City of Sanctuary Dublin launched the Irish Sanctuary in Politics programme on Saturday 6th February with a high-charged and enthusiastic atmosphere that left everyone buzzing and eager for more.About thirty people, mostly refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from four continents and countless language groups, met at the Irish Refugee Council and started a four-week interactive programme which will include training and practice in public speaking, an introduction to politics in Ireland, and intensive media training from print and live media experts.
The programme will straddle the general election and be followed up by practical opportunities for participants, including a trip to the Oireachtas (the Irish parliament) and a variety of public speaking engagements, opportunities for this gifted group of trainees to bring the migrant voice more into the mainstream of Irish political and public life. Watch this space, these voices are set to make a big impact!