On World Refugee Day, we can celebrate the courage that refugees show as they embark on a future that is sometimes uncertain within an environment which is often very unfamiliar. I think we also need to celebrate our own courage to do what’s right and to speak up and help in any way we can.”

She added; “Simple acts like having a chat, walking together, or sending a message of welcome can help everyone feel like they belong. Together, we can work in solidarity to ensure all our neighbours, new and familiar, have safe and welcoming homes.”

Mary Carroll concluded’ “We all have a moral obligation and the responsibility to lend a helping hand to people who must flee persecution or internal conflict. Empathy knows no borders, and we can all have empathy and understanding for people who have had to flee and rebuild their lives.”

TIRC is on hand to offer support and advice to all refugees as they settle in their new home in Kerry. Please feel free to contact them at 0667121918 or visit www.tirc.ie. Scroll down for photos…

Some of the members of the TIRC Choir singing at the event to mark World Refugee Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Guests at the event to mark World Refugee Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Guests at the event to mark World Refugee Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
Guests at the event to mark World Refugee Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Guests at the event to mark World Refugee Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sean Lyons speaking at the event to mark World Refugee Day. Photo by Dermot Crean
.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

News

New Strategy To Support Roma Families Launched In Tralee

.
Pictured are Sean Lyons Chair TIRC , Mary Carroll TIRC , Vanessa Covaci Roma Researcher , Priscilla Lynch Head of Primary Care HSE , Dr Patricia Kennedy Lead Researcher and Isac Ianko Roma Researcher at the launch of a HSE-funded health strategy supporting Roma families in Kerry and Cork in the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC). Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.

A NEW HSE-funded health strategy supporting Roma families in Kerry and Cork – ‘Te Rodel Nevo Drom’ (We are looking for A New Way) – was launched on Tuesday morning in the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC).

Commissioned by TIRC in December 2022, with support from HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Dr Patricia Kennedy took on the role as lead researcher for the project to develop a strategy for Roma Families in Cork and Kerry, in collaboration with Roma peer researchers (‘experts by experience’) and with the guidance of a research advisory group.

There are 375 members of the Roma community in Kerry, the vast majority in Tralee (240). A consultation process, which involved talking with over 60 representatives from the Roma community, NGOs and statutory agencies, was completed between January and April 2023.

Continued below…

.

Co-ordinator of Tralee International Resource Centre, Mary Carroll, welcomed the strategy: “We have been working with the Roma community for many years and this research is the voice of the Roma in Kerry and Cork themselves, which is the key to the way forward and effecting real change for this community – who have experienced significant levels of adversity.

“The findings cover the health and social needs of the Roma and the key is that they have been translated into actions – some of which can be progressed immediately, while others will require longer term planning and resources.

“Actions include the need to improve awareness of policy makers and providers, to celebrate Roma culture, increase access to translation and interpretation, develop a Roma Info-line and work specifically with Roma women. The complexity of the issues identified indicate there is a need for the establishment of a multi-agency response and the recruitment of Roma Peer workers to improve links between the Roma community and health and social services.”

Head of Primary Care for HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Priscilla Lynch said: “I am delighted to see this Roma Community health strategy come together after input from so many committed researchers and stakeholders. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the role of Tralee International Resource Centre in this area, as they support the Roma in Kerry.”

A summary of the strategy details is available in leaflet format, and in several languages for the Roma community to access.

It is available from TIRC on 066 712 7918 or by emailing reception@tirc.ie. The strategy document is available on www.hse.ie/romahealthstrategy .

.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Free Concert From TIRC Choir To Take Place In Tralee Next Monday

.
Members of the TIRC Choir looking forward to the performance next Monday.

THE Tralee International Resource Centre Choir will give a free concert next Monday, October 9, at the Kerry School of Music on High Street at 7pm.

The choir is a diverse group of individuals hailing from Ireland, Ukraine, Nigeria, Burundi, Argentina, and beyond, each with unique life experiences and languages.

Their common love for music brought them together in June of this year with a shared goal – to celebrate the universal language of song and harmony. Their debut performance showcases the rich blend of backgrounds and influences and messages chosen by participants.

Continued below…

.

They will be joined by the wonderful Kerry Chamber Choir, who have lent their skills and expertise to support this project. To register for the free tickets click here to go to the eventbrite page.

