Gender Based Groups

Women’s Group:

ISU Women’s group was established in November of 2007. The group is open to women from different nationalities. The aim of the group is to offer foreign national women an avenue to meet weekly on a social capacity to discuss issues relevant to them. The weekly meetings also involve learning of new skills, engaging in training and fun related activities.
The group have engaged in several skills learning workshops such as basket weaving, embroidery, beading, cookery, and knitting. Language has always been a barrier, they love using their hands in the best way they can. It is amazing the amount of integration and learning that goes on in the workshops, learning of new skills, improving their spoken English and making new friends. Different members of the group have been involved in leading the group.

	Amelia Byrne facilitated 2 weeks of basket making workshops made from recycled cereal box which can serve as storage or decoration.
	Svetlana did cooking demonstrating with the group.
	Lisa facilitated 3 weeks of bead sewing workshop.

Gallery ( Please click on images to view larger.

Taking up the challenge and doing a good job of it proves that one can do what he/she sets their mind to do. These women have been encouraged, they decided to take up the challenge thereby moving themselves up the ladder, they refused to allow language barrier inhibit them of this opportunity. They are grateful for the experience and will continue to maximise opportunities like this for growth and personal development.

Earlier in the year, Friday 5th March, our women’s group hosted St Brigids FCC group to mark the 2010 International Women’s Day. They all enjoyed a tour around the Edmund Rice Museum and afterwards enjoyed some refreshments. Touring the museum was a learning experience for both the Waterford natives and New Communities of the life and work of Edmund Rice laying the foundation of our work today and across the world. The ISU group returned a visit to St Brigids in the month of May.

The group successfully completed 4 weeks of Sexual Health Training and 3 weeks of Fun fitness activities (Pilates).

They enjoyed Movie in-house and at the Cinema and very recently they did some paintings which formed part of their end of session group project, this they displayed at the World Refugee Day Event.

Men’s Group:

The men’s group operates in the same capacity as the women’s group. It is more of a social group where Foreign National men come together to discuss issues relevant to them, learn new skills and have fun. They continue to meet once a week for their Guitar and Singing lessons. They recently gave a flawless performance on Thursday 24th June at the annual world refugee day celebrations hosted by the ISU.