National Adult Refugee Programme
There are 11 Vocational Education Committees involved in the Programme: -
The Adult Refugee Programme is open to all those with refugee status. This is interpreted as being in possession of a valid Green Card with a stamp 4. Participation in the Programme is available for a period of up to 1 year, 20 hours per week. This does not necessarily have to be continuous and, in very general terms, translates to approximately 920 hours for each Programme participant. There are 2 distinct types of classes that are operated- (i) as part of initial assistance to Programme Refugees resettled in Ireland and (ii) in areas identified as having a significant population of refugees.
The purpose of the Programme is to assist, as best possible, in a process of integration into Irish society and at all times during the Programme participants must be actively seeking employment. The Programme offers assistance in 3 ways: up-skilling English language ability, assistance in accessing the work/study place and, through social activities, an increase in the understanding of both the culture and the general characteristics of Ireland.
The Programme runs nation-wide (currently in Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, County Dublin, City of Dublin, Monaghan and Westmeath) and is administered on a day to day basis through these 11 VECs within whose geographical areas the Programme is operating. These areas are subject to change in line with the identification of changing needs.
In January 2009, County Dublin VEC was appointed as lead VEC for the overall running of the Programme. Nationally, the Programme is overseen by a National Co-ordinator and a National Administrator.
Programme newsletters are produced each year, issues 1, 2 and 3 of which can be accessed here and on the Programme's website.
 |  | Issue 1 May 2009 |
| | Issue 2 September 2009 |
| | Issue 3 April 2010 |
More detailed information on the programme is available by clicking on the link below:
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