On a sunny June
morning the research team made up of myself, Kate Broadbent, Kelsey Sullivan, and
Sarah McAvinchey took a step into the unknown to take part in the Shared
Irish and Notre Dame Internship Programme' in collaboration with Don Bosco
Care. As I arrived to the Don Bosco Clontarf Rd house, I received the
same warm welcome Fr Val Collier and others have been giving to young people
since 1978.
Once I settled into
the office or the penthouse as it was affectionately known as, I quickly got
down to work. One of the early challenges the research team faced was
securing interviews with both care professional and care leavers. Brian
Hogan C.E.O of Don Bosco Care and Ciaran Kenny Don Bosco Care aftercare worker
helped to secure many of the interviews contained in the research project. The
interviews greatly increased my understanding of the factors affecting care
leavers in Ireland. I would also thank Kevin Delaney of Don Bosco Care who guided me throughout
the project. It was this guidance that allowed me to both learn from and enjoy
the experience. You could argue that during the many discussions the research
team had about the direction of the project, I demonstrated Notre Dames
legendary fighting Irish spirit. During many of these discussions, some members
of the research team found the time to sing renditions of build me up
buttercup, while others attempted to break world records for runs to the
photocopier.
The title for the
project was “The Factors Affecting Care Leavers in Ireland”. Care leavers,
aged 18-22, do not have the traditional support of family to assist them as
they progress into adulthood and independent living. They are extremely
vulnerable and often suffer from lack of education, depression, addiction and
low self-esteem. They face challenges accessing formal education, housing, and
employment. Without specialist care and support many are at high risk of
becoming isolated and homeless. Collectively the research team agreed
that the aim for the project should be to provide Don Bosco Care, and other
care-giving bodies, with a comprehensive study on the factors facing care
leavers. It was important that I along with the research team demonstrate that we
were widely read in the area of aftercare and were capable of weaving together
the arguments from different literature sources in a coherent whole. Over a
period of two months the research team interviewed people in the field of
aftercare and those with experience in the care leaving process.
Of Course it is worth
making the point that it was not all work and no play. I took every opportunity
to bond with the research team and wind down after a hard day in Don Bosco
House. We would walk down to the local Cafe for a coffee or two!!, or
simply find a quiet spot in town. Who could forget Fergal Naughtons
generosity in inviting us into his home Drumleck House for an evening of fun, food
and entertainment to celebrate the 4th of July . As I was brought on a tour of Drumlecks
picturesque surroundings I learned I was walking in the footsteps of
Former First Lady of the United States Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
and the renowned perfume designer Elizabeth Arden, to mention but a few. In
Croke Park I was treated to an epic gaelic football encounter between Westmeath
and Meath, finish of which will be spoken about for many years to come. During
break I was not only treated to delicious toasted sandwiches but also Fr Jim
O'Halloran stories of his time in Ecuador and the many other places he's
so far visited during his very interesting life. It is worth noting that
a tradition started by St Don Bosco where all those who work together eat
together still remains in Don Bosco Care to this day.
As I depart the
shores of Clontarf Rd for what I hope is pastures new, I reflect how similarly
to the many young people who have gone through the Don Bosco Care service I leave
a better person than when I first arrived.
