Volunteering aiding migrant integration
Volunteering can be hugely beneficial for migrants looking to integrate into Irish society, according to new research from UCC.
Currently 46 per cent of registrants with Cork Volunteer Centre (CVC) identify as migrants to Ireland, presenting a unique opportunity to explore migrant participation in volunteerism.
The small-scale study found that volunteering facilitates social integration, with 72 per cent of participating migrant volunteers saying it gave them a greater sense of being part of their community.
Furthermore, 56 per cent said they had gained a better understanding of Irish society, 52 per cent said they felt more connected to Ireland, and 46 per cent said volunteering had widened their circle of friends and contacts.
Volunteer Malgozata Zubik said: “Volunteering helped me find myself. It gave me confidence and a real feeling of belonging. It allowed me to freely learn and explore my skills and interests. It opened gates to the very essence of community spirit.”
The research was carried out by Dr Margaret Scanlon and Dr Shirley Martin in partnership with CVC and the Institute for Social Science in the 21st Century, UCC.
The study also highlighted the contribution of migrants to local communities and the wide range of skills and experience they bring to their volunteering roles across a range of sectors including youth work, the arts, education, support for vulnerable groups, and contributing to environmental causes.
Manager of Cork Volunteer Centre Adam Lacey said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities in Cork and as this research shows that many migrants find volunteering to be a beneficial means of integrating and connecting with people in their new communities.”
Speaking at the launch of the report, Prof. Peter Scholten, Director of the IMISCOE Research Network on International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion in Europe said: “Volunteering transcends social divisions and should be seen as a tool that has the power tackle societal challenges and build inclusive communities at a local and European level. Engaged research like this can play a key role to inform effective policy, resources and tools to support strong voluntary sectors in our cities.”