The Buncrana community is shining a light on two local ‘superheroes’ this Refugee Week.
Elizabeth Fawibe, who welcomes new arrivals, and Sarah Webster, co-founder of the Buncrana Sanctuary Runners, have been hailed as local heroes for their steps towards integration and inclusion.
Elizabeth and Sarah are among the many individuals and communities doing powerful work to create an inclusive, welcoming environment in Buncrana and across Inishowen.
The theme for Irish Refugee Week 2025 is ‘Community as a Superpower’.
One such example of this is Elizabeth Fawibe. Since arriving in Buncrana 14 months ago from Nigeria Elizabeth offers a helping hand to new arrivals, mainly women and children, living in the two IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres in Buncrana.
Despite coming here on her own as a single lady, Elizabeth has become a familiar face in Buncrana, admitting that ‘everyone knows her’ in her new community which she now calls home.
As well as being a support to new arrivals, Elizabeth does her best to help the children living in her IPAS centre.
“I saw last summer that the boredom started to creep in,” said Elizabeth.
“I started to do arts and crafts with them, painting, playing games or just talking to them.
“I talk to them about climate change, sustainability and the importance of saving. But generally, I’m there if anyone needs to talk – everyone needs a helping hand through the International Protection process.”
Elizabeth Fawibe
Since arriving in Inishowen, Elizabeth has taken part in many training courses with IDP such as First Aid, Active Citizenship, Customer Service, Environmental Sustainability and much more.
Elizabeth is also working with IDP to create a ‘Welcome to Buncrana’ guide for new arrivals.
“When I first came to Buncrana I didn’t know where to turn. It wasn’t until I met with people at IDP, The Exchange, ChangeMakers Donegal and Donegal Volunteer Centre that I found my way.
“The welcome guide will direct people new to the area around Buncrana and pinpoint them to the various supports available to help.
“Buncrana is a welcoming place to live, and the people are very supportive.”
One such example of that is local lady Sarah Webster. Originally from Dublin but living in Buncrana for the past 20 years, Sarah has been instrumental in connecting many of the new arrivals with local people and events through her involvement in the local Sanctuary Runners Group.
Sarah, Liz Kearney and a group of Sanctuary Runner volunteers at the Buncrana Park Run recently
Sarah and her friends Liz Kearney and Adenike Anifowose established the Buncrana Sanctuary Runners in 2024 to connect people living in the IPAs centres to the wider community and provide them with opportunities through volunteering.
“We began with informal “walk and talk” sessions to get to know everyone and explore ways we could offer support,” explained Sarah.
“But now we meet every Saturday through Parkrun, where members of Sanctuary Runners regularly volunteer. It has helped create a sense of community and belonging.
“Many of the participants arrive here feeling isolated, but through our walks, activities, and shared experiences, they quickly form friendships and connections,” added Sarah.
“People like Adenike, Ade, Efe, Bruce and Gloria who started out as new volunteers, are now simply part of the team. They’re no longer seen as statistics or nameless strangers you pass on the street—they’re valued, familiar faces in our community.”
Sarah Webster, Oluwakemi Adeyemi Adegoke, Qiushi Zhang
Sarah praised the local community for supporting the Sanctuary Runners.
“We receive funding from Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) and support from The Exchange, but the community has also donated sports gear, clothing, and other essentials,” explained Sarah.
“This has helped to remove financial barriers and allow people—especially children—to take part in local sports and community events. When I heard some of the children needed football boots, I reached out to parents from Buncrana Hearts and we were overwhelmed by the generous response.
“Gestures like this have had a huge impact on their confidence, physical health, and social integration. Groups like the Sanctuary Runners are vital for people who are in the International Protection system.
“The generosity of the local community—from donations to simple acts of kindness—has shown that people care. That kind of support goes a long way in helping individuals and families feel safe, seen, and hopeful,” added Sarah.
An inclusive meditative ‘Power Walk’ is being organised in Buncrana this week as part of National Refugee Week 2025.
Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) is inviting the community to join “A Power Walk for Your Soul”, a gentle, reflective event taking place on Wednesday, June 18th in Buncrana. It’s one of several activities to create spaces where people from different backgrounds can get to meet, connect and get to know each other.
The walk begins at 10:15am from Buncrana Youth Club, with a guided meditation and slow stroll along the scenic shores of Lough Swilly. Participants will take time to connect with nature, themselves, and others, and are invited to stay on for a shared lunch at 12:30pm.
Patricia Higgins is one of two Connecting Communities Officers with IDP. She says National Refugee Week is a chance for communities to come together to celebrate inclusion, resilience, and shared humanity.
Patricia sees “the Power Walk for the Soul as a chance for everyone – for people of faiths or of no faith – to connect the power in nature, in others and in ourselves.”
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