On 20 June 2025, SECAD Partnership marked World Refugee Day with a special celebration honouring the achievements of over 100 individuals seeking protection in Ireland, who have successfully completed a range of employment-focused training programmes delivered by SECAD across County Cork.
The event recognised the remarkable resilience, determination, and commitment of each participant as they take confident steps towards rebuilding their lives and careers in a new country. Among the courses completed were Healthcare, Security, SafePass, and Food Safety – all of which support entry into key sectors of the Irish labour market.
We were honoured to be joined by Minister of State (with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, DRCDG), Jerry Buttimer TD, who congratulated the graduates and highlighted their dedication to learning and integration, commending SECAD’s commitment to inclusive community development.
“Today’s celebration event marking the completion of this suite of skills training programmes is a testament to the determination and resolve of our new arrivals in rebuilding their lives with a view to contributing to Irish society,” said Mr Buttimer.
Photo: Brian Lougheed
Ryan Howard, CEO of SECAD Partnership, praised the graduates’ achievements:
“We are deeply proud of each participant who has shown resilience and an unwavering commitment to building a new future here in Ireland. Completion of these courses will support their future employment and enable them to further integrate into Irish society.”
“This event was not only a celebration of individual achievements, but of the power of inclusive support and community collaboration – key cornerstones of SECAD’s work within local communities across Cork,” he added.
Photo: Brian Lougheed
Toni McCaul, SICAP Programme Manager at SECAD, provided an overview of how the organisation supports people seeking protection in Cork. Through the SICAP programme, SECAD has supported over 1,200 individuals since 2022, offering tailored services such as orientation workshops, access to local services, wellbeing supports, employment training, career guidance, and support for starting a business. She also highlighted SECAD’s successful volunteer-led English Conversation Clubs in Youghal, Macroom, Millstreet, and Cobh, which help build language skills and community connections.
Guest speakers Izz Alkarajeh, co-founder of Izz Café, and Sorina Gabor, a community worker with the HSE, both of whom arrived in Ireland seeking protection, shared powerful personal reflections on their journeys. Their speeches underscored the importance of staying active, engaging with the community, and taking small, meaningful steps toward integration.
“I want to thank SECAD — not just for teaching me how to start a business, but for being among the first people I met in Ireland who truly saw potential in me,” said Izz.
Each graduate received their certificate during the event, with many taking the opportunity to capture commemorative photos with the Minister of Sate, Jerry Buttimer TD, and members of the SECAD team.
Photo: Brian Lougheed
Photo: Brian Lougheed
Photos: Brian Lougheed
Photo: Brian Lougheed
Photo: Brian Lougheed
The event also created valuable networking opportunities. After the ceremony, participants had the chance to engage directly with employers and recruiters from the healthcare, construction, and security sectors.
In addition, attendees received onsite advice and guidance from a wide range of support organisations, including Cork Education and Training Board, Munster Technological University, the Department of Social Protection, BRIJ (a migrant support organisation), and three SECAD teams: the Employment Support team, the Tús programme, and Local Area Employment Services (LAES).
SECAD extends heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates. We are honoured to support your journeys and celebrate your achievements.
We also thank all the employers, partners, and SECAD Partnership colleagues whose presence and support made this celebration possible. Together, we continue to build inclusive, resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
