The excitement built all week, and finally on Friday, February 3rd, 13 Champion Schools arrived into TU Dublin for our special ceremony in Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman, to officially receive their “Champion School of Sanctuary” award.
The schools were presented with certificates and award plaques by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, and the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Travelling from 8 counties, over 140 young people, aged from 6 up to 18 years, came together and showcased their achievements at this very special ceremony.Â
The schools that received the prestigious award on the day included 7 primary schools and 6 Post-Primary Schools:Â
Blarney St CBS Cork, Bunscoil Loreto Gorey, Bunscoil McAuley Rice Kilkenny, Kilrane National School Rosslare, Scoil BhrĂde Shantalla Galway, St John the Baptist BNS Limerick, St Mary’s National School Limerick, and 6 post-primary schools Creagh College Gorey, Desmond College Newcastle West, Largy College Clones, Mount Sion CBS Secondary Waterford, North Presentation Secondary School Cork, and Stepaside Educate Together Secondary, Dublin.
Every school had video footage and, in many cases, personal testimony of the journey to become Champion Schools of Sanctuary, and each presentation was welcomed with cheers and applause from an enthusiastic audience, which also included prestigious visitors from the Department of Education, TUSLA, ETB, the Ombudsman for Children, City Councillors and and NGOs.
After a heartfelt and kind welcome from TU Dublin registrar, Dr Mary Meaney, Minister Roderic O Gorman shared his delight and pride in these ground-breaking schools, and commended them for the deep commitment every school has to understanding and welcoming newcomers and refugees. He reiterated the importance and significance of the message being carried by these schools, and took time before and after the event to encourage young people and teachers and join in the celebration.Â
The young people were also addressed by guest speaker, the broadcaster/writer, Ola Majekodunmi, who spoke about her own struggles to integrate into the new Ireland, and encouraged the young people to believe in themselves and their very important message. MCs Philip McKinley and Raneem Abubakr (herself a Sanctuary Scholar and graduate of one of the awarded schools) also underlined how crucial this message is especially at this time.Â
We were especially grateful to our hosts, TU Dublin, who went far beyond the extra mile in helping us to run the event – they generously waived the cost of the venue and  the catering, and advised us in all the details of ensuring that everything from the parking to the technology worked smoothly. We know that some of the senior students are keen to make this their place of study, and we look forward to strengthening our friendship with this wonderful university. Thanks are also due to Sanctuary Ambassadors who volunteered their time to serve, welcome, show people around and make sure everyone was comfortable and happy.
Most of all, we’re grateful to every school and the amazing teachers and young people. Without you, there would be no celebration, the day, like the whole School of Sanctuary programme, belongs to you, and we are privileged to partner with you.
More Pictures of the event:Â
