Irish-African leaders have ‘common bond’ due to missionaries

Leaders of African nations have a “common bond” with Ireland due to the work of Irish missionaries, the Dáil has heard.

There are leaders “all over Africa” who have been educated by Irish missionaries, which builds a “common bond that is really important”, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence was told.

“As any members who have travelled around Africa or countries elsewhere will know, you meet leaders and people who have been educated by Irish priests and nuns, who have shared an educational experience with us,” said Michael Gaffey, director general of development co-operation and the Africa division.

Mr Gaffney was addressing the committee regarding the “very positive” uptake of a fellowship programme for students in developing nations funded by Irish Aid.

Although future African leaders are unlikely to be educated by Irish missionaries, Mr Gaffney said he hopes they can build on their work.

“By building our alumni network of the fellowships, as we travel around in future years, we will meet people who have had very positive experiences in Irish third level institutions and who have developed an affinity for our country and we for theirs,” he finished.