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Welcome

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Places of Sanctuary Ireland

We hold the vision that Ireland will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.

The streams include:

Schools of Sanctuary

Universities of Sanctuary

Sanctuary in Faith

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What is a School of Sanctuary?

A place of welcome, safety, and inclusion for everyone, especially for families seeking sanctuary and who have faced danger in their own countries or communities.

A school that helps students, staff and the wider community understand what it means to seek sanctuary or refuge.

Becoming a School of Sanctuary is a journey, not a project

The Sanctuary Journey is unique to each school, connected to ethos and values

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Importance of becoming a school of School of Sanctuary

Help children and families feel welcome, safe, and included, especially those who are seeking sanctuary in Ireland
Promotes empathy, love and compassion for all people
Deepens sense of community and belonging
Provides a space for new connections and friendships
Ensures understanding of human values and human suffering
Celebrate and value diversity and multilingualism across the school
Helps build a harmonious and integrated future for Ireland

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Why should you become a

School of Sanctuary?

A national recognition of good practice in Equality, Inclusion and Diversity
Learning opportunities around International protection, global issues, human rights, equality, diversity and inclusion
Build a school culture able to resist racism, intolerance, hate speech, and bullying
Enables staff to better understand some of the issues students face
Champions youth voice, youth leadership and participation
Gives opportunities for 21st century skills such as innovation, ideation, creativity, confidence building, communication, critical thinking etc
Improved academic performance and learning outcomes
Connects schools with a vibrant community all over Ireland

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The 3 Sanctuary Principles

1) Learn

2) Action

3) Share

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Learn

What does it means to seek sanctuary?

Hear the stories of refugees by inviting a Sanctuary Ambassador to talk to the students

Learn about different countries and cultures

Identify what the young people are interested in (music, sports, art) and get them to explore and share

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Action

Welcome in the fabric of the school: entrance, canteen, library etc

Show solidarity with people from migrant and international protection backgrounds

Make links with the local community

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Share your story of becoming a School of Sanctuary with parents and guardians and the wider local community

Tell other schools about Schools of Sanctuary, share your experience and join the SOSI network

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Getting Started

Form a School of Sanctuary committee
Ensure that the whole school is informed & involved
Share the Charter and Pledge
Start planning events and activities

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Kilrane National School. Co. Wexford

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CULTURE DAY 2023

SHOE BOX APPEAL 2023

WEAR RED DAY 2023

ACTION