A woman who has lived in Montague Direct Provision for the past 8 years has graduated with BA honours degree from Carlow.
Pako Mokoba also overcame cancer to graduate with a BA Honours Degree in Applied Social Studies and Social Care.
Her success was described as “a marvellous achievement,” by Monsignor John Byrne PP.
Pako, who came to Ireland from Zimbabwe, also received a special award for her courage and contribution she made to college life.
Inspiring
“She is a very inspiring person,” he said.
“She did not receive any state grants during her four year course and is very grateful to the parish and those who supported her,” he said.
“Ironically, under current legislation Pako will not be able to use her degree as Asylum Seekers cannot be employed. This fundamental human right continues to be denied even to those who are years in the system,” Msgr Byrne said.
“Change is long overdue,” he said.
He noted that a Supreme Court decision had held against the Irish Government on asylum seekers not being allowed to work.
“The Supreme Court gave the government time to get this sorted, but it appears that this is being blocked in cabinet,” Msgr Byrne said.
Crazy
“She travelled to Carlow to get her degree and now she is not entitled to apply for a job. It is crazy,” Msgr Byrne said.
“Some of the people in the Direct Provision system are spending the best years of their lives not being able to work,” he said.
“We know that everybody who comes looking for asylum isn’t a boy scout, but you have to find that out,” Msgr Byrne said.
He said it was very wrong for children to have to see their parents unable to work, and often not to have the freedom to cook their own meals.
“If it was a case that you know the process would take 6 or 8 months, then you could deal with it,” Msgr Byrne said.
“It is a cruel and obnoxious system, particularly for children,” he said.
“It was a truly remarkable achievement by Pako. Surely she has earned the right to seek employment,” Msgr Byrne said.
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