TIRC Choir would like to thank Margaret O’Carroll for her guidance and leadership and Aidan O’Carroll, Director of the Kerry School of Music & Performing Arts for opening the Fleischman Studio for this event and his cooperation in making this musical moment happen.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

News, Sport

PHOTOS: Tralee Tennis Club Serves Up Lessons For Asylum Seekers And Refugees

.
Tralee Tennis Club members with refugees and asylum seekers at the tennis programme on Thursday morning at the club’s courts. Photo by Dermot Crean

TRALEE Tennis Club and the Tralee International Resource Centre joined forces to serve up an ‘Introduction to Tennis’, for adult refugees and asylum seekers in Tralee.

The four-week programme was designed as a way of integrating migrants with the local community, through tennis, regardless of people’s background or circumstances.

The programme was run entirely by volunteers from Tralee Tennis Club, who designed a fun way to learn tennis, aimed at a couple of hours of normality, physical activity, and the chance for participants to interact together and with members of Tralee Tennis Club.

Continued below…

.

The project was kindly supported by Kerry County Council, who provided rackets and balls for the participants to use.

“There is a real passion for the game of tennis in our Club. We were therefore delighted to offer migrants the opportunity to try out the game that we love so much,” says Nuala Finnegan, Chairperson of Tralee Tennis Club.

“Tennis is a game that lends itself very well to fresh air and fun, to escape whatever circumstances people find themselves in. We certainly had a lot of fun with this group. Hopefully it’s something we can offer more of in the future,” she adds.

Taking part in the tennis programme on Thursday

The ‘Introduction to Tennis’ is a pilot programme, which catered for 20 participants from eight different countries and finished up with a fun tournament on Thursday.

“One of our primary aims is to promote the integration and participation of migrants in wider community activities. Sport is a great way for people from different communities to integrate. What the volunteers at the Tennis Club are doing, is a perfect example of this. We commend their efforts. Thank you all!” says Mary Carroll, Coordinator, Tralee International Resource Centre.

Taking part in the tennis programme on Thursday
.
Taking part in the tennis programme on Thursday
Taking part in the tennis programme on Thursday
.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

News, WHAT'S ON

TIRC To Celebrate International Women’s Day With ‘Different Faces’ Exhibition

.

TRALEE International Resource Centre is hosting an exhibition of photos of faces of the diversity of women living in Tralee to mark International Women’s Day on Wednesday March 8.

“The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Different Faces, One Community, Embrace Diversity’,” said TIRC’s Family Support Worker, Theresa Elumelu.

“In our work we meet so many different women from different countries, but we all come together and support each other as one community, in our weekly women’s group or our parent and toddler group.”

Continued below…

.

Theresa continued; “We decided to photograph all these women, and showcase their photos at our event on March 8, to allow people to see the diversity we have in our community, and how we have embraced our differences to support and help each other. We are all similar behind the face, and are all working to make the best life for ourselves and our families, no matter where we have come from.”

The event will take place in the St John’s Parish Hall, Castle Street, Tralee on Wednesday, March 8, from 11am until 1pm, and as well as the exhibition, there will be music, a fashion show and food served. All are welcome to attend.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

News

Tralee International Resource Centre Marks Refugee Day

.
Marking World Refugee Day on Monday were Tralee International Resource Centre Board members. Seated from left; Teresa Elumelu, Mary Carroll and Alana Syniuenchenko. At back; Sylvia Thompson, Sean Lyons (Chairperson), Neil O’Farrell, Vera O’Leary and Sinead Kelleher. Photo by Dermot Crean

MEMBERS of the board at Tralee International Resource Centre marked World Refugee Day – a day to honour refugees around the world — on Monday.

Monday was the international day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the courage of those forced to flee their homes. This year the focus of the day is on safety.

While the county is now home to more than 2,400 Ukrainian refugees, Kerry has welcomed many refugees over the years, from across the world, all forced to flee conflict in their home countries, and the Tralee International Resource Centre has been working to support them for the past 12 years as they settle into life in Tralee.

Continued below…

.

“Every person on this planet has a right to seek safety – whoever they are, wherever they come from and whenever they are forced to flee,” said TIRC coordinator Mary Carroll.

“There are more than 27 million refugees around the globe, looking for many of the things we Irish take for granted — hope, dignity and justice.  On World Refugee Day, we can celebrate the courage that refugees show as they embark on a future that is sometimes uncertain within an environment which is often very unfamiliar.  I think we also need to celebrate our own courage to do what’s right and to speak up and help in any way we can.”

