This year Nasc has invited Cork City Councillors to attend three workshops for their speakers’ panel group during September. I chose to get stuck in and involved. The workshops attempt to raise awarenesss of immigrant issues especially around integration into our society. In addition, in the first workshop I learned a huge amount on why immigrants come to Ireland. I was particularly taken back by the harrowing outcomes of civil war in Nigeria. It was  a pleasure to talk about Cork and its social geographies and issues. It was also a pleasure to return at the end of the programme and represent the Lord Mayor at the launch of the country of origin artwork. Well done to all!

Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, is a Cork-based non-Governmental organisation that seeks to respond to the needs of immigrants in the Cork area.

Nasc’s mission is:

· To develop outreach programmes with asylum seekers, refugees and
immigrants in the Cork area;
· In consultation with asylum-seekers, refugees and immigrants, to identify
and implement a range of voluntary services;
· To liaise with relevant official and voluntary bodies in the Cork and
Munster region;
· To develop anti-racism education programmes, campaigns and initiatives;
· To participate in discussion and policy formulation on issues relating to
asylum and immigration policy.

  For further info on Nasc click on www.nascireland.org