Wexford County Council and Schools of Sanctuary broke new ground on Friday, 19th September, co-hosting a public ceremony where gathered TDs, Senators, and Councillors led a standing ovation to one of the student speakers.
This event was the first to be held in such a public arena, where students and teachers mingled with politicians, council workers, visitors from neighbouring counties and members of the public, many stopping in their tracks to witness the awarding of six new Champion Schools in the South East and the touching testimonies of groups of children from primary and secondary schools.
Wexford County Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan, Wicklow/Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne, along with author and activist Emer O’Neill, presented awards to the Wexford and Wicklow schools whose achievements and dedication have earned them the national status of Champion Schools of Sanctuary. These schools have now joined the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’ of Champion Schools
Bridgetown College, Wexford
Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy
St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross
St Mary’s College, Arklow
New Ross Educate Together National School
St Cronan’s National School, Bray
There are now 50 Champion Schools of Sanctuary across the country, with 12 in County Wexford. Other Champion Schools came along to offer support, and the county council was colourfully decorated with countless photos and art pieces prepared by Champion Schools to celebrate the occasion.
The Cathaoirleach said: “These Champion Schools of Sanctuary are beacons of hope for the whole country, now and in the future. I look forward to seeing more and more schools learning from their shining example.”
Malcolm Byrne added: “ We as politicians want to hear your ideas, your dreams, your hopes for our communities, our country and our world, and we have to translate them into policies and law. Schools of Sanctuary like yours give us hope for the future even during difficult times.”
Emer O’Neill spoke of her pride that her son is a student in one of the awarded schools, declaring that every child participating in the event was a true Champion for the whole country.
Each school brought a unique flavour, a fascinating mix of poetry, song, creative art, and powerful testimonies, and guests in the packed hall were seen dabbing their eyes at the courage and candour of these young ambassadors. As well as council workers and politicians, libraries, local development companies, university personnel, and numerous other guests were in attendance. Divine Luke-Letlhake, the head girl of St Mary’s Arklow, spoke passionately and powerfully about her own journey towards acceptance and the unique role Schools of Sanctuary have in creating ‘leaders, innovators and history makers’, winning a standing ovation.
One visitor, standing near the back, mentioned that he overheard several conversations of everyday passers-by who delayed going about their business, so attracted were they by the presentations and the really positive and united feel of the event. One council worker told me, “I’ll never forget what I heard those young people saying today”.
This was an event where Schools of Sanctuary came into the public arena as never before, a powerful reminder that our young people do indeed have the passion, the confidence and the know-how to turn around the debate about immigration into a shared and joyful celebration of diversity and all the treasure it brings.
Here is a link to the short video of the Award Day School of Sanctuary YouTube channel:
Pictures from the Schools of Sanctuary Award Ceremony Day at County Hall, Wexford County Council 19th Sep 2025 :
