MIGRANT VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION THROUGH BEACH CLEANS IN THE IVERAGH COAST

At Sea Synergy, we believe that protecting the ocean goes hand in hand with building community. With support from the Communities Integration Fund (CIF), we launched a project to bring locals and migrants together through beach cleans and seashore learning along the beautiful Iveragh coast.

At the heart of this initiative is Valeriia Rudenko, who came to Ireland from Ukraine due to the war. Valeriia volunteered with Sea Synergy, helping with translations, community communication, and outreach. She also received training in shore creature identification, deepening her connection to Ireland’s marine environment. Today, she continues to balance her professional role as Operations Manager at the SeaLodge in Waterville with a passion for volunteering.

“I came to Ireland to find safety, but also to give back. Volunteering with Sea Synergy has helped me build skills, meet new people, and feel truly part of the community.” – Valeriia Rudenko

Beach Cleans in Waterville and Beyond

As part of the project, migrants and locals joined forces for regular beach cleans in Waterville and along the Iveragh coast. Many events included Explore Your Shore activities, where participants learned about seashore life and the importance of ocean conservation.

These gatherings became more than just environmental actions—they became a way for people to meet, share stories, and feel connected to Ireland’s coastal heritage.

Why Migrants Volunteer – In Their Own Words

For the migrant participants, volunteering is more than just picking up litter—it’s a way to give back, express gratitude, and feel at home in Ireland. Many describe their motivation as a combination of caring for the environment and connecting with the community.

“We do this to express gratitude to Ireland for accepting us, and also because the planet is very polluted. This is our small contribution to clean up the earth,” says Inga Tkacheva.

Nataliia Koval reflects a similar sentiment: “I live in this country now, and I consider it my home. Home should be clean. I also want to thank the Irish people for their kindness and shelter.”

Volunteers also appreciate the personal and social benefits of participating in beach cleans. Marina shares, “I am motivated by the opportunity to make a small contribution to the cleanliness of the ocean and coast, to spend time in nature, and to enjoy good company.”

For some, the experience is transformative. Lyudmila Nikolayenko says, “I don’t like to just sit at home. It’s better to do something. I still can’t believe I am near the ocean at the edge of the world—it’s like a miracle.”

And for others, it’s about taking responsibility for the environment: Chernova Ekaterina explains, “Not everyone will clean garbage, but I want to make a contribution to the cleanliness of this country. The ocean is powerful and beautiful—I want it to be a little cleaner.”

Together, these voices highlight how volunteering connects migrants to both the environment and the local community, creating a shared sense of purpose and belonging.

Building a Cleaner Coast and Stronger Community

Through beach cleans in Ireland, migrants and locals have found a shared purpose: caring for the ocean while building bonds of friendship and understanding. These experiences highlight how community integration can be both meaningful and joyful.

Together, we are protecting the coastline, embracing Irish culture, and showing that small actions—like picking up a piece of litter—can have a big impact on both the planet and people.