President praises Fáilte Isteach

WHAT BEGAN as a “small idea” in a supermarket in Summerhill, Co Meath, just three years ago was yesterday unveiled as a “national movement” by President Mary McAleese.

The Fáilte Isteach project, which sees mainly older and retired people teaching conversational English to immigrants, was founded by Mary Nally after she noticed a young Polish woman at her local supermarket struggling to read grocery packets.

Already running the Third Age Foundation for retired people, she brought her idea back to members and the first Fáilte Isteach was founded in Summerhill. It had seven students. There are now about 200 volunteers at 17 locations, teaching about 400 students. “We really are a national project now and we have five more about to open,” said Ms Nally.

These will open in the coming weeks in Naas, Co Kildare; Portlaoise, Co Laois; Dunboyne and Athboy, Co Meath; and Ballina, Co Mayo. Yesterday representatives from projects across the State gathered as Mrs McAleese opened the latest at Mountview in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

“We cannot quantify the benefits to the community and to the country of this national movement, this national message,” said Mrs McAleese. “But, boy, can we feel them.” The commitment shown by the volunteers was “so important” to people who felt like outsiders – the “commitment of friendship, of care, of welcome”.

Mary Mulvaney, one of the original Summerhill volunteers, described why she loved the work.

“I was in my 50s and had a lot energy still and was beginning to feel redundant. There’s only so much brown bread you can make.”

She got in touch with the Third Age foundation and offered her time. “It gives me a great purpose and focus, a great sense of achievement.” For details check www.failteisteach.ie or phone (046) 9557766.