Westmeath School Granted "Champion School of Sanctuary" Status For First Time

It was one of three schools to receive the nod at the awards ceremony.

A Westmeath secondary school has been designated a Champion School of Sanctuary.

Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan was granted the official status, which recognises how schools work to symbolise an inclusive, welcoming and safe space for all pupils and their families.

It focuses especially on schools which welcome newcomers who come from refugee and migrant communities and other ethnic minorities, including the Traveller community.

Students and staff representatives from the school collected their award at a ceremony held at the Technological University of the Shannon’s Athlone campus last Friday.

St Nathy’s College in Ballaghadereen, Roscommon, and Naas CBS, Kildare, also received Champion School of Sanctuary awards at the ceremony.

Karen Dervan, programme manager of Schools of Sanctuary Ireland says:

"These schools were champions of inclusion and welcome before they ever became a Champion School of Sanctuary. But it gives us as an organisation the greatest joy to officially welcome them into our network and family of sanctuary and to celebrate their incredible dedication. They will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in their footsteps."

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