14
Donegal Youth Service Cross Border Connections Project Breaking over Barriers - Research Project

Breaking over Barriers - Research Project - Donegal County … · 2013-08-14 · Breaking over Barriers - Research Project. Background to the Project ... The video is available to

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Donegal Youth Service Cross Border Connections Project

Breaking over Barriers - Research Project

Background to the Project

Project Information

Cross Border Connections is a cross border/cross community project, managed by Donegal Youth

Service through the Donegal Community Based Youth Work Consortium and funded by Phase II of the

PEACE III Action plan. This project is supported by the European Union’s European Regional

Development Fund, through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation managed for the Special

EU Programmes Body by Donegal County Council.

The project has been running since July 2011 and will run until May 2013. The Project has facilitated a

number of activities and workshops throughout Donegal and the border areas, including showcasing

Donegal’s first ever ‘Intercultural Youth Day’ which took place in Buncrana, Inishowen on 28th July

2012. During this time project staff have worked with over 300 young people, raising their awareness

of Prejudice, Discrimination and Racism as well as the Adult volunteers who support them in their

community.

As part of this programme, Cross Border Connections undertook a research project which would

capture through the production of a DVD the research, activities, training and personal progression

of groups of young people which would facilitate young people from minority and marginalised

communities to participate in a research project to identify and explore barriers to their

participation in civil life.

Background to the group

A regular group of approximately 16 young people were involved in the ‘Breaking Over Barriers’ group

in earnest throughout the lifetime of the project – although a total of 27 different young people were

involved sporadically over that time, all contributing to a broad spectrum of issues, ideas and hopes for

the project. Whilst some had previously been involved in a Leargas funded project which looked at

democracy issues through the Youth Information Centre in Letterkenny, the majority had not

previously been engaged in workshop led youth work.

The young people are from an array of backgrounds and describe their race/religion as Black African,

Asian or white Irish.

We have worked with this group continually from June 2012. During this time, they have been

engaged on a series of workshops which explored issues which they felt were of importance to them,

including; Racism and Discrimination, Self Esteem and Confidence, Image Pressure and Respect, Stamp

concerns and College, Grants, Work and Finance, Mental Health, Relationships, Sexuality and Gender.

The young people also took part in a number of fun activities including a number of residentials to

Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Cinema trips, paintballing as well as ‘hanging out’ with each other

in a relaxed environment.

1

2

Word cloud expressing issues highlighted by the young people in the group

Issues raised

A number of issues were raised during the course of the

programme – specifically:

1. Racism and Discrimination

2. Perceived Racism from the Gardaí

3. Lack of transparency regarding the Stamp issue and

Immigration status

4. Inability to travel into Northern Ireland due to visa status

Discrimination

Notes: Although many of the young people felt that Racism was a big

part of their lives, others felt that they were not subjected to it

Perceived Racism from the Gardaí

Notes: Quite a number of the group reported an array of stories

regarding their individual treatment by members of the Garda

Siochana. There were issues regarding unfair stereotyping, lack of

response (perceived) when urgent issues arise from members of the African

community, Gardaí not taking names down because they did not know how to ‘spell them’.

The training of agencies in Intercultural and Diversity awareness has also been suggested.

Immigration Status

Notes: The work of this project has highlighted that the young people identify that uncertainty

surrounding their personal immigration status is creating a significant barrier to their ability to fully

participate in Civic Life.

“Religion can be a

barrier to civic life.

Some people have

negative attitudes

towards particular

religions; others can

disagree with the

morals of people of

that religion”

I think respect is a

main issue... You need

to respect yourself

and others as well.

3

The level of permission afforded to a young person to remain in the State is

evidenced by one of 6 particular Stamps: (stamp: 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, 4) Each

stamp carries with it specific eligibility criteria and also constraints which

impact on the rights of the individual with regard to study and work. In

many instances, it appears that even in the presence of a structure system

to deal with citizenship and naturalisation, an arbitrary element to the

decision making process exists, whereby citizenship can be obtained by

naturalisation at the absolute discretion of the Minister for Justice and

Equality. This perceived image of arbitrary decision making is

responsible for a lack of clarity and that in effect presents a major

problem. Some young people indicate that many of them have similar

if not exactly the same family circumstances yet following the application

process receive differing outcomes with no rationale for the various

outcomes.

