Yulia Ghumman
Yulia Ghumman, originally from Ukraine, interned with Cllr Duncan Smith of Fingal County Council as part of the Immigrant Council’s 2018 Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme.
“I was offered a placement with Cllr Duncan Smith from the Labour Party, which later became an impressive and invaluable experience. My first day started by meeting with Cllr Smith. We talked about how the Cllr’s day looks like; usual queries from local residents, about the system of submitting questions and following answers from government; types of meetings and procedures. Later the Cllr and I went to one of Swords’ areas to meet a few local residents and drop leaflets for launching a Residents’ Association.
“In the evening we went to Donabate for the Labour Party’s monthly meeting. Cllr Smith introduced me to the present members of the Party and told them about the Scheme. People were friendly, polite, and happy to meet me and welcome me as an Intern. Cllr Smith took the lead of the meeting, and I liked the structure of the meeting, as it was to the point, everyone was given an opportunity to speak and express their opinions, and it ended on time as planned. I have also noticed, that while discussing residents’ matters, members really cared and tried to find solutions, and it was not just a job or duty for them but something more than that
“What I always liked in dropping leaflets, is that you can see different residential areas and meet the people. Usually while dropping leaflets, some people when they get a chance to meet a Cllr or T.D. in person, try to get ‘mini clinics’ on the street. Cllr’s and T.D.’s courtesy is to listen to everyone with attention, write down details, exchange their contacts and continue dropping leaflets. It takes a lot of effort to walk around all areas and deliver leaflets to every house.
“On the last day I was little bit upset. I was feeling emotional, because even how hard I tried not to become attached as I knew it is just for a short time, but Duncan tried his best to make it really the best place to work. The period of internship was just for few months, but it felt like I was there for a long time and like I have known Duncan already for few years. It was a great environment and he always had a positive and easy-going attitude.”
The Immigrant Council is delighted to be running the Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme in 2021. To learn more or apply, visit https://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/campaign/migrant-councillor-internship-scheme. Applications close Friday 23 July.
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