April 2022

The IPA Focus Group 2 met on April 7th at 1.00pm Irish Time.

We used the following reflection for our meeting.

Catching -UP

Australia - Sr. Lynne spoke of the unprecedented flooding in Lismore where a Presentation School was among the buildings that were flooded (twice). The Prime Minister has called for a longed for election on May 14th. Most are desperate for a change of government and the issue of Climate Change gets very little mention despite the obvious climate events occurring in Australia and the latest IPCC Climate Report.

New Zealand - Sr. Ruth spoke of the work of the community in support of indigenous peoples. Some Maori want a separate policy and governing body whilst others are calling for integration. The IPCC report has hit home but the three year term of government is just too short to make the changes that are required. The public do recognise the importance of the Climate Reports and so the government are forced to respond.

In Dakota - US: Sr Pat and Carrie referenced the IPCC report but also referred to their busy and recent chapter. The commitment to integral agriculture is a theme that is being explored by the community and indigenous people are very much a part of this initiative. Pat is heading to visit a Sister who works in Fort Thompson with indigenous peoples.

Sr. Dorothy (US) explained how the congregation have just purchased their first Hybrid Car as a commitment and example to others in respect of Climate Change. They have also installed their own efficient Solar Panels and all are excited whilst at the same time challenged to reduce their carbon footprint.

Sr Libania from North India, told us of the orphaned girls whom they take care of given that their parents lost their lives to COVID. At this time of the year the Sisters encourage all to plant trees and they do this in collaboration with NGOs. During the most recent "Women's Day" gifts of tree saplings were given to teachers and upwards of 150 saplings were planted in the slum areas. Working in conjunction with Red Dot Foundation there is a hope to plant 5000 trees. There are many indigenous peoples with very poor facilities and the campaign to vaccinate is slow to take hold.

Sr Flora from South India, spoke to us about women leaders during COVID. She explained that the government are supportive of organic famers and techniques. The Sisters are visiting the tribal peoples and these trips can take some time given the distances that must be travelled to reach them. Some practical agricultural schemes have been in successful operation for over 38 years. This involves managed cultivation, solar panels and pumps. Much of this work is supported by the Lions Club. A movie of the successes has been produced and it helps to bring the story to the government who are now more aware of the needs of those furthest behind.

Sr. Pat spoke of the CAPACITAR work of Pat Kane who is working with the traumatised of the world in Afghanistan, Palestine and Dublin.

Brian reported on the Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland at a rate of 500 - 600 per day and the local and government efforts to help accommodate, integrate and console our new friends. The same level of support is not seen in the UK. The government are making it very difficult for those who are running for their lives to successfully apply for residency for the period of up to three years (and then reviewed. - This is the time that is being given to all refugees coming out of Ukraine.

To note that the IPA have offered the following as a template for the next 3 - 6 months

An example of how we might embark on this work can be seen below:

With regards to the STORIES we are gathering. I myself have a story of the Presentation Sisters and their involvement with Ukrainian Refugees and even though this has very little to do with the theme of our focus group I still intend to make a story out of it as if I don't then this responsive, supportive and generous gesture to women and children in need will go unrecorded.

So irrespective of the theme or focus of our group if you have a story that you think others should hear then tell this story. If you need help to put it together, record a zoom segment or whatever I am here to help. I extend this others also in other focus groups. We are a collective in this exercise to gather and share.

Brian

Some of those attending at our meeting were able to offer that they have begun thinking about this work.

It is accepted that indeed our focus group can give some account of their work but it may not relate back directly to our UN Focus.

This has been sent to us by Gemma Thompson chair of the IPA Focus Group on Women and Children.

Our Next Meeting is to be on the last Thursday of May - May 26th at 1.00pm Irish Time.

Brian also offered that he would help anyone who wanted help in preparing their piece for the "Living Record".

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