Uncertainty with regard to citizenship has specifically come to the fore when considered in the context

of further education. The young people have voiced the difficulties that they encounter when trying to

make the transition to third level education with some being treated as foreign students even though

they have lived in Ireland for 10 years. This becomes a particular barrier when we consider the financial

implication, where a foreign student has to pay fees exceeding €8000 compared to €2250 for Irish

Nationals.

Inability due to visa status to travel into Northern Ireland

Notes: Even though some young people have

resided in Ireland for up to 10 years, their

ability and freedom to participate in a

society within the geographic boundaries

of a border county is hampered. For

people living in Donegal interaction

with life across the border in Northern

Ireland is common, whether it be sport,

work, socialising or travel. However,

young people residing here with certain

stamps cannot enter Northern Ireland

without a specific visa, which excludes

them from many socially integrated

activities etc. Furthermore, a simple

journey to the Capital on the main

route from Letterkenny involves

travelling through Northern Ireland for 40

miles. This in theory is a journey that these

young people cannot take.

Let’s Talk DonegalThe Peace and Reconciliation Group( PRG) have been running the ‘Let’s Talk Politics’ Programme

successfully in Derry/Londonderry for the past seven years and this has developed into a series of events

which are held across Northern Ireland annually. The overall aim is to create opportunities where

discussion and debate can take place in a respectful and meaningful way. Events range from lunchtime

debates to full day workshops, including panel discussions and round table talks. Each event is tailored

to suit the topic, venue and audience, sometimes using multimedia, mock elections and audience

response technology to add value to the debate. It was decided that a similar format would be adopted

“…it’s kind of unfair

sometimes, we could

be in the same

situation, he could

apply and get it - I

could apply and not

get it.”

“It does put a lot of barriers. For

example we live in Letterkenny in Ireland

and there are a lot of Northern counties

like Derry. We can’t be there, we need a

visa to go and it’s like 20 minutes away. It

did put a lot of barriers for example we

were playing football for our local football

team and teams travel to play in Derry.

It’s a bit of a risk for us to go but we still go

anyway, it’s a risk, like if you get caught

you’re banned up to 10 years.”

to encourage dialogue and discussion between the BOB group and local and national politicians.

The inaugural ‘Lets’ talk Donegal' took place on the 23rd November 2012. The aim of this event was to

give the young people who had participated in the Breaking of Barriers project and opportunity to share

their concerns with local TDs and Counsellors and to hear their responses. In addition to the core group

of 16 young people, the audience also included members of the Garda Siochana and youth and

community workers from across Donegal.

The learning process which the young people participated in was digitally documented and this finalised

DVD was launched at a ‘Donegal Let’s Talk’ event on 23rd November 2012. The video is available to view

on http://youtu.be/A4EnB-L_Ef8. This interactive debate enabled the young people to raise their concerns

with Donegal TDs.

Running Order for ‘Donegal Let’s Talk’ event23rd November 2012Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny

Chair: Lorraine Thompson, Regional Director, Donegal Youth Service

Panellists: Joe McHugh, TD (Fine Gael), Cllr. Gerry McMonagle ( Sinn Fein)

Programme

7.00pm – Registration and Sign in

7.15pm – Auditorium - Screening of DVD – Breaking of Barriers; A Journey

7.30pm – Refreshments

7.50pm – Conference Room – ‘Let’s Talk Debate’ – Young people from the Breaking of barriers group

will have the opportunity to put their questions to and raise their issues with the Donegal TDs.

Donegal TDs will have the opportunity to ‘canvass’ the young people i.e. Inform them about their

party/their own policies on inclusion and what they are doing to represent them.

Young people will then ‘vote’ for the candidate that they feel best represents their views

9.00pm – Close

Cllr. Gerry McMonagle (Sinn Fein), DeputJoe McHugh TD and Lorraine ThompsonRegional Director Donegal Youth Service

Young people from the Breaking overBarriers project question local

representatives about their issues

4

Panel Questions

1. What did you learn from watching our DVD?

2. We have had over three years of meetings like this in the hope of improving our situation and raise

awareness. There is a need for the stamp system to change; there are issues with attendance at

college. We would like some advice from TDs. What can or will you do for us?

3. On applications to universities in Ireland, non EU students are treated less favourably than EU students.

What is your opinion on this?

4. For those who are minors, we came to this country before we were 16 years old; we get our stamp

when we are 16. We had no say in any of these decisions, they were made by our parents, yet we are

the ones who are suffering. Why are all these obstacles being put in our way, we are only trying to

gain an education and achieve our dreams?

