Cork based Tall Ship Spirit of Oysterhaven sail training vessel & Safe Haven Ireland, a sail training charity that focuses on the integration of migrants in Irish society, and has won an international award at the International Sail Training Awards.
These awards are presented to vessels, vessel operators, individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to sail training. The winners are decided by an STI awards committee and were announced at the International Sail Training and Tall Ships Conference.
The ceremony took place in Sweden in November 2016 and the award will be presented to Safe Haven Ireland at the Mansion House, courtesy of Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr, in Dublin on 28 January 2017, at the 5th Annual Irish Sail Training Awards.
Safe Haven Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2015, which aims to promote integration between communities in Ireland and to empower young people at risk of social exclusion throughout youth development. We provide opportunities for young people from a variety of backgrounds to take part in, for instance, sailing voyages, as well as other activities. We prioritise the inclusion of ethnic minority communities, such as refugees and migrants, and Irish young people from deprived areas, such as inner cities.