“We all have a moral obligation and the responsibility to lend a helping hand to people who must flee persecution or internal conflict,” concluded Mary.

TIRC is on hand to offer support and advice to all refugees as they settle in their new home in Kerry.  Contact them at 0667121918 or visit www.tirc.ie.

News

PHOTOS: Africa Day Brings Crowds To Tralee Town Park

.
Liz and Cees Van Haggten at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

TRALEE Town Park was alive with African beats and colourful dress on Sunday as families of many nationalities and cultures enjoyed Africa Day.

The event, opened by Mayor Johnnie Wall was hosted by Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) and the African community in Kerry bringing together different African cultures and traditions.

There was a steady stream of people attending in the afternoon as the event, MC’d by James Finnegan, showcased traditional African food and African drumming and Africa-themed displays.

Many of those from Africa, now living in Kerry showcased traditional African dress and there was a DJ, face-painting and games. Scroll down for photos…

Ayah Allah and Firaz Ahmed from Sudan at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Padraig Kelly, Derek O’Connor, Louise Quill and Caroline Quill with Luke, Jack and Aidan Kelly and Adam and Mattie Quill at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tim Moriarty with Logan Moriarty and Lana Raftery at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Pamela Mkosana and Sthe Mthombemi from Zimbabwe at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Teresa Riubhara, Wadzamai Matambamdzo and Idah Matigimu from Zimbabwe at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
John Lazarus, Grace Zitus and Larry Oybnji from Nigeria at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Drumming entertainment at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Some of the crowds at Africa Day in the Town Park on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

News

Two Cheques In Aid Of Ukrainian Refugees Presented At TIRC

.
Artist Gerald Byrne presenting a cheque to Mary Carroll, TIRC Co-ordinator, and Kathleen O’Connor, TIRC, the proceeds of a fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees in Tralee.

TWO cheques in aid of Ukrainian refugees were presented recently at the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC).

Artist Gerald Byrne from Crotta, raised €2,050 to support Ukrainian refugees living in Kerry through his ‘Art for Ukraine’ fundraiser.  He donated the funds to TIRC on Monday to support their work with the Ukrainian refugees.

Gerald said he wanted to help the people fleeing Ukraine and he decided to do line drawings which he put up for sale and all funds raised are now donated to directly support the refugees.

Continued below…

.

Accepting the donation on behalf of Tralee International Resource Centre, Co-ordinator Mary Carroll said; “This is a wonderful donation from the actions a local man who wanted to help in any way that he could. We are most grateful and we will put the funds to good use to support the refugees in centres around Tralee to settle into life here.”

Mary continued; “The outpouring of support and offers of help has been amazing as local people respond to the plight of the people of Ukraine.”

Meanwhile the proceeds of a coffee morning held on Friday, March 25 at TIRC were also presented at the centre to a representative from the Irish Red Cross.

Pictured handing over the funds raised by their coffee morning in Tralee International Resource Centre to the Irish Red Cross are Carol Carey, MTU student in TIRC, Mary O’Sullivan, TIRC, Ifeanyi Festus Asylum Seeker, Lynda Murphy, Unit Officer Tralee Red Cross, Mary Carroll TIRC Co-ordinator and Tara Moriarty MTU student in TIRC.

The coffee morning, which was organised by asylum seekers and refugees living in Tralee to support the Ukrainian refugees raised €315 and was a wonderful example of refugees helping fellow refugees.

News

PHOTOS: Showing Support For Ukrainian Refugees At Coffee Morning In TIRC

1 Comment
.
Sharon Dennehy, Clodagh O’Sullivan with Natalia Sikora from Ukraine, but resident in Ireland for 23 years, and Oksana Pavnul who came from Ukraine two weeks ago, at the Coffee Morning for the Irish Red Cross at the Tralee International Resource Centre on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean

A REAL community effort went into a fundraising coffee morning in aid of the Red Cross to support refugees on the ground in Ukraine.

Asylum seekers and refugees, who use the Tralee International Resource Centre at St Patrick’s Bunglalows in Boherbee, baked cakes and goodies and brought them to the fundraiser on Friday morning

“They’ve been through the same experience so they feel that it’s very important to show solidarity with the Ukrainian refugees,” said Zaid Kassoob, who was helping out at the coffee morning.

Continued below…

.

