First large-scale meeting of Ukrainian organizations representatives.
The first large-scale meeting of representatives of Ukrainian organizations and proactive public figures of Ireland took place in Dublin on the 26th of October.
Almost 30 organizations founded by the Ukrainian community in Ireland participated in the convention. The head of CO “Future of Ukrainian Nation” (FOUN Kerry) Natalia Eismont represented the Kerry Ukrainian community.
During the event participants talked about the current situation in the communities, shared success stories and achievements, and accentuated the problems and needs of the Ukrainian refugees.
Ukrainian ambassador in Ireland Larisa Gerasko gave a welcoming speech to the present company. There was productive and interesting discussion between the participants and the ambassador regarding the state of the affairs of the Ukrainian diaspora in Ireland.
“Life of the Community – is the life of Ukraine. I need you, your position, because all start at the local level. Activity of your Community Organizations is most important.” – said Larisa Gerasko during her speech to the leaders of the Community Organizations.
Mariana Betsa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary MFA of Ukraine, joined the discussion online. She introduced the new policy of MFA of Ukraine regarding the significant role of Ukrainians abroad and emphasized on the importance of maintaining Ukrainian national identity.
“We are working with the Ministry of Education of Ukraine to help Saturday and Sunday schools, to provide unified methodology for Ukrainian schools abroad. Apart from that, the Ministry of Education is working on the International Ukrainian school. This concept has already been presented now and I think that the Ministry of Education will do a more detailed presentation of this transformational International Ukrainian school,” – noted Mariana Betsa.
Independently the Ambassador of MFA stressed on the importance of the advocacy of interests of Ukraine abroad.
“We want to make more weeks of Ukrainian culture to popularize Ukraine and to preserve the national identity of ukrainians abroad. School, community and church unite ukrainians abroad. We need to promote the support of advocacy of interests of Ukraine abroad.”, – summarized Mariana Betsa.
Based on the results of the meeting, a number of collaborative communiqués were adopted with a goal of solving present problematic issues and defining steps to strengthen the community organizations network in Ireland for Ukrainian support.
“A year and a half ago we founded a school that is still working successfully. We partially employed people and we help the community with housing. We are ready to share the experience with the leaders to support ukrainians abroad in unification and development.
We listen to the problems of the community that need special attention. Housing support – significant challenge that we can overcome together. By supporting each other we unite ukrainians and strengthen our nation.” – the head of the FOUN Kerry Natalia Eismont addressed the leaders during her speech.
The first meeting of the Ukrainian organizations in Ireland took place with the initiative of the Ukrainian Embassy in Ireland and organizational support of the Ukrainian Action and Community Foundation Ireland.
