Following the achievement of a great milestone for Taiwan this week in Ireland with the passing of the motion to recognise ties with Taiwan in the Irish Senate (Seanad Eireann), Taiwan Ireland Association launched the festive season at the Westin Dublin Hotel on 3rd of December with a gathering of TIA members and friends, amongst them representatives of Taipei Representative Office Ireland, Junior Chapter International Ireland and Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4C).
In the spirit of Christmas, all were welcome to share food, drinks and fun where new and historic members got to know and discover each other’s migration experience and opportunities in Ireland. This was emphasised by guest speaker Stanley Nwaneri (Migrant Rights Centre Ireland), who represents 4C. Stanley shared his experience coming from Nigeria more than 20 years ago and settling in Ireland, with all the challenges that he overcame, and all the opportunities he created to become someone who now represents and guides others to grab the same opportunities. Stanley was surrounded on the day by his and TIA friends from South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bulgaria. Also present on the night were participants form Iran, France, Hong Kong living and contributing in Ireland.
As we all recognised Ireland as a welcoming place with shared democratic values of freedom and inclusion, which allows for great opportunities; the event was held as a fundraiser to support those who are not fortunate in their journey through life. Approximately €3000 were raised by those present and remotely for the homeless cause through the charity, A Lending Hand, and to support refugee families in Ireland.
Fostering a sense of community to strive was central in JJ O’Connor’s message (Deputy of TIA) to the audience: “Communities who embrace diversity perform better. It creates a platform for people to belong and participate positively, impacting the community’s performance as a whole. A recent example of that in Ireland is the woman’s national football team who have a string of successes recently, thanks to some players from families who came to settle in Ireland”
This event was the held in continuation of last year’s contribution to communities in Ireland where we sourced and donated PPE throughout the country; and also coincided with the announcement by the Irish government to facilitate refugees permanent status in Ireland, in a move that echoes TIA values of fostering opportunities through solidarity, for its members and beyond.
Merry Christmas from Taiwan Ireland Association and may 2022 bring opportunities to Taiwan-Ireland network!
