Five future migrant leaders from Galway were among 31 migrants who graduated from political and leadership programmes at a ceremony in the EPIC Museum Dublin.
Run by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the courses are aimed at increasing migrant representation in politics and encouraging migrants to use their voice to enact change.
Among those from Galway graduating from the Migrant Leadership Academy were: Kyrylo Popovych from Oranmore, Mysi Badenhorst, Olena Domina and Sanober Jaffry.
Tsitsi Kutamahufa graduating from the Migrant Councillor Internship scheme from Galway City.
Graduates were presented with certificates at the event in Dublin where Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, delivered the keynote address.
Speaking at the graduation, Immigrant Council of Ireland CEO, Brian Killoran, said that one of the most incredible benefits to working with diverse communities is the opportunity to interact with up-and-coming community and political leaders.
“The energy, dynamism, and passion of those who participate in our leadership academy and political internship scheme gives us all a boost, and shows us that the future is bright for social and community activism in Galway and Ireland, and for diversity in politics,” he said.
“By stepping up and participating, they are demonstrating their commitment to build a future for Ireland that is positive, diverse and informed by strong values of social justice, collaboration, mutual support and human rights.
“That’s an incredible thing, and so important in a world with many issues and challenges. We thank them for their commitment, and for participating.”
Adding to Mr Killoran’s comments, Integration Manager at the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Valéria Acquino, thanked the local councillors in Galway who supported their political engagement work this year.
“They have helped demonstrate that there is a strong appetite for making Irish politics more diverse and reflective of the reality of Irish society.
“At the Immigrant Council, our work is enriched by the interactions we have with the fantastic people we meet through the leadership academy and political internship scheme, and we know that communities and local politics in Galway and across Ireland will be enriched when the talent and enthusiasm shown by this group is harnessed and given an opportunity to shine.
“Given the recent media and online attention around refugee rights in communities across the country, we’re at risk of losing sight of the overwhelming positivity around migration and diversity that exists in Irish society.
“To counter this, we need to ensure that we showcase the contribution and potential of those who have chosen Ireland as their new home, and that we all recognise migrants and refugees as equal members of our communities, who share in the successes we have as a society.”
Graduates
Eighteen graduates in total completed the Migrant Leadership Academy, which aims to improve leadership skills and the capacity of participants to initiate, design and implement community-led campaigns and initiatives.
Mysi Badenhorst is a disability rights and inclusion activist and speaker from Galway, who took part in the Migrant Leadership Academy.
As a mother to a child with cerebral palsy, she uses her voice and social media platforms to create conversations engaging the disability community.
Mysi used the programme to refine her leadership skills and her dream in the future is to become the first black TD in Ireland.
Also recognised at the ceremony were 13 people who graduated from the Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme.
