Cultúr Migrants Centre nominated for adult learning award

The Cultúr Migrants Centre and Meath Council of Trade Unions have been shortlisted for a major national award.

Their conversational English classes have been nominated for The STAR Awards, which recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland.

Cultúr Migrants Centre is a migrant-led organisation with more than 20 years of experience working with migrant workers, international protection applicants, and migrant workers in the midlands.

Based at St Anne's Resource Centre in Navan, their mission is to promote the empowerment, participation, self-determination, and rights of those who experience or are at risk of poverty, social exclusion, and racism.

Cultúr has provided conversational English classes for more than 1500 migrant workers and refugees.

“We hold classes twice a week in Navan, on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings and in Ratoath on Wednesday evening,” says Tinu Achioya, programme manager.

“We also established classes in Duleek, Ardee and Dundalk. From the English classes, we invited migrant leaders to participate in our capacity-building programme and formed and trained 20 new migrant leaders in three years. These leaders have worked with local service providers and raised awareness in relation to migrant integration. One of them is now on the Local Community Development Committee.

“Given its focus on migrants’ rights, Cultúr provides much needed advice to migrant workers on their rights and access to redress. This service is strengthened by our strong networking with local trade union personnel and the Meath Council of Trade Unions.”