Kilkenny centre extends a 'Fáilte Isteach' to our new communities

Kilkenny is enriched by the number of people from diverse cultures who have made the county their home.

They are making a significant contribution, economically, socially and culturally in our local communities. Their diverse skill sets and experiences have filled gaps in our labour market and they contribute to the county’s diversity and cultural landscape.

We meet them working in our hospitals, retail stores, commercial firms, hospitality sector and trades. They also volunteer in our charity shops and with community initiatives.

The Fr McGrath Family Resource Centre, under St Canice’s Community Action Ltd (SCCA), takes a holistic approach that addresses multiple aspects of migrants’ lives and has been a beacon of light for many newcomers.

ABOVE: Tutors and participants with Mayor Andrew McGuinness

From small beginnings, the Fr McGrath Centre has grown into a thriving service provider, catering for diverse needs through their family supports and training services. They know that a more sustainable integration pathway is created by reaching out to new communities, focusing on language acquisition and by fostering collaboration between the various stakeholders.

One of the many initiatives hosted by Fr McGrath Centre is the Fáilte Isteach Conversational English Project which is giving those migrants in need of support that first step up. Fáilte Isteach is a national project, providing free conversational English classes for migrants. Today there are more than 170 Fáilte Isteach classes running throughout the country.
breaking down barriers

The programme works at breaking down the barriers that migrants and communities face, extending the hands of friendship and goodwill through the practical and inclusive manner in which the programmes are delivered. Each week in the Fr McGrath Centre an eclectic mix of people from around the globe are welcomed by a group of volunteer tutors, some of whom themselves come from diverse backgrounds. The Centre is acutely aware of the importance of reaching out to new communities and valuing their diversity, while at the same time promoting inclusiveness within the local community.

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially for people seeking protection. Trying to grapple with a new culture - and with limited or no English skills - can be extremely challenging. Therefore, a place to meet and engage with others in a safe and trusted environment is key to taking that first step to integration and linkage to the local community. Click NEXT to continue reading and see more photographs.