Irish Version
Maynooth University has been officially designated as a University of Sanctuary in recognition of its initiatives to promote a culture of welcome for refugees, asylums seekers and other migrants into the community.
The University marked its designation by bringing together poets, students, academics, journalists and civil society actors to discuss the meaning of Ireland as a true place of sanctuary.
The event heard readings by contributors to Correspondences: an anthology to call for an end to direct Provision, an original collection of writing, photography and art by those in direct provision, edited by Jessica Traynor and Stephen Rea.
A panel discussion followed, with poets Marwa Zamir, Claire Hennessy and Jessica Traynor; and current and former MU students Warsame Ali Garaare and Zoryana Psyhk.
The panel discussed their experiences of Ireland as a place of sanctuary, the system of direct provision and its compatibility with the concept of sanctuary. They also examined the role of universities in promoting the inclusion of international protection applicants and refugees.
Accepting the Sanctuary Award on behalf of Maynooth University, Professor Philip Nolan, President of Maynooth University said: “We are delighted to accept this designation, which recognises the ongoing commitment of staff and students to creating an inclusive and welcoming space at Maynooth for those who seek sanctuary in Ireland. This event gives us an opportunity to celebrate joining the University of Sanctuary Ireland family, but also to reflect on the role of universities in broader discussions around migration and equality.”
Sanctuary universities have a demonstrated commitment to welcoming asylum seekers and refugees onto their campus through initiatives including bursary and scholarship schemes, and adopting strategies to integrate them into their community.
The Sanctuary Award is an initiative of University of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI) to encourage and celebrate the good practice of universities, colleges and institutes welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants into their university communities and fostering a culture of inclusion for all those seeking sanctuary. The Award aims to spread this culture of welcome across the institutions of higher education all over the island.
Ollscoil Mhá Nuad aitheanta mar Ollscoil Tearmainn
Tá Ollscoil Mhá Nuad tar éis bheith ainmnithe go hoifigiúil mar Ollscoil Tearmainn mar aitheantas ar na tionscnaimh atá ar bun acu chun fáilte roimh theifigh, lucht iarrtha tearmainn agus imircigh isteach sa phobal a chur chun cinn.
Ar mhaithe leis an ainmniú a aithint i gceart, thug an Ollscoil filí, mic léinn, acadóirí, iriseoirí agus rannpháirtithe sa tsochaí shibhialta le chéile chun céard go díreach a chiallaíonn sé go mbeadh Éire ina fíoráit tearmainn a phlé.
Bhí léachtaí ag an imeacht ó rannpháirtithe i Correspondences: an anthology to call for an end to Direct Provision, bailiúchán scríbhneoireachta, grianghrafadóireachta agus ealaíne uathu siúd atá ag maireachtáil i sólathar díreach, curtha in eagar ag Jessica Traynor agus Stephen Rea. Bhí pléphainéal ann ina dhiaidh sin, leis na filí; agus iarmhac léinn agus mac léinn reatha de chuid OMN Warsame Ali Garaare agus Zoryana Psyhk.
Phléigh an painéal an taithí atá faighte acu ar Éirinn mar áit tearmainn, an córas de sholáthar díreach agus cé chomh oiriúnach is atá sé do choincheap an tearmainn. Scrúdaigh siad an ról atá ag na hollscoileanna le rannpháirtíocht ó iarratasóirí cosanta idirnáisiúnta agus teifigh a chur chun cinn.
Ag glacadh leis an nGradam Tearmainn thar cheann Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, dúirt an tOllamh Pilib Ó Nualláin, Uachtarán Ollscoil Mhá Nuad: “Tá ríméad orainn glacadh leis an ainmniú seo, a aithníonn díongbháilteacht na foirne agus na mac léinn spás ionchuimsitheach agus fáiltiúil a chruthú i Má Nuad dóibh siúd a bhíonn ag lorg tearmainn in Éirinn. Tugann an ócáid seo an deis dúinn an comhluadar in Éirinn lena mbainimid anois mar Ollscoil Tearmainn a cheiliúradh, agus ní hamháin sin ach tugann sé an deis dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar an ról atá ag na hollscoileanna sa chomhrá níos leithne timpeall ar imirce agus comhionannas.”
Tá sé tar éis bheith léirithe ag aon ollscoil gur ollscoil tearmainn í go bhfuil sí tiomanta do thionscnaimh chun fáilte a chur roimh lucht iarrtha tearmainn agus teifigh ar champas, lena n-áirítear scéimeanna scoláireachta agus sparánachta agus straitéisí a chur i bhfeidhm ionas go mbeidís lánpháirteach ina pobal.
Is tionscnamh de chuid Ollscoil Tearmainn Éireann (UoSI) é seo chun an dea-chleachtas d’ollscoileanna, coláistí agus institiúidí ag cur fáilte roimh theifigh, lucht iarrtha tearmainn agus imircigh eile isteach ina bpobail ollscoile agus ag cothú ionchuimsitheachta dóibh siúd a bhíonn ag lorg tearmainn a spreagadh agus a cheiliúradh. Is í sprioc an Ghradaim ná an cultúr fáiltiúil seo a scaipeadh i measc ollscoileanna ardoideachais thar timpeall an oileáin.