“People were invited to bring their own country dishes and refugees and asylum seekers in town contributed to the spread here,” he added.

The event was well attended and some new arrivals from Ukraine also called in for a cuppa. Scroll down for photos…

Lesie and Natalia from Ukraine at the Coffee Morning for the Irish Red Cross at the Tralee International Resource Centre on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Ahal Al Mustafa, Kathleen O’Connor and Carol Carey at the Coffee Morning for the Irish Red Cross at the Tralee International Resource Centre on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Xamuel Gssuemn, Raymond Miolngo, Ifeanyi Festus Asikogo from Atlas House who were volunteering at the Coffee Morning for the Irish Red Cross at the Tralee International Resource Centre on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Mary Stack, John Loughrey and Joanna Jankowska at the Coffee Morning for the Irish Red Cross at the Tralee International Resource Centre on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mary Glazier and Ursula Bastible at the Coffee Morning for the Irish Red Cross at the Tralee International Resource Centre on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

News

Coffee Morning At TIRC To Help Ukrainian Refugees

2 Comments
.
Tralee International Resource Centre.

THERE will be a coffee morning on this Friday morning to raise funds to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.

The event, which takes place between 11am and 1pm tomorrow, will be held at the Tralee International Resource Centre at St Patrick’s Bungalows in Boherbee.

It is being organised by refugees and asylum seekers who use the facilities at TIRC, many of whom have fled conflict in their native countries.

They will bake goodies and serve teas and coffee to visitors who are invited to make a donation. All proceeds raised will go towards the Red Cross to support refugees on the ground in Ukraine. All are welcome.

.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

News

Bon Secours Makes Donations To Tralee International Resource Centre And Kerry Hospice

.
Maura Sullivan, Kerry Hospice Foundation receiving funding from Owen McCarthy, Head of Mission on behalf of the Bon Secours Hospital. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE Bon Secours made donations today to two local organisations.

Kerry Hospice Foundation and Tralee International Resource Centre each received cheques on Tuesday from The Bon Secours Hospital Tralee Community Initiative Programme.

“We believe that, through our Community Initiative Fund, we can act as a catalyst in tackling social issues by assisting local charities and not-for-profit groups in the outstanding work that they are doing in response to the healthcare and related social and economic needs of the community,” said Owen McCarthy, Head of Mission at the Bon Secours.

Continued below…

.

In 2021 the Bon Secours donated a total of €75,000 in funding support to many charities and not-for-profit groups who reach out to the most vulnerable in the community.

“The Management, Staff and Sisters of the Bon Secours Hospital would like to sincerely acknowledge the valued work of The Kerry Hospice Foundation in the community on so many levels,” said Mr McCarthy.

“We were delighted to make a number of donations to Kerry Hospice Foundation in the course of 2021. We would also like to sincerely acknowledge the value service of the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) in our community,” he continued.

Sean Lyons, Chairperson of Tralee International Resource Centre receiving funding from Owen McCarthy, Head of Mission on behalf of the Bon Secours Hospital. Photo by Dermot Crean

“We are delighted to make a donation to the Centre in support of their engagement with the male asylum seekers living in Atlas House. This work has been so beneficial as prior to this they were relying on the men accessing the services of TIRC rather than a programme designed to reach them,” said Mr McCarthy

The plan for this funding support for Tralee International Resource Centre includes:

• Continuing clinics/drop in appointments for male asylum seekers to support all their queries re asylum, work visas, medical cards etc.

• Supporting them to find training and work opportunities

• Organising activities to support their integration – sporting events, social outings etc.

• Organising training in TIRC to support their job opportunities or to gain access to college courses

• General support with any issues they have.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

News

New Mural Celebrates African Community In Tralee

.
Goodluck Uzama and Samuel Kiwanuka at the new mural at the Tralee International Resource Centre. Photo by Dermot Crean

TRALEE International Resource Centre (TIRC) is celebrating the African community living in Tralee by unveiling a large mural at their premises in Boherbee.

The mural was started on Africa Day (May 25th) when people were asked to submit ideas for the artwork, and since then local artist Teresa Galvin, has been working on the piece.

Mary Carroll, co-ordinator of TIRC said, “We are delighted to have this lasting legacy to our international community who have made Tralee their home, and while our focus was to celebrate Africa Day the mural represents more as the central message of ‘we are hope’ applies to us all.

Continued below…

“No matter where we come from, we all need to live and work together, and this has been particularly evident during the recent pandemic.”

