ABOVE: Liudmila Petrakova, Ukraine, with Siobhan McQuillan, Project Lead, and Larguet Tayeb, Algeria, and Steve Nolan, Ireland A project to promote peace has been embraced by a community of new arrivals to Kilkenny.The city’s settling-in Ukrainian community has joined with those newly living here who have applied for international protection in Ireland, as well as locals, to take part in the One Million Stars project. Well established in Kilkenny, Amber’s One Million Stars Ireland project is an inclusive community arts project connecting communities across Ireland in solidarity against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. During July a series of workshops were held for people from the new communities and many different cultural backgrounds at St Canice’s neighbourhood hall. The workshops created a safe space where participants connected through the artwork regardless of race, culture and gender. They worked towards a shared goal, with each hand-woven star representing a symbol of solidarity against domestic, sexual and gender based violence.placeholder image
ABOVE: Liudmila Petrakova, Ukraine, with Siobhan McQuillan, Project Lead, and Larguet Tayeb, Algeria, and Steve Nolan, Ireland A project to promote peace has been embraced by a community of new arrivals to Kilkenny.The city’s settling-in Ukrainian community has joined with those newly living here who have applied for international protection in Ireland, as well as locals, to take part in the One Million Stars project. Well established in Kilkenny, Amber’s One Million Stars Ireland project is an inclusive community arts project connecting communities across Ireland in solidarity against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. During July a series of workshops were held for people from the new communities and many different cultural backgrounds at St Canice’s neighbourhood hall. The workshops created a safe space where participants connected through the artwork regardless of race, culture and gender. They worked towards a shared goal, with each hand-woven star representing a symbol of solidarity against domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

Connecting Kilkenny's new communities through Amber’s One Million Stars project

Sian Moloughney
By Sian Moloughney

Reporter

Published 4th Aug 2023, 16:11 GMT

ABOVE: Mariia Bennyk, Mariia Voroniak, Diana and Mark Petrakova from the Ukraine Some of the volunteers spoke about why being involved is important to them. “I come to the workshops because I want to be useful and help in anyway. We want people to hear about the issues of domestic, sexual and gender based violence. It’s important to highlight this,” said Liutmila Petrakova, from Ukraine. Micheal Ighoroje, from Nigeria, said: “I just moved here, I have no job at the moment, and I am bored so I come to the workshops to help show support to the community and this cause to end violence against women. I have a mother and a sister.” Another of the Ukrainian participants added: “The most enjoyable aspect of the workshop is to be seen and heard.” All the stars , including the Amber LOVE installation, will form part of an exhibition at Carlow College St Patrick’s on International Day of Peace, September 21 . Amber thanks all who supported this project, including Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, the Fr McGrath Centre and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

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ABOVE: Mariia Bennyk, Mariia Voroniak, Diana and Mark Petrakova from the Ukraine Some of the volunteers spoke about why being involved is important to them. “I come to the workshops because I want to be useful and help in anyway. We want people to hear about the issues of domestic, sexual and gender based violence. It’s important to highlight this,” said Liutmila Petrakova, from Ukraine. Micheal Ighoroje, from Nigeria, said: “I just moved here, I have no job at the moment, and I am bored so I come to the workshops to help show support to the community and this cause to end violence against women. I have a mother and a sister.” Another of the Ukrainian participants added: “The most enjoyable aspect of the workshop is to be seen and heard.” All the stars , including the Amber LOVE installation, will form part of an exhibition at Carlow College St Patrick’s on International Day of Peace, September 21 . Amber thanks all who supported this project, including Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, the Fr McGrath Centre and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Michael Ighoroje, Nigeria; Barry Steeden, Ireland; Ehimen Sylvester, Nigeria and Mothata Simula, Botswana

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Michael Ighoroje, Nigeria; Barry Steeden, Ireland; Ehimen Sylvester, Nigeria and Mothata Simula, Botswana

Siobhan McQuillan, Project Lead for Amber One Million Stars Ireland, at St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall with newly arrived people in Kilkenny all PICTURES: HARRY REID

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Siobhan McQuillan, Project Lead for Amber One Million Stars Ireland, at St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall with newly arrived people in Kilkenny all PICTURES: HARRY REID

The Amber One Million Stars Ireland project team members in St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall

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The Amber One Million Stars Ireland project team members in St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall

Related topics:Ukraine
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