TUS hosts major event to mark World Refugee Day

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) hosted a significant event on the Athlone campus in honour of World Refugee Day recently as part of the College Connect and We are Here, HEAR Projects.

Coordinated by Marta Johnston, the MEND (Midlands, East, North Dublin) Community Connector based in the TUS Access office in Athlone, the event aimed to raise awareness about the presence of refugees in Ireland and the considerable challenges they experience in accessing higher education.

The event featured the ‘We Are Here, HEAR’ photo-voice exhibition showcasing powerful photographs and stories from refugees and asylum seekers.

This exhibition aims to raise awareness about the barriers they face and challenge the stigma they endure, bringing their voices into public spaces and highlighting their struggles and resilience.

With the participation of 21 refugees and asylum seekers from the Moate, Athlone and Longford areas, as well as members of New Horizon, the day began with a welcome session, where attendees were introduced to one another over tea and coffee.

The main presentation provided crucial information on the educational opportunities available to asylum seekers in Ireland, detailing where they can find necessary support.

A significant highlight was a video titled ‘Deconstructed,’ featuring spoken word artist Felispeaks, which illustrated the difficulties refugees face in accessing third-level education in Ireland and the impact of the protection system on their skill-set, self-worth, and identity.

During the event, two inspirational guests share their educational journeys and involvement in various voluntary projects: a current TUS Access course student and an international protection applicant from the Athlone area. Their stories highlighted the resilience and determination needed to overcome barriers to education and integration.

"The visit was an absolute pleasure as I learned new things. It was great to interact with other migrants who have inspired me to be resilient and look for more in life to achieve my goals. It's not easy but keep pushing!" said Emily, 45, Malawi.

Marta Johnston emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Universities of Sanctuary in Ireland, which celebrates universities, colleges, and other educational institutions that actively welcome refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.

TUS was designated a University of Sanctuary in June 2022 and offers 10 Sanctuary Scholarships per academic year for students living in international protection or from a refugee background at the undergraduate level and 10 scholarships for students in the Access/Transition to Higher Education programme.

Marta also highlighted the Changemakers pre-entry mentoring programme, a College Connect initiative launched by TUS Access Service in Athlone in 2022. This eight-week programme is open to individuals from under-represented groups, including those in the international protection system who are considering higher education as their next step but need extra support and access to information to achieve their goals.

It provides opportunities to connect with university students, staff, and peers with similar backgrounds and experiences. TUS current students serve as mentors and supportive participants, guiding mentees through discussions on power, leadership, and change.

‘The Changemakers programme goes beyond access to education,’ Marta Johnston emphasized. "It creates a supportive community where participants build confidence and have the opportunity to develop their skills in a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment. It’s a platform for university students to evolve as mentors and leaders, bringing out potential in everyone involved."

“Changemakers ignited my journey. Returning to college in a new country is challenging for many of us, but Changemakers provided valuable information and interactive workshops that helped me navigate the complexities of resuming my studies and overcoming the obstacles that may be faced by asylum seekers and mature students.” said Mohammed, 28, from Palestine

The session also identified the main challenges asylum seekers face due to educational policies and the geographical locations of Direct Provision centers, which often hinder their access to educational opportunities.

"I finished my BA in Computer Science and hope to do my master’s in cyber security. Today was a great chance to get information, and I hope to follow up with more sessions in the future," said Dulae, 28 years old from Somalia.

Finally, the visitors heard from Dr. Anthony Johnston, the TUS programme lead of the INSPIRE project. This EU-funded initiative supports refugee tourism entrepreneurship, aiding social integration and broadening access to higher education while recognizing the economic contributions of refugees.

The event concluded with a communal lunch, allowing participants to network and share their experiences in a supportive environment.

For more information about the College Connect project and We Are Here, Hear, contact college.connect@mu.ie

For TUS initiatives for refugees and asylum seekers, contact access.midlands@tus.ie