Asylum seekers in Cork will be given the option of sitting the Junior Certificate examinations following the introduction of an education and integration programme in the city.
Some 15 students have enrolled in English, History, Home Economics, Woodwork, Computers, and mother culture classes which have been underway at the St Francis Training Centre for the last three weeks.
One student is very conscious of the importance of Irish academic qualifications in terms of gaining employment if/when he is granted asylum status.
"You have to have a degree in this country or a qualification which is recognised here. Employers will insist upon it. That is why this course is so important.
"It is also a relief from the boredom of not being able to work." He is grateful for the assistance of the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, Nasc, whose coordinator, Mr Brendan Hennessy, set up the education course in conjunction with staff at the training centre.
"Social contact is very important for us. Brendan has given us the opportunity to get a qualification here and also to learn new skills. The Government turns a blind eye to us and dumps us in hotels. We all have different skills that need to be used."
Courses will be taught in three-month modules which form part of an overall year-long programme.
Students attend classes four days a week on a part time basis - sport is optional on the fifth day. The programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and is being funded by the City of Cork VEC on a pilot basis.
It is hoped the project will be replicated throughout the country.