Kerry ETB’s response to the war in Ukraine

Brenda Kelly

In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia (February 2022) and the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive, Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) has adopted an organisation-wide approach to supporting the people arriving in Kerry.

Internally Kerry ETB established a Ukrainian Response Steering Committee to co-ordinate the organisation’s response. This group is made up of the CEO, Director of Schools, Youth and Music, Director of Further Education and Training, Director of Organisation Support and Development, Head of Human Resources, Adult Education Officer (AEO), Manager, Kerry College of Further Education and Training, Admissions Office, Youth Development Officer (YDO), Ukrainian Response Lead, Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) Co-ordinator and very valuable Administrative Support Officer.

Kerry ETB is working with the relevant government departments and all local stakeholders regarding access to education, training services, and other support for Ukrainian refugees. Kerry ETB is most grateful for the support shown to date and is fully aware that continued success requires us all to work together. To streamline the alignment of support for Ukrainian families arriving in Ireland.

The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD established Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT). The primary role of the REALT is to assist children in finding school places and to support schools to meet the needs of these children as they emerge. The REALT also advises and supports the department in developing new capacity, where required, and co-ordinates the provision of education services to children and families across their defined area. These teams act as a liaison between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to Ukrainian arrivals.

In 2022, according to official data released by the Department of Education (DE), 13,753 Ukrainian students enrolled in Irish schools. Kerry welcomed 879 students into primary and 494 students into post-primary schools, totalling 1,373. Kerry REALT has provided access to education in 55/133 primary and 20/26 postprimary schools. Nationally Co. Kerry has the second-highest enrolment of Ukrainian students. It is essential that each and every student feels valued in all schools across the County.

In November 2022, the remit of REALT was extended to include children coming into Ireland under international protection. Also, in 2022, Kerry ETB catered to over 3,000 Ukrainian learners with over 6,500 tuition hours dedicated to English language support. This was provided across 18 locations around the County to ensure that we reached as many as possible.

Several classes were held in art, mindfulness and yoga in Kerry ETB centres to provide extra support. We will continue to support those displaced from Ukraine into 2023. Kerry ETB is proud of the work achieved in 2022. There have been many challenges along the way, and undoubtedly more lie ahead. However, with the commitment and dedication already displayed, we will continue assisting Ukrainian and international protection children into 2023.