There was a truly international gathering at the Fr. McGrath Centre recently, for the annual Fáilte Isteach English Awards, as Mayor Andrew McGuinness was warmly welcomed to do the honours. Usually this ceremony is held in City Hall, however, this year, due to ongoing refurbishments there, the Mayor made the short journey to the Butts and presented the certificates at the Centre. On arrival he was invited to join in the sing song led by tutor Michael, as the awardees from all over the world sang out in unison, with no trouble to the Mayor to join in. Then it was down to business with the lure of the after party and some very delicious refreshments to be sampled in the adjoining room.
Each year, the annual Fáilte Isteach Awards shine a spotlight on the achievements of individuals learning English. These awards are more than a celebration of language proficiency; they honour perseverance and reflect the collective effort of volunteer tutors, and the rich contributions of diverse cultures working together toward a common goal.
The learners come from many different parts of the world, bringing with them their stories, traditions, and perspectives. Their journey in learning English is not just about acquiring a new language—it’s about engaging and unlocking opportunities in their new community. They know that the inability to communicate in the common language is one of the main barriers to participation in the lived life of the community. The volunteer tutors in the Fr. McGrath Centre play a vital role in this journey. They offer their time, patience, and encouragement to guide learners through the often challenging path of mastering a new language. Their support is essential in creating a safe and welcoming learning environment. Many recipients go on to enrol in further education courses with ETB, skills training with Kilkenny Leader Partnership, or find meaningful jobs that match their skills and aspirations.
A number of Community Agencies were represented including, Kilkenny Leader Partnership who have provided constant support to the Project and who coordinated the delivery of the delicious refreshments, also the Volunteer Centre, the Public Participation Network (PPN), LAIT, the Kilkenny Local Authority Integration Community Team, and St. Canice’s Community Action (SCCA), equally instrumental in making the Fáilte Isteach Project a success. These agencies all act as bridges between participants and the wider community and are pivotal to integration with the local community.
The commitment of the volunteers was acknowledged by Stephen Murphy, Director of Services at St. Canice’s Community Action, as they too were presented with Awards for their sterling work. Also recognised for their work were the team running the project, Theresa Delahunty Coordinator, Margaret Birnie, and support worker Grainne Foran
Further details can be obtained by phoning: the Fr. McGrath Centre 056 775 1988 or
Immigrant Service 086 192 7033 / immigrantservicekk@gmail.com
