The Drogheda based educational organisation Development Perspectives has launched a series of podcasts which aims to challenge stereotypes and offers refugees settling in Ireland a chance to tell their unique stories.

Called ‘Amplifying Voices’ the series was supported by International law firm Fieldfisher, who strive to have a positive impact on the communities in which they operate.

One episode, recorded by Fieldfisher’s Public and Regulatory team, highlights the legal challenges refugees face regarding family reunification, and accessing proper accommodation in Ireland. 

”People, oftentimes, want to hear only positive things. But the reality is really more than just what we want to hear. You have to be open to listening to difficult stories and situations that are happening” said Flo, a participant in Amplifying Voices.

Eight participants from various migrant backgrounds took part in this project, based on their interests in storytelling and podcasting, and, of course, their desire to share their story.

The project was developed through a series of four workshops facilitated by Development Perspectives’ team where participants learned about different storytelling models as well as developing skills on making a podcast in a cost-effective way. The course then culminated with the recording of the podcast episodes.

Each episode will feature a participant sharing their story. All participants carefully selected a life story to share, to express their unique experiences, and to transmit stories of resilience and messages of hope.

At this particular time in a global context, stories like these have become even more relevant than ever, highlight as they do themes such as the circumstances that led to people fleeing their home country; raising a child with disabilities in a country at war; how one participant managed to continue supporting people left behind in Syria and the challenges around continuing an educational journey in a new context and country. 

”With this course I got to write my own story. It highlighted skills I didn’t even know I had…I am now thinking of even publishing my own book in the future” – Rasha, participant Amplifying Voices course.

‘Amplifying Voices’ is available on all major streaming services, along with the Development Perspectives website https://developmentperspectives.ie/podcast  – here is episode one “Scars are Great Flashbacks” in which Jennifer shares her educational dreams as well as the challenges associated with achieving her goals as an asylum seeker.