Donnah Sibanda Vuma finally receives residence papers after years in Direct Provision

Donnah Sibanda Vuma is a direct provision activist, founder of ‘Every Child is your Child’ and a Policy Officer at Doras.

Donnah Sibanda Vuma finally receives residence papers after years in Direct Provision

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Tara Byrne

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Pictured at the promo of the ‘Every Child Is Your Child’ masquerade ball at the Kemmy Business School in University of Limerick are Dr John Lannon, Donnah Sibanda Vuma, founder of ECIYC, Ruth Sikhulekile Ndlovu and Busani Moyo. Picture: Conor Owens/ilovelimerick.

Donnah Sibanda Vuma, a direct provision activist who founded the organisation ‘Every Child is your Child’ and works as Policy Officer at Doras has finally got her residence papers.

On social media, Donnah said, “I am on an emotional roller coaster at the moment. I am so overwhelmed by all your love. It is evident of the strong support structure that has backed me on this dark journey that we endured for years. I love you all so much, I am so grateful for all of you. I greatly appreciate all the warm wishes, celebrations and love….it will get me a few days to respond to the thousands of you that have sent so much love, but I promise, I see them all and love you all so much”.

Donnah arrived in Ireland in 2014 with her children to seek asylum. She was living in the direct provision system while waiting for a decision on her international protection application for years. Despite the challenges and barriers, she has faced over the past few years she has managed to complete several part-time courses with institutions such as the limerick college of further education and ICM which eventually lead her to enroll at the University of Limerick. She is an enthusiastic volunteer and the founder of a Limerick-based community group. Donnah is a tireless activist and advocate for human rights, often engaging in public speaking events across the country to highlight issues and challenges faced by others living in similar conditions such as hers. Donnah was nominated as Soroptimists International ‘Clare Woman of the year 2017’ for her outstanding service to the human rights of refugees in direct provision services in Co. Clare.

The organisation Donnah set up, Every Child is your Child (ECIYC), is a community group dedicated to bringing people together for a common purpose, which is to empower, motivate, and encourage harmony and interdependence among parents, focusing on those living in Direct Provision. Every Child is your Child (ECIYC) has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds to purchase 1000+ Tablets and internet modems, plus internet subscriptions to provide these children with access to education. They are also accepting physical donations of these items and asking that companies, businesses, and individuals consider sponsoring a few tablets or internet subscriptions to help change these children’s lives for the better.

Commenting on the organisation, she said, “It came about because we realised that it was very difficult for parents living in direct provision to provide back-to-school necessitates for their children on a very low weekly income, so we figured if there is a way we could help is through raising funds and assisting with the purchasing of stationery, uniforms and helping to pay for contribution fees in school.”

For more stories about Direct Provision go HERE 

For more information about ECIYC go HERE