Galway Asylum Seekers' Community Newsletter: CKI Alive

(L-R) Dmitry & Natasha Vershinin (Eglinton); Ted Brennan, Lorraine Tansey (organiser of 'CKI Alive!' student volunteer unit at Galway University) & Aida Chipera (former asylum seeker)
Quite a few of those who received certificates at this week's Mayoral Awards, in recognition of their unselfish and unpaid voluntary efforts on behalf of others, had connections either with the Eglinton Accommodation Centre or with asylum seeking generally.

As we know from a previous article, our very own Dmitry & Natasha were popular candidates for these prestigious honours as well as Ted Brennan, student volunteer in our Computer Room
But there were others:

Karin Wimmer who has been the top clown and events organiser at our Christmas & Halloween parties over the last few years. Karin has also provided learning courses to our children in her Galway Circus Project which was also nominated for an award and featured recently in a major national television programme
former asylum-seeker Aida Chipera who has achieved a high reputation for her work with Galway community organisations
Brendan Smith from Galway University. Computer Room organiser & founding member of our Residents Support Committee
Aydros Hussam from the Westside Asylum Seekers Hostel in Galway City. Aydros is one of the primary motivators in promoting sporting and social activities for his fellow residents and was one of our honoured guests at the launch of our Activity Programme 2007-2008 which was hosted by Irish government minister Eamon Ó Cuiv.

Photo: L-R Dmitry, Mayor of Galway City Tom Costello, Natasha & Adrienne Lynam (HSE)

Esther, Blessing & Chidi with Lorraine Tansey of the CKI Student Volunteer Fair

36 students signed up today at the 2007 Galway University Volunteer Fair to serve as unpad voluntary supervisors for the Eglinton Computer Room!
"This was a marvelous result and was due solely to the excellent work carried out by residents", according to Brendan Smith, Outreach officer of the Digital Enterprise Research Institute & promoter of the Computer/Internet Room. Chidi, Esther and Blessing from the Eglinton. "These 3 ladies did a fantastic sales job at at the Fair convincing attendees of the importance that they could play in improving the lives of residents by agreeing to volunteer for the job. 36 was one of the highest responses received at any of the Exhibit's stands. Well done Girls!
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