Ukrainian Ambassador to visit Inishowen

The Ukrainian Ambassador is due to visit Carndonagh to see first hand how the Ukrainians are integrating, living, collaborating and co-operating as they adjust to life in their new host community.

The Carndonagh/Ukraine support group in liaison with the Malin/Moville support groups invited the Ukrainian Ambassador Larysa Gerasko to visit Inishowen. She is scheduled to arrive at 5pm on Tuesday to Carndonagh Community School where she will be welcomed by locals and the Ukrainian community.

This event is intended to offer hope and encouragement to the Ukrainian community who are currently struggling from homesickness, separation from their families, loss of their homes, their professions and their way of life.

This is especially challenging as we approach Christmas and the New Year. Ukrainians are very appreciative of the welcome shown to them in Ireland and in particular the warm welcome shown to them in Inishowen and they are determined to give back to their host communities using their skills to enrich them.

A heart warming example of this is their decision to donate the money made from the Carndonagh Ukrainian Good as New shop to the Mica Redress Committee.

They have also been helping the tidy towns committee in Carndonagh. Martin Robbins, spokesperson for the group commented: “We thank them for their contribution and look forward to their continued involvement with our group”.

“When refugees can gain access to education, work and social opportunities, they can build

their skills and become more self-reliant, contributing to local economies and supporting the development of their host communities” said Carmel Doherty, Carndonagh support group. “Our

Ukrainian community have been sharing their broad range of skills within the area and have

been enthusiastically engaging in educational and wellbeing activities,” added Carmel.

The visit to the community school will include a questions and answers session with the Ukrainian community, a showcase of art and drawings by Ukrainian children of their hopes and dreams for the future of Ukraine, a musical performance by the cast of The Sound of Music, the CCS musical production and a documentary video highlighting the positive engagement and interaction between both communities locally.

Inclusion of refugees is the most effective way to ensure positive outcomes for them and the wider community, including nurturing positive relationships between people and supporting their wishes to contribute to the local community.

John Mc Guinness, Principal of Carndonagh Community School is happy to host the Ambassador on her visit to Inishowen.

“Integration and awareness raising efforts are essential in establishing a process of mutual understanding and respect between both our communities.

"Our students and their families are working very hard to learn English and to contribute to the local community,” commented John.

Despite the challenges they are facing, the local Ukrainian community have shown huge resilience and a determination to adjust, integrate and to make the most of the opportunities to connect in their new communities.

Many have volunteered as a way to support their integration while looking for employment.

These social inclusion initiatives promote mutual understanding, friendship, respect and lasting peace amongst all people in the community.