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Ten Kurdish Iranian families to start a
new life in Ireland
9.8.2006 |
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Sligo, Ireland,
-- Ten Iranian Kurdish families will arrive in Sligo
next month to start their new lives in Ireland.
The families, who have been granted full refugee
status, arrive in the county in September.
To coincide with this, Sligo Volunteer Centre (SVC)
is implementing a family volunteering project in the
hope of
easing the transition for the new-comers.
The 'Befriending Programme' will see ten Sligo-based
families matched with these Iranian families.
The group of family units travelling to Sligo from
Iran have children who range in age from one to
nineteen. It is hoped to match local and Iranian
families who have children of similar ages.
Having been granted full refugee status, all ten
foreign national families will have the same rights
and
entitlements as an Irish citizen.
The families will arrive in Sligo early next month
after spending a four four-week period in the
Reception and Integration Agencies Accommodation
Centre in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo.During their time
there they will receive basic English language
training and partake in a cultural induction
programme.
SVC project co-ordinator Ciara O'Hara explained how
the time in Mayo will give the new arrivals the
opportunity to find their feet and prepare for a new
independent life in Ireland.
She said: “They are making Sligo their home, so it
is of vital importance that they receive support in
the settling period. The first few months will be
particularly difficult for them as they will have
many challenges, not least of all having to adapt to
a new culture and a new language.”
Kurdish and Arabian are the main languages spoken by
the new families. The Befriending Programme will
involve induction and cultural awareness training
for the Sligo-based volunteer families.
There will also be a welcome reception upon arrival
of the Iranian Kurdish families, art and craft
workshops, cookery workshops, and an evening event
of fun and entertainment. Translation services will
be provided at all events.
Ms O'Hara said: “This is a great opportunity for
families to get involved in an activity, as well as
providing their children with an insight and
appreciation of other cultures.
“All we ask is that they participate as a family in
the events and act as a support to their
'befriended' family.” Sligo Volunteer Centre is
interested in hearing from any people from an
Iranian Kurdish background who may be interested in
providing support, translation services or advice in
a voluntary capacity. Induction for any interested
Sligo families will take place later this month.
Events will be held over the period of September
through to December.
sligoweekender ie
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