1. A community project where volunteers welcome new migrants through conversational English classes Fáilte Isteach

2. Background Information What is the Third Age Foundation? Founded by Mary Nally in 1988 Focused on the empowerment and social inclusion of all and particularly of older people Services, Projects ad Initiatives: The Senior Helpline Tone Zone The Way We Were Eating Well into the Future Intergenerational Projects Intercultural Initiatives Laundry Service Resource Centre Internet Café

3. What is Fáilte Isteach?  FáilteIsteach is an English Language service provided by local people for local people  All our tutors are volunteers who want to make a difference to their communities  Small tutor: student ratio with emphasis on conversational English

4. How did it get started? Started by Mary Nally and Third Age Foundation Saw a local need and a local resource A service that is flexible, informal and user-friendly Tapping into a desire on the part of the local population Win-Win for all – for the migrant student, for the volunteer tutor, and for the community

5. How has it grown? Started with 6 students in October 2006 Launched nationally on the 30 th of September 2008 Our second centre was opened in Dunshaughlin in January 2009. Our twenty-fifth centre opens tonight, in Dunboyne We have a presence in nine counties throughout Ireland, and will have 30 centres by the end of 2010. Each week over 500 students attend our FáilteIsteach classes.

6. Fáilte Isteach Locations Dunshaughlin, Waterford, Roscommon, Clane, Inchicore, Rialto, Balbriggan, Tramore, Tullamore, Blanchardstown, Summerhill, Swords, Bray, Castlebar, Mulhuddart, Mountview, Tralee, Ballina, Athboy, Celbridge, Kells Navan, Skerries, Cabra and Dunboyne Existing Centre Potential centre

7. Observations and Conclusions No decline in numbers seeking the service. Strong desire for active citizenship exists. Complimenting, not competing with, services that already exist. Partnership is key to success – working with schools, libraries, parish halls, sports clubs, local area partnerships, FÁS, VEC, to make sure the service is provided.