Mallow man graduates migrant-councillor internship scheme
Mallow man Tapiwa Divine Chipatiko was among a number of migrants that were celebrated at a special event in Dublin recently, as he graduated from the Migrant- Councillor Internship Scheme run by the Immigrant Council of Ireland aimed at increasing migrant representation in society.
15 graduates in total completed the Migrant Leadership Academy. The programme aims to address the lack of migrant representation in Ireland’s social justice sector, and build the capacities of future migrant community leaders. The internship scheme is a mentoring programme that pairs local councillors with migrants who want to learn more about Irish politics and to get involved in their local communities.
The Mallow graduate was presented with a certificate by Minister of State Joe O’Brien at the event which took place at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. Also in attendance were some of the political representatives who mentored migrant interns as part of the Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme, including Cork County Councillor Gearóid Murphy of the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is the leading voice in securing improved rights and protections which benefit Irish citizens, migrants and their families. Founded by Sr Stanislaus Kennedy in 2001, the Immigrant Council of Ireland uses its frontline services to meet the immediate needs and counter the challenges faced by immigrants in Ireland. The organisation uses this experience to put forward clear, evidence-based proposals to change Irish law.