‘The most we can do is share our stories’

DIVERSITY New radio show celebrates migrants

A new series is to hear from migrants who have made their local region their home.

Well known local activist Vanda Brady is hosting the radio series, which will hear from others who have moved to Ireland.

The first episode heard from Longford County Councillor Uruemu Adejinmi. She moved to the county from Nigeria and was co-opted to the County Council in 2020. She later became the country’s first black female Mayor.

The series, broadcast on Northern Sound, will hear from a number of other new residents across Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon.

“It’s a big opportunity”, Vanda says of the show. “There are lots of us [migrants] in this area now,” she adds.

People from Ukraine and Canada will also feature in the coming weeks.

Vanda, who moved from the Phillipines and now lives in Mullahoran, Co Cavan, says it’s important the show is also hosted by someone who has made their home here as she shares the experience.

“We were thinking of a good title and we settled on ‘My Journey Home’ because it is our journey and it’s now our home. It suited really well.

“It’s really just a light chat, nothing too serious, nothing political. It’s about how we find Ireland. Was it hard? The joys and pains of moving here, you know?”

Vanda is hopeful people will be welcoming of the new series and the sharing of people’s stories.

“You know how people don’t like change. But at the same time, we didn’t like Covid but now it’s a part of our lives. It’s the right time now to start to introduce new cultures.

“Whether it’s accepted or not, it’s a reality, we’re here now. The most we can do is share our stories. We’re now part of your country so it’s nice to have that opportunity,” she enthuses.

The series, which started earlier this month, is broadcast on Sunday nights at 8pm.