WHEN MARY Nally noticed a Polish woman struggling to read grocery labels in the local supermarket, she decided to do something about it. But she could hardly have imagined her actions would result in more than 1,400 migrants taking classes in English in 18 counties.
She set up Fáilte Isteach, which involves older people volunteering their time to teach conversational classes to migrants. The first class started with six east Europeans in her village of Summerhill, Co Meath, where she runs the Third Age Centre. Yesterday, in Dublin’s City Hall, Minister of State Kathleen Lynch marked the opening of 50 Fáilte Ireland branches.
More than 500 tutors countrywide are now teaching English to migrants from 62 countries. The weekly two-hour classes help prepare people for issues such as dealing with doctors, banking, form-filling and job applications.
Ms Nally said the contribution of the tutors was a fantastic demonstration of all that was good about Ireland. The project is supported by the Iris O’Brien Foundation, a charity set up by businessman Denis O’Brien in his mother’s name.
Mr O’Brien was “stunned” at the way the project has grown so rapidly. “We are coming out of a very difficult and turbulent period in Irish history, but I believe there is light at the end, both economically and socially,” he said. “Decency is back in Ireland.”
Polish woman Anna Filak, who attends the Summerhill classes, said she loved the weekly lessons. “They are very friendly, and we have a little break for the coffee.” The classes gave her confidence to open a beauty salon in Trim.
Volunteer Mary Mulvaney said the project had given her the chance to learn about other cultures and customs. “It’s a rewarding experience, knowing that I’m putting my skills and expertise to good use.”
Former European Parliament president Pat Cox, who is on the Third Age board, said it was a low-cost operation with a high impact. The tutors were “ambassadors for a gentler, more human, decent Ireland”.
