In a celebration of inclusivity and diversity, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) recently hosted the national School of Sanctuary Awards ceremony. This significant event recognized eight schools from across Ireland for their exceptional commitment to creating welcoming and safe environments for all students, particularly those from refugee, migrant, Traveller, and other minority communities.
TU Dublin’s Commitment to Inclusion
The ceremony held at TU Dublin’s East Quad Concert Hall was particularly meaningful as the university itself received University of Sanctuary accreditation last year. This prestigious recognition is granted to institutions that demonstrate outstanding support for refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals from sanctuary-seeking backgrounds. TU Dublin’s accreditation acknowledges the university’s dedication to fostering a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to succeed.
Gerard Howlin, Chair of the TU Dublin Governing Body, emphasized the university’s leadership in widening participation, noting that TU Dublin has the highest number of access students in the country. The institution boasts strong representation of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities, and members of the Traveller community. Howlin stated, “Inclusion is central to our mission. We are committed to creating a community where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”
Celebrating Champion Schools
The awards ceremony celebrated two new primary and six new post-primary schools that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the School of Sanctuary ethos. Approximately 140 young people attended the event, which featured performances by the schools highlighting what being a School of Sanctuary means to their students.
The Champion Schools of Sanctuary recognized at the ceremony include:
- Bremore Educate Together Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
- St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
- St Joseph’s C.B.S. Primary School, Drogheda, Co. Louth
- St Mary’s College, Naas, Co. Kildare
- Castletown Girls’ School, Dundalk, Co. Louth
- St Joseph’s C.B.S. Secondary School, Drogheda, Co. Louth
- Marino College, Fairview, Dublin 3
- CBS James’s Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8
A Vision for Inclusive Education
Presenting the awards, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, praised the young people in these Champion Schools for demonstrating what’s possible when schools truly embrace welcome, inclusion, and belonging. He noted that these students are creating communities where every student feels valued, respected, and at home, helping to shape a confident, diverse, and inclusive Ireland.
Dr Veronica Crosbie, Chairperson of Places of Sanctuary Ireland, highlighted the importance of the Schools of Sanctuary award ceremony as an opportunity for primary and secondary schools to come together and celebrate outstanding integration initiatives across Ireland’s educational landscape. She emphasized that this cultural work, happening during a formative time in young people’s lives, helps strengthen core values of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Beyond the Classroom
The Schools of Sanctuary programme goes beyond classroom learning, encouraging schools to acknowledge and build knowledge about forced migration due to violence, persecution, famine, and other threats to life and freedom. Many of the recognized schools also offer exceptionally strong language support programmes for students whose first language is not English.
The ceremony featured a special guest, Zak Moradi, a Kurdish-Irish hurler and former Leitrim senior player. Moradi, whose journey from a refugee camp in Iraq to building a life in Ireland is documented in the film “HOME: The Story of Zak Moradi,” addressed the students about his experiences and the importance of inclusion.
The Impact of Sanctuary Schools
The Schools of Sanctuary initiative represents a powerful movement in Irish education, demonstrating how educational institutions can lead the way in creating more inclusive and welcoming communities. By recognizing and supporting schools that create safe environments for all students, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, the programme is helping to build a more compassionate and understanding society.
These Champion Schools are not just providing education; they are creating communities where diversity is celebrated, where differences are understood, and where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Their work extends beyond the school gates, influencing local communities and contributing to a broader culture of inclusion and respect.
Looking Forward
As TU Dublin continues to champion inclusion through its University of Sanctuary status and support for initiatives like Schools of Sanctuary, the future of education in Ireland looks increasingly bright. The success of these Champion Schools demonstrates that when educational institutions commit to creating truly inclusive environments, remarkable things happen.
The School of Sanctuary Awards ceremony at TU Dublin represents more than just recognition for individual schools; it’s a celebration of a vision for education that values every student, supports every family, and builds communities where everyone belongs. As these Champion Schools continue their important work, they serve as inspiring examples for educational institutions across Ireland and beyond.
For those interested in learning more about the Schools of Sanctuary initiative and how to get involved, additional information is available through the Schools of Sanctuary Ireland website. The programme continues to grow, with more schools joining each year in the shared mission of creating educational environments where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued.