Mary added, “My hope is that we are all inspired to rise to the challenge of integration, and at least pause and reflect o the common humanity that links us all. No more than Irish people abroad are rightly proud of their homeland and roots, so too are the many people living here from a wide range of different countries in Africa. We are lucky to support people from Ethiopia to Somalia and from Burundi to Nigeria and many more countries too.  They all are individuals and their countries are unique, so it is hard to capture the whole of what is Africa, but ‘hope’ is a common bond for us all, no matter where we come from.”

Mayor of Kerry Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen unveiled the mural.  He said; “I am hugely proud of the fact that people from around the globe have made Kerry their home and contributed so much to this county.”

This mural to celebrate Africa Day 2021 was funded through a grant from Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs, administered by Kerry County Council.

News

Three Tralee-Based Community Projects Receive Funding

 

.
From left; Alison Canavan Wellness Coach, Theresa Emumelu (TIRC), Karen O’Donohoe GIY,
Kathleen O’Connor and Amy O’Shaughnessy from Energia, at the presentation of the Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund celebration.

THREE Tralee-based groups will benefit from funding as part of the Get Ireland Growing Fund run by GIY (Grow It Yourself) in partnership with Energia.

There are 85 winners of the grants nationally from a fund of €70,000. Rath Oraigh Childcare (€500), TIRC Women Group (€1,000) and Recovery Haven (€2,000) in Tralee will benefit. Glencar Community Care Garden (€1,000) is the only other Kerry recipient.

Grants will be awarded to the successful food growing projects planned by community groups, schools and not-for-profit organisations all across the country.

Continued below…

.

The teams behind 85 community projects are all being granted with funds for their unique plans.

From left, Alison Canavan Wellness Coach, Kenneth Reynolds (Recovery Haven), Karen O’Donohoe GIY and Amy O’Shaughnessy from Energia at the presentation of the Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund celebration.

The Recovery Haven – Organic Fruit and Veg Garden Club, the team behind the Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support house provide free cancer support services to the people of Kerry.

At Rathoraigh Childcare, the team there says; “The children in our centre would like to grow vegetables and fruit at a nearby allotment, with the intention of making jams and soups, giving the children knowledge of healthy food that can be produced by the child’s hands. This project will have a knock on effect on the community, as Rathoraigh is a built up area, where people with many different cultural background live with little green space. Parents will be encourage to participate and share knowledge in the planting and harvesting of the vegetables and berries with their children follow by a jam and soup making workshop at our centre.”

A funding award goes to the TIRC Women Group. The team there says,; “Our project is TIRC Women Group that offers women from the asylum seekers, refugees and migrants a safe place to meet, integrate with other locals. The gardening project would give these women to learn gardening skills to grow their plants and vegetables. They have been given an allotment space in a Community Garden. We also want to transform the courtyard of the Centre into a more relaxed family friendly space by growing plants, shrubs for the boxes and making raise bed for the plants. Increase participant’s knowledge and understanding of how to grow vegetable and plants in Ireland and create a relax space families specially asylum seeker families.”

In Kerry a funding award goes to the Glencar Community Care Garden. The team there says, “Glencar is the 2nd most disadvantaged area in County Kerry (Source: SKDP), evidenced by the fact that our community experiences a severe lack of local amenities. Our Community Group would love to establish a poly-tunnel filled with nutritious fruit and veg to both provide a base for much-needed social and educational interaction between groups in our disadvantaged rural community, and to improve the quality of the warm meals that we provide to our elderly through our Meals on Wheels Scheme.”

In addition to the funding provided, GIY will also provide additional supports and opportunities for knowledge exchange between the projects, helping the best ideas to be shared through ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’.

All of the projects remain part of the GIY network in the long term, giving them access to other GIY resources and additional groups and projects within the network, creating a long-term legacy.

News

Plan In Place For Local Community To Help Syrian And Iraqi Refugees In Tralee

2 Comments
Credit Union Students
.
Norie O'Connell, Samuel Kiwanuka, Mary Carroll, Caroline Doyle and Mairead Egan at the 'Befriend a Refugee' information night Tralee International Resource Centre. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Norie O’Connell, Samuel Kiwanuka, Mary Carroll, Caroline Doyle and Mairead Egan at the ‘Befriend a Refugee’ information night Tralee International Resource Centre. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

AROUND 30 or so people crammed themselves into a room at the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) on Monday evening looking to help Syrian and Iraqi refugees who have recently come to Tralee.

