About

From 2020-2021 College Connect, a project spanning four universities; DCU, DkIT, MU and TUS Athlone Campus, in partnership with the Irish Refugee Council, carried out research with over 100 refugees. Many are fleeing their countries of origin because of war or poverty, and some will have experienced trauma, torture, human trafficking, violence, exploitation, grief, and loss.

Since 2022, The We Are Here, HEAR project has provoked public attention and challenged the stigma and stereotypes of refugees and people seeking asylum through an open-air touring exhibition of photographs and stories that has been hosted in several locations in the Midlands, East and North Dublin (MEND) region and throughout the country.

Cultural Awareness Training materials on subjects stemming from the research have also been developed by experienced educators.

The Stakeholders/Funders

The Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP) encourages underrepresented groups to enter 3rd level education and provides them with support throughout their time at Maynooth University.  These groups include underrepresented school leavers, mature students, students with disabilities, refugees and those seeking asylum, and members of the Irish Traveller community.

The Irish Refugee Council provides services and support for people seeking protection and people recognised as refugees in Ireland. The Irish Refugee Council advocates for humane and dignified protection procedures and responses to people fleeing persecution.

Dublin City University is one of the world’s leading Young Universities, with a mission to transform lives and societies. Through education, research and innovation, it is focused on delivering real impact and addressing global challenges in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

The Public Service Innovation Fund is a competitive fund that aims to support innovative ideas from across public service organisations and turn them into a reality with funding. We Are Here, HEAR was gratefully awarded funding from PSIF in 2021.

Dublin Castle’s community engagement and outreach service expand their learning programme beyond the walls of the Castle. Through collection-focused projects and events, they reach out into the community and work with groups who might not otherwise access the Castle’s public programme.

College Connect is a joint initiative of four Higher Education Institutions in the Midlands and North Dublin Region (MEND). Dublin City University (DCU), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Maynooth University (MU), and Technological University of the Shannon- Athlone Campus (TUS Athlone). They work together to signpost you to the support and services you need to apply for college.

Our vision is a student population that ‘reflects and respects the diversity of our community.  College Is For Anyone; IT CAN BE YOU

www.collegeconnect.ie