5. In would like to ask a question of university fees for non-nationals. My parents have paid taxes and

made contributions which have ultimately been to the benefit of others, but not for their own kids.

The questions that were posed to the politicians during the event reflected the participants’ experiences

and feelings about living in Ireland. The politicians who attended the event answered all of the questions

very thoughtfully and thoroughly. As the discussion developed, the panellists admitted that the event

had given them new knowledge about the barriers and difficulties which members of minority groups

faced whilst living in Ireland. In their answers, the panellists referenced current EU legislation, commented

on the challenges of creating equality in a diversely populated area, both in a local and global context

and voiced the opinion that there is a need for an attitudinal change.

Furthermore the politicians expressed that the experiences and feelings that the participants had

expressed were not just a problem amongst minority groups, but was a national problem, experienced

and felt by many citizens throughout Ireland. As one politician summarised it “we live in a complicated

world. There are rules, restrictions and policies, all made by adults… however, these can be changed”.

Dail Eireann

As a follow up from his participation in the ‘Let’s

Talk Donegal’ Event, Deputy Joe McHugh TD invited

the young people to Dail Eireann to make a

presentation to the sitting Ministers and TDs.

On 12th February 2013, 16 young people

accompanied by 5 adult leaders travelled from

Donegal to Dublin via Sligo (due to VISA

restrictions) and presented their DVD to sitting

politicians who included Deputy Thomas Pringle

TD, Deputy Pearse Doherty TD, Deputy Padraig

MacLochlainn TD, Deputy Dinny McGinley, Deputy

Charlie McConalogue TD, Senator Jimmy Harte and

Senator Terry Brennan TD. The young people had

the unique opportunity of speak first hand of their

experiences of being an ‘immigrant’ in Ireland and

presented the TDs with the issues they face on a

daily basis.

This was a unique achievement of the Cross Border Connections project, as one of the fundamental goals

of the project was to raise the issues faced by young people on a national level and to lobby for change.

5

Young people from the Breaking OverBarriers project photographed outside

Dail Eireann

Recommendations for change concerning Uncertain EuropeanCitizenship Status of Young People in Ireland.

Irish Born Child Scheme:

Currently, if a young person’s parents are here on the ‘Irish Born Child Scheme’ when the young

people are granted ‘stamp 4 leave to remain’ they will receive a stamp 4 in line with their parents

status. This is a very serious problem as one of the provisions of the Irish Born Child scheme states that

the holder cannot receive a grant for third level college. As the young person would receive their status

in line with their parents, they also are then deemed ineligible for a third level grant and are treated as

foreign students. This has a catastrophic effect on the young persons’ ambitions to be a productive

member of society. We feel that this element of the IBC scheme is having unforeseen but dramatic

consequences on the lives of young people who have been in Ireland for 8 years or more (the IBC

scheme was introduced in 2005).

Recommendation: A provision should be in place which insures that these young people receive a

stamp 4 which would enable them to attend third level college without being treated as a foreign

student.

Stamp 4 Leave to Remain

Young people here on Stamp 2 or 3 are expected to make a case to the Minister to be granted ‘stamp 4

leave to remain’ when they reach 18 even though they may have attended primary school and been

here for more than 8 years. This process would be enhanced greatly by the availability of an

application form to facilitate transparency in the process. There is currently an application form

available for young people wishing to apply for ‘leave to remain’ based on being family members of EU

citizens.

Recommendation: We would recommend that this transparent application process is extended for

those who are trying to move from stamp 2 or 3 to stamp 4. We note however that the stamp 4 EUfam

1 form requests evidence that the EU family member has private health insurance. We are unsure if

the absence of private health insurance would preclude the young person from gaining Stamp 4

EUfam but the request for this information on the form is a matter of concern. It is also a matter of

concern that it is stated on the citizenship.ie website that the young person will be given a temporary

stamp 4 while waiting on the application process to be complete, which then goes on to say that this

has been under review since 2011. If this is the case, what has been the outcome?

Stamp 4 Process

Presently in Ireland children on stamp 2 or stamp 3 must wait until they are 18 to make their case to

the minister for stamp 4.

Recommendation: As stamp 4 is essential to avoid being treated as a foreign student and would

enable the young person to be eligible for a 3rd Level grant, we would recommend that this process

should begin via an application form when a young person reaches 16 yrs. This would allow sufficient

time to complete this process before they make the transition to third level education. Under the

current system, young people who have spent up to 8 years or more in Ireland attending primary

school and completing their leaving certificate find themselves being treated as foreign students when

they apply to third level institutions despite the fact that they live here permanently.