There are 81 refugees from Syria and Iraq in Kerry. Twelve families are located in Tralee, four in Killarney and three in Killorglin.

In the coming months it is expected that six more families will arrive in Kerry.

Located in Boherbee, TIRC are calling on members of the public to ‘Befriend’ refugee families in town so that they can begin their lives in Ireland.

Continued below…

Krave Insert 2
.

The idea is to create a support network for the families so they can live, work and study in Ireland and become part of the community.

“It’s one of the biggest reactions of anything we’ve ever done,” said Mary Carroll of TIRC. “This is something you can do for real and really help,” she added.

The families are made up of young and old and began arriving to Tralee at the end of last year, they live in estates dotted around the town.

“It’s definitely improving for them. English is a big problem, they attend classes in the Kerry ETB and they call in here (TIRC) and we support them. People are great, their neighbours are helping them as well,” said Mary.

Any interested ‘befrienders’ will get training from TIRC which will prepare them for any issue that may arise and provide them with the necessary skills to best help out.

“There might be four or five ‘befrienders’ with each family and they might all provide different things. Some might help the family with English and others will drive them somewhere,” said Mary Carroll.

“The fact that it’s a small amount of families makes it easy for us to organise it,” she said. .

After arriving in the country, Syrian and Iraqi refugees first go to Department of Justice ‘orientation centres’ where they receive any medical attention should it be required, along with aquainting themselves with the basics of living in Ireland.

From there it is decided which towns and cities the refugees will call home. While in Ireland, they are afforded the rights of an Irish citizen, that includes the right to work and social welfare payments. They are not in direct provision.

Many of the Syrian and Iraqi refugees who have arrived in Tralee have third level qualifications. Across all the families, there is great motivation to enter the workforce.

“They are all entitled to work and they all will be working, it’s just about getting their English up to speed. Some can begin working very soon,” said Mary Carroll. “It has been very positive. You can see the interest here tonight was massive, everyone here is coming with good intentions and wants to help.”

News

Tralee Centre Organises Seminar On Children Living In Direct Provision

 

TIRCTRALEE International Resource Centre (TIRC) are organising a seminar that will focus on children living in Direct Provision (DP).

The event, which will take place on Friday, June 19 from 11am-1.30pm in St John’s Pastoral Centre, Ashe St, Tralee, will be entitled ‘Lost Childhoods’.

The day will feature speakers from the ‘Health Information and Quality Authority’ (HIQA), a local primary school principal, and Teresa O’Donovan who is General Manager Kerry of Primary Care & Integrated Services HSE.

“Our aim is to shine a spotlight on the impacts of DP on children and to pass on any findings from the seminar to the responsible Minister, Aodhain O’Riordain, TD,” said Kristine Silina, the recently elected Chairperson of TIRC.

“We are organising this seminar on the back of a recent damning report by the health watchdog HIQA which revealed how one in every seven child living in direct provision centres had to be referred to social services in a single year,” she continued.

The most recent report from the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) states that there are 1,482 children (under age 18) living in DP.

According to the Irish Refugee Council’s report, ‘Counting the Cost’, which was published last year, the average time spent in Direct Provision is three years with some waiting as long as seven years for a decision.

With 35% of children in DP under the age of 4yrs, the DP way of life is all they know.

For further information and to book a place at the seminar on June 19th, please contact TIRC at 066 7127918, info@tirc.ie or on their website here.

News

PHOTOS: Johnston Marina Centre Residents And Friends Enjoy Christmas Party

Credit Union sidebar

THERE was a large gathering of asylum seekers, people from the Tralee International Resource Centre and volunteers at the annual Christmas Party on Saturday afternoon.

Santa made an appearance and they all enjoyed a Christmas dinner and entertainment.

Held in Kerins O’Rahilly’s Clubhouse, Gillian Wharton of TIRC explained what the day was about.

“We have this every year for the people in the Direct Provision housing. People have been very generous to us in giving us presents for the children which were handed out by Santa,” said Gillian.

“It’s mostly people from the Johnston Marina here, but there are men from the International Friends Group who are living in Atlas House, one or two families who have got their residency and have ties to the Direct Provision house and other volunteers here.”

“It’s lovely for the children because they wouldn’t have much extra curricular activities as other kids because of financial constraints, so it’s great to give them that Christmas atmosphere,” said Gillian.

