Immigrants and councillors in Galway have been urged to take part in the Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme.
The scheme, which was officially launched today by The Immigrant Council of Ireland, pairs local councillors with migrants who want to learn more about Irish politics and get involved in their local communities.
Following a successful pilot of the programme in 2018, the Immigrant Council will now run 15 local political internships across Ireland for migrants between September and December 2021.
Successful applicants will be placed with local participating councillors for one day a week – or the equivalent of seven hours spread over a number of days – for three months.
Commenting on the scheme, Teresa Buczkowska, Integration Manager at the Immigrant Council of Ireland said that for many migrants the lack of diversity and representation in key areas of Irish society is an ongoing visual reminder that we are still some distance away from being a fully inclusive society.
“The Immigrant Council is working to change this by promoting diversity and inclusion across all aspects of Irish life, especially politics,” said Teresa Buczkowska.
“With more migrant involvement in politics and in their local communities, we will see diversity in representation, and a truer reflection of the society we live in today.
“This is vital for young migrants who often tell us they don’t see themselves represented in many leadership areas in Ireland.”
Migrant Participation
Originally from Nigeria, Uruemu Adejinmi interned with Longford County Councillor Joe Flaherty in 2018. Following completion of the programme, Adejinmi was co-opted to the council where she is still serving and was recently elected as Mayor.
Commenting on the scheme, Cllr Adejinmi said: “Being part of the scheme really hammered home for me the importance of adequate representation in council meetings. Our presence at meetings is a reminder of the diversity of the population and helps ensure that our interests are considered in decision making.
“Participating on the scheme gave me a great opportunity to meet lots of people in the local community and learn firsthand what the role of a councillor involves. I would encourage any migrants with an interest in politics to consider taking part.”
Migrants living in Galway from outside the EEA who are interested in getting involved in the scheme must complete an online application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 23rd July 2021.
An information session for migrants will take place on Wednesday, 30 June from 6pm – 7pm. Migrants interested in attending can register via the Immigrant Council website. www.immigrantcouncil.ie
An information session for councillors will then take place on Thursday 1 July from 6pm to 7pm. Councillors interested can email the Immigrant Council for further information. research_intern@immigrantcouncil.ie
