The Jes supports JRS Ireland's Summer Programme

In 2023, more people have been displaced than at any point in human history. War, disasters, climate change, famine, and persecution have forced over 100 million people to flee their homes in search of refuge.

Almost half - 50 million - of those forced to leave their homes are children. They face difficult, dangerous, and often lethal journeys to reach safe countries of refuge, such as Ireland.

Although Ireland is a place of safety for most people, arrival here unfortunately does not end the challenges faced by them. Following months or years of disruption to education, social life, and all the parts of a 'normal' childhood, children are accommodated in centres with many other families, often without the space or financial resources to engage in the same activities as children in the communities around them.

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland works to accompany, serve, and advocate for those seeking International Protection in locations across Ireland. Each year, we run a Summer Programme, holding activities like trips to the beach, zoo, or cinema for children in different centres for International Protection Applicants. The primary aim of the JRS Summer Programme is to give children in Direct Provision and Emergency Accommodation a summer like those of their peers, ensuring they have stories to tell their friends when they return to school from summer break.

The donations from the efforts of Coláiste Iognáid will go directly to the assistance of children living in Direct Provision and Emergency Accommodation in Galway, helping us to organise trips, activities, and other events for children and their families living in family accommodation centres in the city.

Your support is greatly appreciated - go raibh míle maith agaibh!