Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration David Stanton TD joined Gaisce and Coca-Cola Ireland to launch Wavelength, Gaisce’s new nationwide integration project on Monday, 18th February 2019.
Wavelength aims to ensure young people aged 18-25 who are seeking asylum or have refugee status in Ireland have the opportunity to participate in Gaisce – The President’s Award. The project is being generously supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the global philanthropic arm of the Coca-Cola Company.
Throughout 2019, Wavelength will support the integration of 30 young people through their participation in Gaisce, and a further 45 young people in 2020.
Gaisce is currently inviting expressions of interest from organisations working with young people in this area who would like to take part in Wavelength. If you or an organisation you work with is interested in taking part in Wavelength or learning more about the project please email wavelength@gaisce.ie
Speaking about the launch of Wavelength, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration David Stanton T.D said, “I am delighted to support the launch of this truly inspiring programme. Through participation in Gaisce projects, many young people have already experienced enhanced self-esteem and improved wellbeing. Wavelength will give young people in the international protection system and young refugees the opportunity to participate in this valuable programme. Not only will participation in the programme promote integration and teamwork within the community, it will enable these young people to develop their personal strengths and encourage them to be confident in future endeavours. I commend the collaborative approach taken by Gaisce and The Coca-Cola Foundation in showing corporate social responsibility and leading the way in the integration of young migrants at grass roots level”.
Speaking about the project and its aims, CEO of Gaisce Yvonne McKenna said: “Central to the ethos of Gaisce – The President’s Award is equality of access and participation to the programme. We are delighted to launch Wavelength as it is important to us that every young person in Ireland has the opportunity to take part in the Gaisce programme. Our vision for Wavelength is to increase the integration, participation and sense of belonging of young people seeking asylum or with refugee status in Ireland. The support of The Coca-Cola Foundation to bring the Wavelength Project to life has been fundamental in getting this project up and running and we look forward to seeing the impact of the project over the coming months. The programme will be rolled out and supported by a dedicated project manager here at Gaisce”.
Speaking about the project Petre Sandru, Coca-Cola Ireland Country Manager said, “We’re delighted that through the Coca-Cola Foundation we were able to support Gaisce’s Wavelength Project. The aim of The Coca-Cola Foundation is to support sustainable community initiatives and the inclusive nature of the Wavelength project demonstrates a strong commitment in that regard. We’re looking forward to seeing the programme roll out over coming months and hope it can play a positive role in helping young people seeking asylum or refugee status here in Ireland to fulfil their potential.”
Wavelength is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Coca Cola Foundation.