The University of Sanctuary Working group continues to work with partners in the Cork City of Sanctuary Group to promote awareness and to advocate for increased opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers in Cork. They are delighted to announce the inaugural UCC Refugee Week (Feb 5th to 9th 2018) consisting of a range of events designed to share information and raise awareness among the University community and the wider region. Confirmed events are listed below and will be open to all.
- Everyday Lunch Time Film Screening of ‘Sorry I drowned’ by Studio Kawakeb and Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF)
- Tuesday 6th, 6 pm, University of Sanctuary Annual Lecture, What is Refuge, Who Decides and How? Professor Alison Phipps, UNESCO Chair: Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts, University of Glasgow.
- Wednesday 7th, 4 pm, Foyer exhibition of film and artworks by young refugees and asylum seekers with launch by President Patrick O’Shea
- Thursday 8th, Public discussion with Sam Taylor, Director MSF and potentially artists who contributed to Sorry I Drowned
- Thursday 8th, Rave for Refugees, student fundraising event organised by STAR Society
The University has also demonstrated strong commitment to sanctuary seeking students by developing a UCC University of Sanctuary Scholarship scheme. At the launch of the University’s Civic Engagement Plan 2017-2022 on December 1st, 2017, President Patrick O’ Shea announced seven undergraduate University of Sanctuary scholarships for applicants who are currently in Ireland, either as asylum seekers or refugees. The scholarships will cover all fees and will be available to applicants who will commence their studies in September 2018.
The wonderful voluntary work being done by UCC staff and students continues with plans well underway for the annual Christmas parties organised for children from direct provision centres in Cork city and county. These events involve up to 50 University staff and members of the UCC STAR society, with financial support provided by the wider UCC community see https://www.gofundme.com/help-children-in-direct-provision