6

7

Feedback - What the young people thought about their time onthe programme

(Comments are verbatim)

“I have a lot of wonderful

memories that built me to

become a better person. I

learnt about myself, about

my personality and how it's

perceived by others. I learnt

how different people express

themselves differently

because of the circumstances

they lived through.”

“Yeah I learned

about how to

be more

confident

around people”

“My communication skills have

improved greatly. I have become

more considerate and I am able

to assert myself correctly. I

learned to respect other people’s

cultures, religion and beliefs.”

Thank you for this group which

has helped me form better

friendships and has changed a

lot of our views on life.

I’m now excited to pursue

my career in life”

“I understand everyone’s

point and situations. This

group helped me be more

aware of how to deal

with discrimination and

college situations”

“I learned I should

treat people well if I

expect to be treated

well myself”

“Yes I learned

to take people’s

feelings more

seriously”

“All the questions

that I’ve been

looking to answer

so far have been

answered and my

confidence has

increased”

8

9

Profiles of Young people

Name: Ladi Akpoyibo

Age: 17

Originally from: Nigeria

Now living in: Letterkenny, Donegal

Came to Ireland in: 2005

What’s your family situation?

My family are ok – Mum is in Sligo for work and

comes back at weekends. Dad has kind of

started smoking again which I hate as I think it

is unhealthy for his at his age with his stress.

What do you most like about Ireland?

Well to be honest, nothing at the moment. The

weather is shocking and most people are racist

even if they don’t look it.

Is there anything you don’t like?

The weather and some of the people

Are you studying/working?

I’m in St Eunans College in 5th year but regret

transition year because I could be in 6th year

now

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to go to college and study business and

sports then after that I plan on starting a rugby

team or playing for one and if that does not

work out I can start my own business on

making shoes and become a billionaire and

take care of my family and friends

Name: Nicholas Vaughan

Age: 19

Originally from: U.S.A

Now living in: Letterkenny, Donegal

Came to Ireland in: 2006

What’s your family situation?

Mother and stepdad living in Letterkenny. Only

child with no siblings. Step grandparents living

in Cork, grandparents and uncle living in

Boston. Cousins in Boston, Greece, Australia

and Canada.

What do you most like about Ireland?

Laid back people hospitality

Is there anything you don’t like?

The weather and lack of opportunity

Are you studying/working?

I am in 2nd year at LYIT doing sport and

business.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition is to go back to America for

college on a sports scholarship and got scouted

to play in the MLS pro league meanwhile

getting my psychology degree and at the end of

my soccer career to start my own psychology

practice to help people

Name: Jude Abaka-Nyarko

Age: 17

Originally from: England

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2007

What’s your family situation?

There is 3 boys and 2 girls in my family and I am

the second oldest. The oldest is currently in

university while my other brother is also in

secondary school. My youngest sister is one

years old and my other sister is 8 years old

What do you most like about Ireland?

Football and the people.

Are you studying/working?

Currently I’m doing my leaving cert. this year

and will be going to university next year.

What are your ambitions for the future?

To become a footballer or a really good

businessman.

Profiles of Young people

Name: Noah Sanni

Age: 14

Originally from: Nigeria

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2009

What’s your family situation?

I have 3 sisters and 1 brother, my mum and dad

live together in Letterkenny. I really like my

family because they are always there for me

when I need them

What do you most like about Ireland?

The weather and people and its fun

Is there anything you don’t like?

The weather

Are you studying/working?

Studying

What are your ambitions for the future?

To be an athlete and to represent Ireland

in the Olympics

Name: Ellen O’Donnell

Age: 17

Originally from: Ireland

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: N/A

What’s your family situation?

I have 2 siblings my brother lives in Letterkenny

and my sister lives in Bahrain. I live with my

parents in Letterkenny

What do you most like about Ireland?

The land and the history and mythology

Is there anything you don’t like?

The weather, the alcoholism and drug abuse as

well as the carelessness with money

Are you studying/working?

I am studying in the Loreto Convent

Letterkenny

What are your ambitions for the future?

To become a research zoologist and wildlife

rehabilitator. I plan to travel the world studying

animals

Name: Janine

Age: 19

Originally from: Ireland

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: N/A

What’s your family situation?

