Joe was invited to represent the DkIT WELCOME College of Sanctuary group at an inauguration ceremony to mark the beginning of the new academic year in DkIT. As a member of the WELCOME group, Joe has made a valued contribution to the community of DkIT and is well-placed to contribute to the work of the group in strengthening the links between the community of DkIT, refugees and those seeking asylum in the North-East region. 

The inauguration ceremony was well-attended by the members of the community of DkIT and saw a number of symbolic offerings brought together with the help of the new leader of Pastoral Care in DkIT, Mr. Niall Byrne.

Speaking after the event, Joe stated;

In the past few weeks, I have been through so much difficulty with my application to seek asylum so to kill the storm and stress in my heart, I embarked on paintings, paintings, paintings. You could say I have been working 24/7 in art therapy.

Joe continued;

 I have so many paintings now; so many wonderful pieces of Art. This painting is called ‘Migration’ and it is an acrylic painting on canvas. If you asked me to describe it in words, I would say this: this art of migration and reception is about hopes and dreams, love and Sanctuary'. 

As well as wishing success and happiness to all the members of the DkIT community in the coming academic year, Joe himself and his colleagues and friends in the WELCOME College of Sanctuary group are hoping that the Department of Justice and Equality will consider the essential contribution that Joe is making to the local community and to DkIT, and that his asylum application will also have a successful and happy outcome.