Realising potential through education
The Samali Foundation is a non-governmental organisation based in Ireland. Our primary focus is to research, identify and remove barriers to education that hinder refugees and asylum seekers from accessing education.
The mission of the Foundation is to support the education and development of individuals, fostering personal transformation and contributing to the well-being of families and communities.
The support offered by the Foundation is holistic in its approach and aims to empower individuals to navigate the Irish education system, develop as human beings and actively contribute to the well-being of Irish society.
We provide…
Mentorship during studies at third-level institutions
Personalised roadmap to access to third-level education in Ireland
Development of a postgraduate access programme
Why we do it…
The development of a vibrant, equitable and inclusive society requires better integration of all its members. Many refugees and asylum seekers who come to Ireland are unable to access higher education and encounter many barriers, such as lack of knowledge of the system.
This can create a vicious cycle in which they and their families are unable to contribute their talents and abilities to society, keeping them at the lower socio-economic end of the spectrum. Access to higher education can help to remedy this, empowering individuals to reach their potential and allowing them better integrate and find their place in Irish society.
The co-founder, Afshin Samali, was a Bahá’í refugee from Iran who, in 1985, along with his family, found refuge in Ireland. The support they received from the Irish Bahá’í community, the State, and the Irish education system was crucial for their integration into Irish society. Afshin’s access to third-level education played a significant role in his personal development and contributed to his success as an award-winning cancer researcher.
This positive experience inspired Afshin and his wife, Adrienne, to establish the Samali Foundation, aiming to provide similar opportunities to refugees and asylum seekers.
This quotation sets out the guiding principles for the work of the Foundation, whose purpose and mission is to support the education and development of capacity in individuals for their personal transformation and that of their families and communities.
Case Study
Zarghona Hassani
Read about how Zarghona Hassani’s experience of a short-term internship in a cancer research lab transformed her educational and professional potential.
How you can help…
If you want to find out more or are interested in supporting our work in any way – through donating or volunteering as a mentor, for example – please get in touch