Planting of willow tree a symbol of hope

Ukrainian students Solohub Alexiia and Solohub Cmiteo, from Mariupol, pictured with Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Larysa Gerasko and Minister for Education Norma Foley at Coláiste na Sceilige in Caherciveen.
Pictures:Don MacMonagle

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Larysa Gerasko, spent this Monday in Kerry, visiting the Kerry Education and Training Board and Coláiste na Sceilge in Caherciveen.

She was accompanied on her visit by Minister for Education and Kerry TD, Norma Foley, as a significant number of Ukrainians were welcomed by the local community in recent weeks.

According to Department of Education figures, over 550 Ukrainian students have been enrolled in Kerry-based schools, with the county being one of the most popular county destinations after Dublin.

Ukrainian Ambassador, Her Excellency Larysa Gerasko, and Minister Norma Foley pictured planting a willow tree in the grounds of Coláiste na Sceilige

Coláiste na Sceilge has welcomed 34 students from Ukraine.

Minister Foley said: “There has always been a tradition in our schools of welcoming children and young people from any part of the world and we stand now in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in this terrible time for their country.

“I would like to thank all the members of our school communities for making the students and their families so welcome”.

Coláiste na Sceilge principal, Maurice Fitzgerald, said as a Kerry ETB school, its ethos is informed by the core values of respect, care, equality, community and excellence.

“True to our ethos and values, we welcome the Ukrainian community to Coláiste na Sceilge and it is our hope and expectation that they will grow and flourish during their time with us,” he said.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Larysa Gerasko with Minister for Education Norma Foley, Coláiste na Sceilge principal Maurice Fitzgerald, principal, Cllr Jim Finucane, Chairman, Kerry ETB, Cllr Norma Moriarty, Chairperson, Board of Management and students at Coláiste na Sceilige

The Department of Education assigned Kerry ETB responsibility to coordinate the multi-agency Kerry Regional Education and Language Team (REALT) as part of the Irish Government’s Ukrainian response.

The organisation has been working with Ukrainian families arriving in the county, endeavouring to support them at this time of great difficulty in their home country.

During her visit, Ambassador Larysa Gerasko met with Ukrainian students, their families and the supportive community.

The Coláiste na Sceilge student council also invited the Ambassador to plant a willow tree on the grounds – a symbol of hope, a sense of belonging and safety.

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