Page 6 - Tiglin Newsletter December 2022

6 TIGLIN | Newsletter 2022
We spoke to Mohamed, who is currently volunteering in the Light House. He has refugee status and has come to Ireland from Lebanon in search of a better life. He shared some of his thoughts and messages of hope. He started learning English less than a year ago, so his brother Sal has translated our conversation from his native Arabic:
[The country’s economic crisis started in 2019, and today it is classed as “a failing State”, according to the UN. Current estimates indicate that four in every five people in Lebanon live in poverty.]
“The political and economic situation in Lebanon right now is critical. There is a lot of division
and inflation is at a record high. The recent pandemic and the explosion at the port of Beirut last August have had a massive impact as well. Before that, the Lebanon War was fought between Israel and Hezbollah (Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group). So there has been obstacle after obstacle for our people. The majority of the resources come from overseas, so everyday commodities like food, clothes and petrol are getting more expensive by day.
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I never planned to come to Ireland but, ultimately, I decided to take this step to build
a better life. I applied for refugee status and arrived in Ireland in March. My brother has lived here for many years, and he has always told me great things about the culture and the people.
There are a lot of barriers for me daily. I am only a beginner in English, for instance, but I keep
an open mind and I’m learning new words and phrases every day. I keep that same mindset in everything new I take on.
I’ve never been to Europe before. The goal now is to learn the culture, the language and the “Irish ways”. I feel inspired and driven to learn and become better. The Irish people are very charismatic, humble, friendly and have a great sense of humour. I am very grateful for how they have accepted me and I wish to repay them back “double” for everything they do to help and make me feel like I am at home.
I came to volunteer in the Light House through my brother who has volunteered there over the last 12, 13 years. In the beginning, it was very hard but over time I have started seeing the beauty of the work and it is very rewarding.
Life Story: Mohamed