Social inclusion programme helping women in Cork to begin again

“Only those who have been through the journey and have sought asylum can understand the toll of it; not everyone can get up and go again.”

So says Omolara Osunkoya, just one of 1,200 people seeking protection who have benefitted from the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) since 2022.

Arrival in Ireland for asylum-seekers often comes at the end of a devastating journey. For Omolara, it involved escaping kidnapping in Nigeria, her native country.

In a time of despair and fear, SICAP offered her a route to recovery.

The programme falls under the remit of SECAD, the rural developments and social inclusion partnership, which is passionate about meeting people where they are – often at a crossroads – to walk alongside them as they take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives in a new country.

Participants – representing more than 15 nationalities – have completed courses tailored to employment in key industries, including healthcare, construction, security, and hospitality.

Their services also include wellbeing initiatives, employment-focused training, career guidance, and support for starting a business in Ireland.

SECAD’s work begins with listening. Too often, they say, asylum seekers are spoken about rather than spoken with – so their services are tailored to individual needs.

Through dialogue, service providers come to understand their previous employment, skills and areas of interest.

Whilst Omolara was referred onto healthcare courses, another participant, Iryna Lishchuk, was referred for business start-up support.

Iryna’s story is a common one in Ireland in recent years.

“I came here during the war in Ukraine, two and a half years ago now, with my husband and two small children, aged four and eight. We were very scared, but we soon felt very happy and appreciative. Through this programme, people met us and gave us a home. They came to our hotel and helped us with our English. Their support meant everything.”

Iryna is skilled at sewing and wanted to set up a business, but the language barrier was a significant one.

“The language courses were essential as were the business courses. Brian O’Neill ran the business courses. He was so helpful and every question was answered. Honestly, at every stage, I was helped; it was so amazing. Beyond this programme, the Macroom community supported us too. There are very kind people here and when I started my business they turned up and supported me. The older people were particularly lovely.”

Iryna is grateful that her entire family is doing well and that she can give back to a community that supported her in a time of need.

“My husband is in landscaping and he helps with my business too. My children are doing well in school and speak English now. It is wonderful that my business is genuinely needed here; there is a constant stream of costumers. I’ve recently employed a young girl to help in reception. I met her when I made her sister’s confirmation dress.”

Iryna is delighted to offer a young person, from the local area, employment. It has been a hard road and it feels good to reap the rewards.

“I had no English whatsoever arriving here. I learned it in school but never had any cause to use it before the war. My customers now say I have great English.”

The language courses are offered by volunteers in the community, another strand in the programme’s aim to create cohesion and bring about integration.

Omolara Osunkoya arrived in Ireland last year.

“The programme has been a lifesaver,” she enthuses. “When I arrived here with my two daughters, we had no hope and nothing to do. I thought it was all over.

“Through the accommodation we were offered, we were also introduced to these supports. The first workshop was life-changing. We met a few workers there and the way they spoke to us, that day – they told us not to give up and afforded us so many opportunities.

“We have gone from nothing to something. They do such wonderful work, bringing everyone together. They create a sense of belonging – make us feel like we are all family. You get to know people in person and then people want to go out of their way to help you. It really is wonderful.”

Omolara had experience in healthcare, having looked after her own parents before she came here.

“When I arrived I got training to upgrade my skills and now I work with autistic people and the elderly. I go into people’s homes and get them up and ready for the day. I am so happy to help people – it is what I am most passionate about.”

The carer is deeply grateful to the programme and also to Cork Migrant Centre.

“I believe that every human person deserves a chance to live,” Omolara says. 

“Ireland has given us a chance. We only arrived last year, but quicky we were taught about cultural differences which really helped in interviews. There are different ways of doing things in every country. Today I am happy with what I am doing, helping people and contributing to society.”

Her children are also thriving.

“My first born is working in a hospital and my second daughter finished her recent exams with distinction and is working with ABTRAN in Cork.”

This is all part of SICAP’s plan.

Toni McCaul, Social Inclusion Programmes Manager, SECAD, says: “Everything we do at SECAD is rooted in one central idea: community is our superpower. Whether it’s a conversation club, a CV workshop, or a shared meal, we are building something much greater than any single programme or service – we are building trust, solidarity, and a shared future.”

These services are not particular to asylum seekers. The supports provided to people seeking protection, such as business courses and skills training, are the same as those offered to anyone in the rural communities in and beyond Cork who need help taking their next step, whether that’s in employment, education, wellbeing, or otherwise.

The SICAP area includes 6 main hubs: Youghal, Midleton, Cobh, Millstreet, Macroom, and Carrigaline. In these locations, employment workshops and one-to-one consultations occur every month, offering a lifeline to many. Anyone who meets the SICAP programme criteria of a ‘disadvantaged individual’ can get free employment support.

The fundamental idea is to promote social cohesion and community involvement.

Earlier this summer, Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, delivered the keynote speech to celebrate 100 Cork-based participants for World Refugee Day.

Minister Buttimer paid tribute to the participants and commended their commitment to learning and contribution to Irish society, whilst commending SECAD’s work within the local community, adding: “Today’s celebration event marking the completion of this suite of skills training programmes is testament to the determination and resolve of our new arrivals in rebuilding their lives with a view to contributing to Irish society”.

Inspiring insights and personal testimonials were also provided by invited speakers to share their thoughts on building new lives in Ireland and integrating within their local communities.

Ryan Howard, CEO of SECAD, paid tribute to the determination of the participants: “We are deeply proud of each participant who has shown resilience and an unwavering commitment to building a new future here in Ireland. Completion of these courses will support their future employment and enable them to further integrate into Irish society.

“This event was not only a celebration of individual achievements, but of the power of inclusive support and community collaboration – key cornerstones of SECAD’s work within local communities across Cork. “It is a clear demonstration of what is possible when inclusive support and opportunity meet human potential,” he concluded.