Research

DCU Volunteers Bridge Language and Integration Gap for Forced Migrants

27/03/2025

Staff and students at Dublin City University (DCU) have created an innovative volunteer-driven English language program that goes far beyond traditional language instruction. The Irish Refugee Integration Network (IRIN) began in May 2022 as a grassroots initiative to provide free, drop-in English classes to forcibly displaced individuals. A recent study reveals that the program has become much more than a simple language learning opportunity.

More Than Just Language Learning

DCU researchers interviewed 11 volunteer facilitators and discovered that the classes serve multiple purposes. While improving English language skills remains a primary goal, the program also provides a crucial social space for migrants, offering comfort, community, and cultural exchange.

"Just getting them in a room for a couple of hours, even as a break from their daily life, is important," one volunteer noted. The classes create a warm, welcoming environment that helps combat feelings of isolation often experienced by displaced individuals.

Challenges and Insights

The volunteer-led initiative faced numerous challenges, including mixed-ability classes, fluctuating attendance, and the need to develop an appropriate curriculum for forcibly displaced students. The researchers emphasized the importance of creating trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally sensitive learning experiences.

Interestingly, the study found that the volunteers themselves gained significant insights. Many described learning more from the students than they believed they taught, gaining a deeper understanding of migration experiences and global contexts.

The IRIN program stands out for its collaborative approach. Volunteers from various backgrounds – including both native and non-native English speakers – worked together, creating a unique team-teaching model that enriched the learning experience.

"It's a solidarity with displaced communities," one participant explained, "but also a solidarity among staff members who are doing this on top of their regular work."

Looking Forward

While the program began as a response to the sudden increase in Ukrainian forced migration, it has evolved to support migrants from diverse backgrounds. The researchers see it as a promising model for community-based integration efforts.

The study raises important questions about non-formal education for displaced populations, including how to balance linguistic instruction with social support and how to create truly inclusive learning environments.

As migration continues to be a global challenge, the IRIN initiative offers a compassionate and innovative approach to supporting forced migrants in their journey of integration.