A community project where volunteers welcome new migrants through conversational English classes Fáilte Isteach.

A community project where volunteers welcome new migrants through conversational English classes

Fáilte Isteach

Background Information

What is Fáilte Isteach?

FáilteIsteach is an English Language service provided by local people for local people

All our tutors are volunteers who want to make a difference to their communities

Small tutor: student ratio with emphasis on conversational English

How did it get started?

Started by Mary Nally and Third Age FoundationSaw a local need and a local resourceA service that is flexible, informal and user-friendlyTapping into a desire on the part of the local

populationWin-Win for all – for the migrant student,

for the volunteer tutor, and

for the community

How has it grown?

Started with 6 students in October 2006Launched nationally on the 30th of September 2008Our second centre was opened in Dunshaughlin in

January 2009. Our twenty-fifth centre opens tonight, in DunboyneWe have a presence in nine counties throughout

Ireland, and will have 30 centres by the end of 2010. Each week over 500 students attend our FáilteIsteach

classes.

Fáilte Isteach Locations

Dunshaughlin, Waterford, Roscommon, Clane, Inchicore, Rialto, Balbriggan, Tramore, Tullamore, Blanchardstown, Summerhill, Swords, Bray, Castlebar, Mulhuddart, Mountview, Tralee, Ballina, Athboy, Celbridge , Kells Navan, Skerries, Cabra and Dunboyne

Existing Centre

Potential centre

Observations and Conclusions

No decline in numbers seeking the service.

Strong desire for active citizenship exists.

Complimenting, not competing with, services that already exist.

Partnership is key to success – working with schools, libraries, parish halls, sports clubs, local area partnerships, FÁS, VEC, to make sure the service is provided.