Portlaoise school first in Laois to become School of Sanctuary Champion

A Laois school has become the first in the county to achieve a special national award recognising its inclusivity and warm welcome to all.

Dunamase College in Portlaoise has achieved the prestigious Champion School of Sanctuary award.

The champion award recognises the school's deep commmitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe background for all students, of all backgrounds and differences, especially for refugees and those seeking sanctuary. Among the school’s 548 students, 20 nationalities and 21 different languages are represented. 

A team of ten Dunamase College students representing the young LOETB Irish / English secondary school, travelled to TU Dublin Grangegorman for the award ceremony on Tuesday, February 11.

"We are incredibly proud to be the first school in Laois to receive this esteemed award. Our journey doesn’t end here. We are excited to support other local schools as they embark on their own paths to becoming Champion Schools," the team said.

They were given the award by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain.

The students heard an inspirational speech from a Dancing with the Stars Ireland celebrity, former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede.

The school principal Dympna Kelly said it followed months of hard work and dedication.

"This recognition is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our students and staff. It reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering a school where everyone feels valued and included. This award is not just a milestone but a stepping stone for future progress. It was a momentous occasion."

Siobhán Holland is School of Sanctuary Coordinator at Dunamase College.

The award ceremony was a celebration of all 10 schools' commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

The student committee said:

"It was an honour to be recognised for our efforts, and we were delighted to receive our certificate and plaque from the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain and Aishah Akorede, celebrity on Dancing with the Stars 2025.

"During the event, Aishah Akorede delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of resilience and self-belief, emphasizing that we are the future and have the power to make change. She encouraged students to let their voices be heard and to remain steadfast in their pursuit of positive transformation."

"The ten schools recognised today are shining examples of the positive change that schools can bring to their communities, proving that the future is indeed bright. A heartfelt thank you to Tiffy, Sara, Sive and the entire School of Sanctuary Ireland
team for organising an incredible day of celebration and reflection.

"We are especially proud of all our students on the Le Chéile committee and also our school community who have made this achievement possible by creating an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment in our school for all," they say.

Dunamase College / Coláiste Dhún Másc founded just eight years ago, also offers teaching through Irish, and is awaiting construction of a brand new campus, see design here.

Schools of Sanctuary is part of Places of Sanctuary Ireland, a network of groups in towns, cities and local communities which share the objectives of promoting a culture of welcome, and inclusiveness right across every sphere and sector of society, so that wherever people seeking sanctuary go they will feel safe, find people who welcome them and understand why they are here, and have opportunities to be included in all activities.

Portlaoise Library was the first library in Ireland to achieve Place of Sanctuary status. St Mary's CBS Portlaoise is a Member School of Sanctuary, and working towards Champion status.