With the easing of Covid restrictions our work teaching English to refugees and migrants was able to get back to pre-Covid levels, writes Michael O’Sullivan.
We have kept classes smaller but are running more afternoon classes to cope with demand. As well as the huge upsurge from Ukraine we have seen more people coming from other countries affected by war such as Sudan and Somalia.
Unfortunately, the recent upsurge of Covid cases is a concern. We were one of the only language teaching centres that was going to be open during summer months but we are keeping it under review.
Interfaith work has also been helped by the easing of restrictions. We were able to hold an Interfaith Prayer service to mark World Refugee Day at the Famine Memorial at Customs House Quay, recalling the many Irish forced to make a perilous journey in search of safety, and pledging our faith communities to welcoming and supporting those who now glee here.
We had visits from groups from Norway and Denmark who were interested in following the model of Interfaith work the Dublin City Interfaith Forum has developed, and met with the chaplains of the affiliated institutions of the New Technological University of Dublin to see how best we can work together.
We also worked with Dublin City University to produce a series of short videos where young people from each of our faith communities talk about aspects of their faith tradition. This will be used in educational settings.
To support the work of the Columban Centre in Dublin please donate here: https://columbans.ie/donate/ Alternatively, you can send a cheque payable to ‘Columban Missionaries’ to the Far East Office, Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath C15 AY2Y