Kerry College welcomes Ukrainian students

James Flanagan (Journalism student) with the guidance of Joanne Roche (Teacher) of sleeping in a basement Ireland offered the best support for Ukrainian people. Alina wishes to return to Ukraine “when it was like sunshine,” and says she wants to go back when there is peace. She sympathises with those who are still in Ukraine having lived almost a year in constant stress.

James Flanagan is a student of the QQI level 5 Journalism course. Recently, he interviewed three Ukrainian learners in Kerry College, Clash to learn more about their experience and how the community here has welcomed them. This is his report.

Julia, enrolled in the Art, Craft & Design course, says before it was her hobby and describes the course as a pleasure. Both Anastasiia and Alina are enrolled in the Personal Training and Nutrition course.

Anastasiia said that sport was not her profession but she is thankful for the opportunity and that she really likes it. Alina tells me she is a dancer in Ukraine and has experience working in a gym but her certificate is not recognised here. She says that she now can get the Irish certificate at Kerry College. Alina also has high praise for the variety of teaching methods such as video and images which are not used in Ukraine.

Alina says she initially planned to go to America due to her dancing background but after a month

Julia notes the kindness she received when she arrived and recalls all her neighbours in Killarney being helpful bringing food and toys for her children. She says, “So it was shock for us and we believed for kindness again that it’s not only dark in this world.” She also says that she misses her husband who cannot come to Ireland as Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are banned from leaving the country because of the war. Julia worries that Ukrainian soldiers are on the frontline paying a massive price for their country’s freedom.

Anastasiia says that she is looking forward to victory, but she understands that they need time to recover. She has not seen her parents in almost a year and she misses them very much and hopes to return to Ukraine but not just yet.

Following our interview Julia asked that I make sure to emphasise how grateful she and other Ukrainians are for the help they have received and Anastasiia added “I couldn’t imagine what could be better for us.”

Killarney Youthreach’s green team spearheads clothes drive

John Adams

Killarney Youthreach students have partnered with ClothesPod to recycle used clothing as part of their centre’s sustainability efforts. ClothesPod is a national sponsor of the Green Schools Programme, which aims to bring further sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions to Ireland’s schools and education centres. ClothesPod is 100% Irish, with over 25 years of award-winning experience in the textile recycling industry and currently employs over 50 people full-time in Ireland.

John Adams, Co-ordinator of Killarney Youthreach, announced, “Killarney Youthreach is excited to partner with ClothesPod’s Green School Programme to promote active recycling.”

second-hand

Elizabeth Williams, Green Team Co-ordinator and Resource Worker with Killarney Youthreach has spearheaded the centre’s Green Team involvement with this year’s clothing collection. Elizabeth added, “Our students have embraced sustainability and recycling initiatives within our centre. Now they have a chance to involve their homes in recycling used clothing, and because of this, clothing will not be going into landfills. This project has been very successful to date.” The drive will finish on Wednesday, 15th February 2023. The efforts from both students and staff have been excellent. Brendon Bearrs, Co-Chairperson of the student-led Green Team, commented “, students have really gotten behind this clothes drive and have been encouraged to reflect and act on clothing recycling in their own homes. We are delighted to do our bit.”