Team CARE – Mercy College Waterford

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

We decided to focus on the challenge of displaced people as we have seen how much this challenge affects immigrants coming into Ireland and people in Ireland. With the continuous invasion on Ukraine, thousands of Ukrainian people had to flee their homes and travel to safer countries. There are over 60,000 Ukrainian immigrants in Ireland right now which puts pressure on the country with trying to provide basic needs like food, water, accommodation etc.

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

We researched about our challenge using news articles about recent protests happening in Ireland, trying to drive Ukrainians out of the country because of pressure on counties to provide accommodation for immigrants. This arose anger as people saw how little accommodation there was, with many buildings empty. Some were angry because of how mamy Ukranians there were in the country, but some were angry with how some of the immigrants have been treated. Being left to sleep in tents etc.

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What have you learnt about your Hero?

Our hero is a Ukranian immigrant who flee'd from her home during the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. She traveled to Ireland with her parents, with little to nothing that could help them find a place to sleep, food, toiletries etc. The war has had a significant affect on her and her parents, mentally and physically.

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

For our hero, we wish to improve the treatment they receive . After this project, we hope to change people's view on Ukranian immigrants and immigrants to come. They have been through so much when the war started and need to be treated well because of what they have seen/gone through etc. There is so much loss, grief and mourning because of the war in Ukraine and the least we can do is give them a hot meal and a roof over their heads. The treatment of Ukrainian immigrants definitely needs to be improved.

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

We are thinking of doing a digital experience to educate people even more on the situation of immigrants coming into Ireland from Ukraine. This will hopefully help more people to understand and support more than they did before. And hopefully stop the protests going on in the country, that try to drive Ukranian immigrants out of the country. On this experience, people can share their own experiences with having to move countries. They can also share how they felt, difficulties they had and how they dealt with it. Advice and wishes for change can also be shared on this website

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

Is there any recommended websites/sources that could improve our research even more and help us add more to our project?