Mayo Foróige volunteer mentors provide hope to young migrants
WALK the streets of any town in Mayo and invariably you will notice the mix of languages and accents of newly arrived immigrants from all parts of the world.
Many will be young faces and, according to the Central Statistics Office, about one third of individuals seeking international protection in Ireland are indeed under the age of 18 years. This amounts to about 20,000 young people who are being accommodated and ‘protected’ by the Irish state.
This is no holiday, however, with most being housed in direct provision centres, hostels and various accommodation units of one kind or other. Through no fault of their own, the majority have experienced considerable upheaval and loss in their lives whether through war, violence or other form of catastrophe. Families have been separated, social networks broken and aspirations crushed. The spectre of uncertainty is, for them, a daily companion.
For these children, the move to Mayo is a huge event in their lives. Mental health, language barriers, forging friendships, accommodation, education and assimilating into a new culture are obvious challenges.
The Big Brother Big Sister Programme creates hope.
The need for resources and the provision of emotional and social supports has never been greater.
Foróige’s volunteer mentoring and befriending scheme - the Big Brother Big Sister Programme - is creating a pathway for many of these young people to begin their journey of recovery and resilience.
By providing individualised support, mentors are connecting, supporting and encouraging young asylum seekers in fulfilling their potential.
Volunteer mentors are afforded the opportunity to be matched with a child and connect with them through the activity based programme of art, crafts, games, cookery, music, sport and exercise, to name a few. The initial commitment is one hour per week for an initial period of 12 months.
Making a difference
There are currently about 12 Big Brother Big Sister volunteers who are currently linking in with young people from migrant communities.
“They are brilliantly motivated people who want to reach out and help,” says Peter Duffy, project officer with the Big Brother Big Sister Programme. “The aim is that by engaging young people as early as possible, we provide them with an enhanced sense of dignity, equality and respect. The benefits are far reaching, both for young people themselves and for society as a whole.”
There is an urgent need for more volunteers to step forward in Mayo.
Peter explained that there is an application process involving vetting, reference checks and interview. There is training and ongoing support for all volunteers. “What this ensures is that we get the right people involved who are caring and motivated.”
If you are interested in supporting a young person, please contact Peter Duffy, project officer, at (086) 3835859 or email bbbsmayo@foroige.ie.