A free multi-lingual app called ‘Swift Integration’ is helping refugees find the information they need to resettle in Ireland.
12 April 2022. Refugees arriving in Ireland, and the hosts and communities supporting them, are now able to access information on Irish services, accommodation, health, education and employment in multiple languages, through a free multi-lingual app called Swift Integration.
The app was developed by The Open Community, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, and part funded by Positive 2 Work Skillnet and Skillnet Ireland.
Already available in English and Arabic, the app has now been fully translated into Ukrainian as well as Pashto and Dari, the two main languages spoken by the Afghan community.
Colm O’Gorman, Chairperson of The Open Community, said the app places up-to-date information on a whole range of aspects of Irish life at the fingertips of those who need it, to support the integration and resettlement process.
“The Swift Integration app is already being used by people as they arrive and begin to resettle in Ireland. The app also helps to support hosts and communities who are welcoming refugees. Given the extraordinary response across communities in welcoming Ukrainian refugees in recent weeks, we are delighted to have been able to make it available in Ukrainian. The crisis in Afghanistan has also seen many Afghan refugees arrive in Ireland in recent months, many of whom are also being supported in communities, so we have also fully translated the app into Dari and Pashto,” he said.
“The app forms part of a wider package of supports and resources that we will soon be making available on our website, in conjunction with our partners, to help prepare hosts and host communities to welcome a refugee into their home and community,” Mr O’Gorman added.
Grainne O’Boyle, Director of Positive 2 Work Skillnet, said her organisation was delighted to support the development of the app.
“We have extensive experience in working with refugees and asylum seekers through the Skillnet Ireland Skills Connect Programme, and felt that the app would enable participants to be more informed about their entitlements, and work and training opportunities,” she said.
“We have seen first-hand how empowered individuals are when they can access information available on the app,” Ms. O’Boyle added.
To download the app search for ‘Swift Integration’ on Google Play or the Apple App Store. More information is available at: theopencommunity.ie/swift-integration
Media contacts: Keelin Fitzgerald, Communications and Information Officer, The Open Community. Email: info@theopencommunity.ie Tel: 087 9160 388.
Notes to the Editor:
- The Open Community is the national support organisation for Ireland’s Community Sponsorship Programme for Refugees. It is a partnership of Doras, The Irish Red Cross, The Irish Refugee Council, Nasc, UNHCR and Amnesty International Ireland. The Open Community engages and supports people all over Ireland to welcome refugees into their local communities. For more information see theopencommunity.ie
- Positive2 Work Skillnet & Skillnet Ireland are funded through the Department of Further Education Research, Innovation and Science. More information is available at www.skillnetireland.ie and www.skillnetireland.ie/networks/positive2work-skillnet
