Cork Women’s Social Inclusion Program

SECAD Program Empowers New Arrivals and Rural Communities in Cork

SECAD, a leading community growth organisation in Cork, is providing vital skills training and employment support to disadvantaged individuals, including refugees and those seeking to rebuild their lives in Ireland. The programmes,mirroring those available to all rural communities in Cork and beyond,focus on employment,education,wellbeing,and overall social inclusion.

Operating through six main hubs – Youghal, Midleton, Cobh, Millstreet, Macroom, and Carrigaline – SECAD delivers monthly employment workshops and one-to-one consultations, offering a crucial lifeline to those navigating new challenges.Access to this free employment support is open to anyone meeting the SICAP programme criteria of being a ‘disadvantaged individual’.

The core principle driving SECAD’s work is fostering social cohesion and strengthening community involvement. This commitment was recently highlighted at a special event celebrating 100 Cork-based participants on World Refugee Day.Minister of State with Duty for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, delivered the keynote address, praising the participants’ dedication to learning and their contributions to Irish society. He also commended SECAD’s impactful work within the local community,stating the event was “testament to the determination and resolve of our new arrivals in rebuilding their lives with a view to contributing to Irish society.”

The party featured inspiring insights and personal testimonials from guest speakers, sharing experiences of building new lives and integrating into Irish communities.

Ryan Howard,CEO of SECAD,expressed his pride in the participants’ resilience and unwavering commitment. “We are deeply proud of each participant who has shown resilience and an unwavering commitment to building a new future here in Ireland. Completion of these courses will support their future employment and enable them to further integrate into Irish society,” he said.

Howard emphasized the importance of inclusive support and collaboration. “This event was not only a celebration of individual achievements, but of the power of inclusive support and community collaboration – key cornerstones of SECAD’s work within local communities across Cork. It is a clear demonstration of what is possible when inclusive support and opportunity meet human potential.”