Cork-based migrant and refugee support centre, Nasc, has welcomed two refugee students to Ireland as part of a pioneering scholarship programme. The students, a Congolese woman and Cameroonian man, who had both previously been living as refugees in Nigeria, undertook an arduous application process in recent months.
Alongside UNHCR Ireland (the UN Refugee Agency), Nasc has worked with the University of Galway to support the arrival and integration of two students, who have received a full scholarship on taught Master degree programmes in the College of Science and Engineering.
Tessa Cornally, Complementary Pathways Officer at Nasc, noted the importance of the scholarship programme:
“Education is only accessible to around 5 percent of refugees around the world, compared to 39% of non-refugees. These scholarships, as part of the EU-Passworld project, mark a real milestone in Ireland’s contribution to refugees’ educational opportunities, and to the provision of safe and legal pathways.
“The scholarship process was also based on academic merit, which allows the selected participants to be recognised as international students, rather than just being defined by their refugee status.
“This is the first year that the EU-Passworld scholarships are being provided in Ireland and we look forward to building on this in the future. The skills-based assessment of applicants means that we have exceptionally talented and motivated students arriving in Ireland.”
One scholarship recipient outlined how the opportunity has given him focus for the future ...:
“Receiving the EU-Passworld Scholarship to pursue a Master of Science at the University of Galway has not only transformed my life but also ignited an unwavering passion to create a positive global impact.
I'm profoundly thankful for this incredible opportunity that has infused my journey with a newfound purpose and hope.”
It was noted by one of the scholarship recipients how grateful she is to study in Ireland:
“Dreams do come true! I want to thank UNHCR, Nasc, and the University of Galway for giving me this permanent smile, through this life-changing opportunity.
Growing up, the situation I found myself in never made me stop dreaming or imagining. It only made me stronger and determined.
I feel very fortunate, and I will work hard to support others to fulfill their purposes as you have supported me. I won’t let you down.”
The scholarship programme has garnered interest from local community members and businesses alike. A volunteer Community Sponsorship group, ‘Pobal na Gaillimhe’ has been planning for the students’ arrival since 2022, sourcing financial and social support for the student's integration. Galway-based company Aerogen is supporting ‘Pobal Na Gaillimhe’ to reach their fundraising target. Aerogen intends to build on their support of the EU-Passworld project in the future.
More information on Complementary Pathways and the EU-Passworld project is available at nascireland.org
ENDS
The EU-Passworld project runs from 2022-2024 and is funded by the EU’s Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF). National coordination of the project is being led by UNHCR Ireland and Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre. More information about EU-Passworld is available at https://www.eupassworld.eu/
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency supports higher education institutions to establish dedicated application procedures for the project aimed at refugees residing in host countries across Africa. When refugees arrive in Ireland through Education Pathways, they will receive wrap-around integration support from members of the University community through a programme called community sponsorship. This form of integration has been noted for improving outcomes for refugees, enriching and strengthening host communities, in addition to improving narratives towards refugees and migration.
University of Galway’s involvement in the EU-Passworld project is led by Associate Professor Mary Dempsey, Vice Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Science and Engineering and Dr Andrew Flaus. It is supported by Aidan Harte, co-ordinator of the University of Sanctuary initiative at University of Galway.
It follows the signing of the Manifesto on Expanding Refugee Tertiary Education Pathways in Europe by Professor Ó hÓgartaigh in May 2022. This manifesto underpins University of Galway’s commitment to work towards common advocacy, strategies, and the design of operational frameworks to further expand and create tertiary education pathways for refugees in Europe.