Sancta Maria College students pictured with, at back, from left, Dr. Mary Surlis, senior academic manager, Access Centre, and Dr. Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway; Sara Hakim, director, Schools of Sanctuary Ireland; and Dr. Daniel Savery, widening participation officer, Access Centre, University of Galway. At front: Dr. Áine Moran, principal, Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh; Councillor Helen Ogbu, Galway City Council; and teacher Keira Kennelly, Sancta Maria College. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Mayo’s first Champion Schools of Sanctuary

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TWO Mayo schools - Ballyhaunis Community School and Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh - have been officially recognised as Champion Schools of Sanctuary at a special awards ceremony hosted by the University of Galway.

A Champion School of Sanctuary is the highest level of recognition in the Schools of Sanctuary programme, which follows a 'Learn, Action, Share' framework to foster a culture of welcome, challenge prejudice, and build understanding about forced migration.

Ballyhaunis Community School and Sancta Maria College were among those recognised for embedding inclusion across their school communities and promoting understanding among students, teachers, and parents alike.

Ballyhaunis Community School students pictured with, at back, from left, teacher Marie Flaherty, Ballyhaunis Community School; Sara Hakim, director, Schools of Sanctuary Ireland; Dr Mary Surlis, senior academic manager, and Dr. Daniel Savery, widening participation officer, Access Centre, University of Galway. At front: Dr. Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway; Councillor Helen Ogbu, Galway City Council; and teacher Catriona Murphy, Ballyhaunis Community School. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

The ceremony was hosted by University of Galway’s Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the Access Centre, in collaboration with Schools of Sanctuary Ireland and Galway City Partnership. The event underscores the University’s commitment to advancing equality and inclusion within the education sector and beyond.

Dr. Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “At University of Galway, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging - not only across our campus, but within the wider education system. The Champion Schools of Sanctuary embody these same values, creating learning environments where every student feels seen, supported, and valued.

“By recognising and celebrating these schools, we are also acknowledging the powerful role education plays in shaping compassionate, empathetic communities.”

Sara Hakim, director, Schools of Sanctuary Ireland, said: “In a current climate of anti-migrant activity and unrest, the granting of this official status to seven schools is timely. These schools have made a commitment to ensuring their school shines as a beacon of inclusion, welcome and equality.”

Dr. Veronica Crosbie, chairperson of Places of Sanctuary Ireland, added: “This award ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic integration initiatives happening across the Irish educational landscape, often quietly under the radar of local and national media.”

The awards ceremony was funded by the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the Access Centre, and Galway City Partnership.

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