I am living with my mum and two younger

brothers in Donegal and my dad lives in the U.S

What do you most like about Ireland?

The weather

Is there anything you don’t like?

No

Are you studying/working?

Studying bioscience in LYIT

What are your ambitions for the future?

To be happy. Find a job that I like in some kind

of laboratory

10

Name: Femi

Age: 17

Originally from: Nigeria

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2008

What’s your family situation?

I don’t live with any of my family they live in

Nigeria.

What do you most like about Ireland?

The people, the good and the place

Is there anything you don’t like?

The weather would be the one thing I don’t like

Are you studying/working?

Studying

11

Name: Fred Williams

Age: 17

Originally from: Ghana

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: Over 9 years ago

What’s your family situation?

I live with my parents. I have 3 little sisters; they

were all born in Ireland. The oldest is 11, she

currently lives in England with my aunty, and

my other sisters are 1 and 4 years old. The 4

year old attends play school

What do you most like about Ireland?

The people are sound

Is there anything you don’t like?

The weather can be quite depressing at times

but that is beyond our control.

Are you studying/working?

Studying

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition is to get a master’s Degree in

business; hopefully I will achieve this in NUIG. I

pray these dreams won’t be hindered by lack of

money and lack of grant

Name: Razan Elnaim

Age: 17

Originally from: Sudan

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2008

What’s your family situation?

I have 6 sisters and 2 parents. We are all

Sudanese except for Jude she is she is straight

up Irish!

What do you most like about Ireland?

The people are nice, the culture and the land is

green and full of life.

Is there anything you don’t like?

The weather – It’s alright sometimes

Are you studying/working?

Studying for the leaving cert.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I am very ambitious I want to become the first

doctor president of Ireland.

Profiles of Young people

Name: Rawan Elnaim

Age: 18

Originally from: Sudan

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2008

What’s your family situation?

I have 6 sisters and both my father and my

mother, they all live in Ireland. I’m the eldest – I

love my family

What do you most like about Ireland?

There are nice people here. I like how green it is

and I love the snow once in a while and the rain

Is there anything you don’t like?

Sometimes it’s too cold for my liking.

Overindulgence of alcohol

Are you studying/working?

Studying

What are your ambitions for the future?

I hope to become a doctor or a pharmacist. If I

manage to be a doctor I’ll build a diversity

clinic.

Name: Joshua Allinyenni-Aderinto

Age: 17

Originally from: Nigeria

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2003

What’s your family situation?

I live in Letterkenny with my mum and 3 sisters.

What do you most like about Ireland?

It has beautiful scenery and is a peaceful place to

live in general I feel most of the people are nice.

Is there anything you don’t like?

I feel there are very little opportunities in Ireland

Are you studying/working?

Studying

What are your ambitions for the future?

To create a successful career for myself so that I

can provide for my family and live a good life.

Name: Giovani Ogbugo

Age: 18

Originally from: Togo

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2006

What’s your family situation?

I have one sister and live on my own in

Letterkenny.

What do you most like about Ireland?

Good education and friendly folks

Is there anything you don’t like?

Racism and racist people

Are you studying/working?

Not at the moment

What are your ambitions for the future?

Football and music and to hopefully make it

one day

Profiles of Young people

12

Name: Samuel Kasenga

Age: 21

Originally from: Zambia

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2004

What’s your family situation?

2 sisters and mother living in the same house in

Letterkenny

What do you most like about Ireland?

The education, friends and the people are nice,

well most of them in my town

Is there anything you don’t like?

Racism – people look at you sometimes like you

don’t deserve to live anywhere but your

country

Are you studying/working?

Studying mechanical engineering

What are your ambitions for the future

I’m an artist and part of an R+B band hopefully

I’ll be selling concerts in the next 10 years

Name: Jude Abalca-Nyarko

Age: 17

Originally from: England

Now living in: Ireland

Came to Ireland in: 2007

What’s your family situation?

There are currently 3 boys and 2 girls in my

family. I am the second oldest. The eldest is

currently in university while my other brother is

also in secondary school and my youngest sister

1 year old and my other sister is 8 years old

What do you most like about Ireland?

Football and the people

Are you studying/working?

I am studying the leaving cert.

What are your ambitions for the future

To become a footballer or a good businessman

This project is supported by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund, through the EU Programme for Peace and

Reconciliation managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Donegal County Council.

16-18 Port Road

Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Tel: 07491 29630