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UCCExpress.ie | Volume 21 | Issue 08| Tuesday January 30h
Student teachers priced out Page 3 - News
UCC has been named a University of Sanctuary for its efforts in making the University a better place for refugees (Photo: Tomas Tyner)
UCC Declared a University of Sanctuary Michelle Beazley, News Editor
University College Cork (UCC) has been awarded the title of University of Sanctuary by People of Sanctuary Ireland in recognition of their efforts in promoting the welfare of vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers, in particular the grant of seven full scholarships to members of these groups. The scholarships will be available for full-time undergraduate courses beginning in September 2018 for those under 23 on January 1st of this year. Application will be through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Awardees will benefit from free tuition, as well as a number of bursaries for other expenses. There will also be supports in place for recipients once they begin their course. UCC Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Karl Kitching, described the scholarship scheme
to TheJournal.ie as “hugely significant” in assisting vulnerable young people in attending a third-level institution like UCC despite “financial and cultural constraints.” Kitching commented that refugees and asylum seekers living in Direct Provision can often be overwhelmed by the difficulties inherent in their situation. “People’s dreams are dashed. Regardless of how long you’re in the school system, it can be extremely demoralising to do your Leaving Cert and know you can’t afford to get into the colleges your friends will be going to.” UCC Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Society led the charge in campaigning to make UCC a University of Sanctuary. The society, the first of its kind in Ireland, wished to have UCC join Dublin City University and University of Limerick to become the third university in Ireland
to receive the prestigious status. Their efforts have been complemented by UCC employees such as lecturers Dr Jacqui O’Riordan and Mike Fitzgibbon, who were recently awarded with UCC Exceptional Citizen Awards for their tireless campaigning to put an end to the Direct Provision system and support of those living in the system. Direct Provision which was originally established as a temporary six-month scheme 17 years ago, and people living in Direct Provision are provided with a weekly allowance of just €21.60 and, unlike asylum seekers in many other EU states, are prohibited from seeking work. Continued on page 3...
Being an Arts Student Page 6 - Features
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