JG3 – Calasanctius College

Why as a team did you choose to focus on this challenge?

This is a very important topic and is a challenge that affects so many people around the world.  This challenge has come to our teams attention in recent times as it is very relevant in the media. We have seen how difficult life has been for the Ukrainians fleeing to other European countries. We want all people coming into our country to feel welcomed, safe and secure. This challenge gives us the opportunity to provide a solution to a world problem that we are very passionate about.

What do you know now about the challenge that you didn't know before?

We have learned that this challenge can effect many more people then we thought. People can be displaced for many different reasons, because of war, persecution, climate change, domestic abuse, poverty, inequality, discrimination, poor governance, shortages of resources, etc.

What have you learnt about your Hero?

Our hero is 16 year old Ukrainian girl. This teenager has arrived in Ireland as a refugee after being greatly affected by the war. This girl has faced and continues to face extremely difficult challenges everyday, for example, she had no choice but to leave her family, friends and the life she had built for herself behind, she has to start a new life in a strange foreign country, she is homeless and has to live with the trauma of seeing her home crumble to the ground. All the problems she currently faces were caused by the war in Ukraine.

If you could improve one thing for your Hero what would that be?

We would provide our hero with education, such as English lessons. This would help our hero to fit in and feel more comfortable in our society, she could get a part time job if she wanted to help her family build up their savings in their new home and she would find school less intimidating as she would be able to speak the same language as all her teachers and classmates. If our hero is attending a school, she could go to a guidance counsellor to talk about any struggles she may be having and improve her mental health.

Do you have any ideas for a potential solution? No matter how raw, share them with your Mentors for feedback.

One solution that we are considering is either creating an app or a physical building that is safe place for any displaced people to go, no matter how much they are struggling. This is a place where these people feel comfortable, supported and safe with no judgment. There will be councillors/ therapists available in this ‘safe space’ along with other helpful information and services, for example English lessons (as English is the language spoken here in Ireland). This idea could end up being very beneficial and helpful to displaced people who are struggling to find help.

Ask your Mentor anything …. This is a chance to ask your Mentors a direct question relating to your Big Idea.

Would it be better to create and app or have a physical building for this service? We think that by having a physical building, all of these people will get the chance to meet each other and realise that they are not alone, many other people are facing the same problems as them. They can also offer comfort and support to one another. However, we’re worried that some displaced people may be too embarrassed or ashamed to go to a place like this and would be more likely to use an app online.