Easter eggs for refugee families

April 13, 2016 in 201604, News

This Easter the Jesuit Refugee Servcie Ireland collected over 150 Easter Eggs from Jesuit apostolates and friends to give to families living in Direct Provision in Dublin, enabling asylum seeking parents to give their children a welcome and much needed treat.

The appeal was part of JRS Ireland’s Easter programme of activities for asylum seekers living in Direct Provision. Along with the Easter eggs parents and children were took part in arts and craft activities, family day trips and intercultural events all organised by JRS Ireland.

According to Dave Moriarty, Policy advisor with JRS Ireland, “Fantastic support was received from throughout the Province and a special thanks is due to Audrey Hogan, a former member of MAGIS Ireland who continues to passionately support the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service.”

JRS Ireland has strong links with families in Direct Provision in Ireland. At Christmas they held a very successful toy appeal and students from nearby Belvedere College SJ helped wrap the gifts and deliver them to children in Direct Provision centres. Students in the college also work with JRS Ireland in providing English language tuition on a regular basis for refugees and asylum seekers who request it.

Refugees leaving Direct Provision centres, often after a long number of years, are also assisited by JRS Ireland who provide training and courses  for them in a variety of areas including updating academic skills, stress management, cooking, sewing and self-development.