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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”
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