President Launches Fáilte Isteach Dublin 15 Initiative
Feb 12 2010
President McAleese today officially launched the Fáilte Isteach Dublin 15 Initiative, a community based project which sees older volunteers teach conversational English to migrants.
The initiative, which comprises centres in Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart and Mountview, is a joint venture between the Blanchardstown Area Partnership and Fáilte Isteach. The opening of these 3 centres brings to 17 the number of Fáilte Isteach projects currently operating throughout the country.
First established in 2006 in Summerhill, Co Meath by Mary Nally, founder of Third Age Foundation, the Fáilte Isteach project is helping to build stronger, more integrated communities through the practical, welcoming and inclusive manner in which the programme is delivered. The classes in the Blanchardstown area, like all 17 operating nationwide, are run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers who have extended the hands of friendship and goodwill to new migrants in their community by giving weekly conversational English classes.
Migrants not only improve their level of English proficiency by attending Fáilte Isteach classes, they also improve the quality of their social and working lives, participate to a greater extent in their community, form lasting friendships and gain practical advice on daily living in Ireland. Fáilte Isteach is essentially one of the primary tools of integration at a local and national level in Ireland, bringing together groups of people from many nationalities and backgrounds, with the common purpose of learning English and playing an active role in local community life.
With the ongoing support of the Iris O’Brien Foundation and Office of the Minister for Integration, Fáilte Isteach aims to establish a centre in every town and village in Ireland. Currently there are Fáilte Isteach projects operating in Summerhill, Dunshaughlin, Waterford, Roscommon, Clane, Inchicore, Rialto, Balbriggan, Tramore, Tullamore, Blanchardstown, Swords, Bray, Mulhuddart, Castlebar and Tralee.
Mr. Denis O’Brien, Chairman of the Iris O’Brien Foundation, who also attended the launch, said the Fáilte Isteach programme is a unique project utilising the skills, talents and expertise of Irish volunteers through the promotion of social inclusion for migrants. “The success of the Fáilte Isteach project to date is a credit to all of the local volunteers whose commitment, energy and vitality showcases the best of what local communities have to offer. By giving of their time, volunteers are creating lasting friendships and bonds and are redefining what community spirit and activism are all about”.
About Fáilte Isteach
Fáilte Isteach is a community project with volunteers welcoming new migrants through conversational English classes. The project promotes integration by extending the hands of friendship and goodwill through the practical, welcoming and inclusive manner in which the programme is delivered. Fáilte Isteach was established in October 2006 by Mary Nally, Chairperson and Founder of the Third Age Foundation, Summerhill, Co. Meath in response to the observed daily difficulties that new migrants were experiencing integrating into our community as a result of a lack of English. Its success has been recognised by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland with awards in both 2007 and 2008.
