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Useful Links
Testimonials

KASI Project

We would be lost in Killarney without the KASI Drop-In Centre. It’s like a home away from home. They have very friendly staff and volunteers. It’s like a family.


Asylum Seeker
Testimonials

KASI Project

I wish I had known about KASI earlier, because KASI made me feel welcome which encouraged me and my family to fully participate in the community. I am now more motivated and currently doing a diploma course in Community Development, again through the help of KASI .


Refugee
Testimonials

KASI Project

KASI has helped me to understand Irish culture while learning the language at the same time.


Asylum Seeker
Testimonials

TIRC Project

TIRC is a very welcoming and friendly place, where I also volunteer every Saturday ... TIRC allows me to avail of all the facilities including the use of free internet ... computers, fax, printer, photocopying etc ... If TIRC was ever to close down, I know that my mental health would be greatly affected, as it is a huge part of my daily life. As a volunteer, I have received training and learnt much … I continue to learn about my duties and skills as a volunteer. I just love it!!”.


Asylum Seeker
 
 
The Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative (KASI) ERF project is a joint initiative between KASI and Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC). The project is based in Killarney and Tralee. 
 
The project carries out a number of actions including:
  • Providing support to asylum seekers and refugees through the provision of drop-in centres in Killarney and Tralee.
  • Providing direct support to families and children living in four direct provision centres in Killarney and Tralee.
  • Planning and delivering education and language supports, a peer health education course and other training.
  • Running social and cultural events, sporting activities and initiatives that will encourage volunteering amongst asylum seekers.
  • Working with the local community to raise awareness of asylum, refugee and anti-racism issues.
  • Linking with statutory agencies and other organisations, through collaborative work and referrals.
 
This project completed in June 2013.
 
KASI - Case Study
 
Our drop-in centres have an open door policy. Our centres are friendly and ‘homely’ but we also provide very professional support and services to asylum seekers and refugees. Part of our open door policy is getting to know and ‘connecting’ with asylum seekers and refugees. We are very aware of their vulnerability due to their situation and deal with clients very sensitively. All our staff and volunteers undergo anti-racism and intercultural training.
 
As a result of our approach, our clients can confide in us about any day-to-day issues or other problems they face as asylum seekers and refugees. We tailor our supports based on our clients’ needs. For example, single parents find it easier to participate in morning activities, so we do most of our activities in the morning. For others, childcare is an issue so we also offer childcare to our training participants. As a result, we have more women participating in activities. We have discovered that it is easier to work one-to-one or with small groups - especially when it comes to teaching English. Some people arrived at our centre with no understanding of English.
 
With the help of one-to-one English language support, many can manage to speak, understand and communicate in English after a few months. Some students progress to more advanced, ‘structured’ English classes with Kerry Education Services. We provide volunteering opportunities for asylum seekers within both our organisations and with other community groups. This is an important social outlet for people. Volunteering provides a space for informal interaction between asylum seekers / refugees and other members of the community. It also gives asylum seekers (who are not allowed to work) an opportunity to learn new skills. We also offer after-school homework support for asylum seeker children. Ahmad is a young asylum seeker who enrolled in the local secondary school. Ahmad faced a number of challenges. He was at a vulnerable age, he experienced the usual pressure of school, he lives in a direct provision centre and he has no other support. As a result of stress, Ahmad dropped out of school. We were very aware that he was able to manage academically as we knew him from attending homework support.
 
Through perseverance and our relationship with him, we managed to convince Ahmad to sit his Junior Cert exam in English and Maths. A volunteer (who is a retired teacher) gives Ahmad grinds for four hours a week. Ahmad is happy and really looking forward to sitting for his Junior Cert exam … And so are we! Most importantly, the drop-in centres, both in Killarney and Tralee, provide space for asylum seekers and refugees to feel welcome and safe.
 
 
TIRC - Case Study
TIRC’s mission is to support integration in Tralee.
 
One of the ways we do this is by providing a drop-in facility and services for asylum seekers, refugees and other members of the international community. At our drop-in service, we provide information and assistance to the international community. The drop-in also offers a number of educational and social activities in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
 
A key aim of our drop-in is to provide a welcoming social space where asylum seekers can develop a routine of coming to the centre on a regular basis. The drop-in centre offers asylum seekers opportunities to alleviate boredom and feelings of isolation, meet new people including local volunteers, forge new relationships and promote their positive mental well-being.
 
Our organisation is two and half years old. We have now developed a strong and reliable team of volunteers. We have held a range of events. We have established regular drop-in hours. Most importantly, we have supported our clients in as many ways as we can, and we have contributed to promoting integration in Tralee.
 
We collaborate with key statutory, community and voluntary organisations to promote the reception and integration of asylum seekers, refugees and all migrants living in Tralee.