World Refugee Day
The Integration and Support Unit for New Communities once again celebrated this year’s World Refugee Day in grand style. The event took place on Thursday 24th June 2010 here in Edmund Rice International Centre, Barrack Street.
The annual World Refugee Day event takes place on the 20th of June each year across the globe to celebrate the immense contributions Refugees brought with them to their receiving country. Millions of people each year leave their birth country for obvious reasons such as War, Natural disasters, Political or Religious issues etc in search of safety in other countries. In the process of migration, people loose things precious to them such Families, Personal belongings and in most cases their Identity. Refugees are presented with challenging issues which makes it difficult for them settle well in countries where they seek refuge. Barriers they face include language difficulty and change of culture.
There was a little twist to this year’s main event; different nationalities were invited to join in the Celebration of Culture. People displayed samples of materials, paintings and food to represent their culture and identity.
The Gender based groups actively participated at this year’s event, the Men’s group stole the Show with their flawless song performances. The Women’s group displayed their End-of-Season project, two beautiful hand-made paintings.
An Award system was also introduced this year to acknowledge contributions Refugees and Asylum seekers have made to Waterford City. Award Recipients received an unexpected but pleasant surprise on the day.
| Award Category |
Award Recipient |
| Outstanding Contribution to Services to Newcomers in Waterford |
Br Kevin Mascarenhas |
| Outstanding Community Service Contribution |
Chris @ Afro Radio |
| Best Newcomer Entrepreneur |
Usomine |
Best Community Effort to other Newcomers |
Mike Kasirye |
Best Community Effort |
Lisa Orogun |
Deidre Eustace read out a lovely poem she wrote in honour of the event.
Unity in Diversity
No one in this whole world
Smiles just like me
No other speaks with my voice
Sees through my eyes
Loves with my heart
My Family, my Country, my Culture
Have blessed me with the riches
Of wisdom and tradition and
I carry them proudly, as part of whom I am
My Colour, my Religion, my Nationality
All whisper my heritage
Yet even these cannot define me
I am me
An individual spirit
A precious, original gift of life
And in my very difference
I am just like you
Two unique travellers
Journeying our one world
|
Deirdre Eustace World Refugee Day (Celebration of Cultures) 2010
|
