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Ireland: Kurdish Families invited to
‘befriend’ immigrants
18.8.2006 |
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Sligo, Ireland,
August 17, -- An initiative is being launched to
help integrate ten Iranian Kurdish families into the
local community when they arrive in Sligo town next
month.
The families, who have been granted full refugee
status, arrive in the county to begin their new
lives at the start of September.
The Sligo Volunteer Centre (SVC) is implementing a
family volunteering project, in the hope of easing
the transition for the newcomers.
The Befriending Programme will involve ten
Sligo-based families being matched with their
Kurdish counterparts.
The families are currently staying at the Reception
and Integration Agencies Accommodation Centre in
Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, as part of a four-week
langauge and ‘cultural induction’ programme.
SVC project co-ordinator Ciara O’Hara said it was of
“vital importance” that the families received
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,” she said.
The programme will also 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 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.”
Events will be held from September through to
December.
dailyireland com
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