Dylan Kelly, 3rd Year student, Harold’s Cross Educate Together Secondary School
My name is Dylan Kelly, and I’m a third-year student at Harold’s Cross ETSS. After watching a powerful documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh 2024, I suggested to my CSPE teacher that we bring the film’s main character, Zak, and director, Trevor, to our school for a screening and discussion.
The documentary gives a first-person view of Zak’s journey as a refugee, and I knew it would be an eye-opening experience for my peers. Our third year and fifth year students watched the film together, followed by a Q&A session. Many found it deeply emotional and inspiring, especially seeing how Zak has helped other refugees and brought Irish culture to Kurdistan.
One student shared, “It showed the resilience of the Kurdish people. As an Irish person, I could relate based on our own history.” Another, who had migrated to Ireland herself, appreciated how the film highlighted cultural integration while maintaining identity.
CSPE teacher, Laura Power, described it as “profound and enthralling,” giving students a rare chance to hear firsthand from a refugee. Third-year coordinator, Ger Vickery, noted how it showed that “no matter our journey, we are all the same”.
This was a powerful and unforgettable experience, deepening our understanding of refugee experiences, resilience, and cultural connection. A huge thank you to Zak and Trevor for sharing their story with us!
This documentary is so profound, and all students were enthralled. The opportunity for discussion and Q & A after was so insightful for the students, as they have all studied refugees in CSPE. For many, it was their first time meeting a refugee and they were able to ask questions and hear about the experience and journey so many people have first-hand. I think this will stay with them for a long time, and we are so grateful to Zak and Trevor for this experience.
– Laura Power (CSPE Teacher)
It was great to see the importance of sport, and how it brought communities together. It highlighted to the students that we are all same, not matter our journey.
– Ger Vickery (Third Year Coordinator)