Scroll down for photos…

Tina Diggin, Gillian Wharton, Christina Buckley, Kristine Silina and Alketa Mucad at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O'Rahilly's Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tina Diggin, Gillian Wharton, Christina Buckley, Kristine Silina and Alketa Mucad at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O’Rahilly’s Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Paul Abraham, Youlia Zidarova, Aisling Sugrue and David Rath at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O'Rahilly's Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Paul Abraham, Youlia Zidarova, Aisling Sugrue and David Rath at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O’Rahilly’s Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Desiree Wassink, Theresa Elumelu and Sarah Ryall at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O'Rahilly's Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Desiree Wassink, Theresa Elumelu and Sarah Ryall at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O’Rahilly’s Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Patricia Tlou, Caroline Doyle, Catriona Doyle O'Brien and Brid Doyle O'Brien at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O'Rahilly's Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
Patricia Tlou, Caroline Doyle, Catriona Doyle O’Brien and Brid Doyle O’Brien at the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O’Rahilly’s Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
A group attending the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O'Rahilly's Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
A group attending the TIRC Christmas party in the Kerins O’Rahilly’s Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
News

Raise A Cuppa for Human Rights Day At TIRC

 

TIRCTRALEE International Resource Centre (TIRC) will celebrate International Human Rights Day with a coffee morning and discussion on Wednesday December 10, from 11am-12pm at their premises in St Patrick’s Bungalows, Boherbee.

“Human Rights is at the core of the work we do here in TIRC supporting asylum seekers, refugees and the wider international community, and we would like to invite all to this event to celebrate a most important day,” said Chairperson of TIRC, Gillian Wharton Slattery.

“Our event on Human Rights Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made by human rights activists and to discuss current human rights issues around the world.  Some of the graduates from our recent Human Rights course will lead the discussion,” said Gillian.

The aim of the TIRC is to develop and provide a drop-in facility and services for the international communities in Tralee through inter-agency co-operation.  It provides a welcoming, accessible and safe space for people, including internet and computer use.

All are welcome to the coffee morning on December 10 for a chance to discuss ways of creating change.  For more information, contact TIRC at 066 7127918 or see their Facebook page.

For further information, please contact TIRC at 066 7127918  or www.tirc.ie.

News

Special Day Of Celebration In The Meadowlands To Mark Muslim Holiday

Tex Ad insert

Chems Eddine with Khal Eddine and Adam Eddine at the Tralee International Resource Centre in association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Centre, celebration of ‘Eid ul Adha’ in the Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean Sunday 5th October, 2pm - 5
Chems Eddine with Khal Eddine and Adam Eddine at the Tralee International Resource Centre in association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Centre, celebration of ‘Eid ul Adha’ in the Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sunday 5th October, 2pm – 5

THERE was a large gathering  of people in the Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday for a celebration of  ‘Eid ul Adha’, the religious holiday marked by muslims worldwide each year.

The day, attended by over 100 people, was organised by the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC) in association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Society. Families enjoyed music and refreshments while there was also a bouncy castle and other children’s entertainment.

“We’re promoting families, integration and the uniqueness of all the different cultures,” said Gillian Wharton Slattery of  TIRC.

“We live in a very diverse town and we should foster the goodness of the different communities. We have a great association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Society. Muslims have had quite a negative media coverage over the past couple of months so it’s important to dispel the myths about the religion,” said Gillian.

Scroll down for photos…

Dr Rizwan Khan, Muhammad Haroon, Zak Yasin, Helal Harazi, Sertan Ozdimir and Arnend Maliqi at the Tralee International Resource Centre in association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Centre, celebration of ‘Eid ul Adha’ in the Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Dr Rizwan Khan, Muhammad Haroon, Zak Yasin, Helal Harazi, Sertan Ozdemir and Arnend Maliqi at the Tralee International Resource Centre in association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Centre, celebration of ‘Eid ul Adha’ in the Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Elaine, Ria, Kyle and Kayleigh Ozdemir with Vlora Maliqi at the Tralee International Resource Centre in association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Centre, celebration of ‘Eid ul Adha’ in the Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Elaine, Ria, Kyle and Kayleigh Ozdemir with Vlora Maliqi at the Tralee International Resource Centre in association with the Kerry Islamic Outreach Centre, celebration of ‘Eid ul Adha’ in the Meadowlands Hotel on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean