Sr. Kathleen Fitzgerald

Information and Support Unit for New Communities, Waterford

Sister Kathleen co-ordinates voluntary English language and literacy for asylum seekers in Waterford city and county. As this target group are not eligible for educational support and training through the usual mainstream channels, she ensures that these vulnerable people living in direct provision centres have the very best start to integration while awaiting decisions on their asylum applications. As a retired principal she always puts her students first, assisting them with access to available services and supports. Of the more than 960 adult asylum seekers requiring assistance since the support unit opened in 2006, Sister Kathleen has educated over 200 in English language and literacy. Many of these students successfully achieved FETAC awards as a result of Sister Kathleen’s excellent work. The skills they have developed under her guidance have opened up other avenues and opportunities, often enabling them to now assist their children with homework, and allow them to move towards true independence in their new community. Sister Kathleen also takes her students on regular trips and outings in order to build on their experiential learning and develop their linguistic skills. She is a dedicated, compassionate teacher and a wonderful volunteer.

“Ni neart go cur le céile; I would like to thank: my Congregation the Sisters of Mercy, who encouraged, and supported me in my decision to get involved in this particularly needy area of work and education; my teaching companions, whose dedication and generosity is always a source of hope and inspiration for me, but particularly so when the going gets tough; the director and staff of the Information and Support Unit for New Comunities at the Edmund Rice International Centre Mount Sion Waterford.” – Sister Kathleen

Photograph by Maureen McDonnell