Football boots and a doll's house: The Santa wish lists from children in Cork's direct provision centres

More than 100 children and teenagers from different direct provision centres in Cork City were treated to a joyous Christmas party by volunteers at UCC's Aula Maxima

Martha beams broadly as she enjoys the games at the children’s Christmas party organised by Direct Provision Events at the Aula Maxima, UCC. Pictures: Chani Anderson

“I would like a pair of football boots. I play soccer in my school, and I just need a pair to play in,” 16-year-old Ayanda said as he hoped for a good festive season for himself and his family this year.

Four-year-old Precious said she would like a doll's house, somewhere that she can keep her dolls, who live with her in her direct provision centre home. 

A mother smiles as Santa presents a gift to her toddler at the children’s Christmas party.

Siblings Ayanda and Precious were among more than 100 children and teenagers from different direct provision centres in Cork City treated to a Christmas party by volunteers at UCC’s Aula Maxima in recent days. 

It was a day full of joyous celebration, with the sound of laughter ringing around the halls of the Aula Maxima, with children who either live in different centres or now attend different schools getting to meet their friends and embracing warmly. 

The many families who attended this year's event said they were delighted to be there, as their children waited in line to visit Santa Claus. Toddlers shrieked with joy, brandishing balloons fashioned into swords and animals, while music, food and entertainment were provided. 

Volunteers join in the festive spirit by painting each other’s faces.

At an arts and crafts table, one child proudly showed his friend a wish drawing of what he hoped his house would look like when he left the accommodation centre.

Volunteer elves had raised money for the many presents that were provided on the day, and behind closed doors, they feverishly worked their magic to ensure every child received a gift.

Sisters Aachiza and Ashuza smile for the camera at the children’s Christmas party.

The man himself in the red suit put those who were feeling shy at ease, photographs were taken, and wish-lists were revealed. And the children weren't the only ones hoping Santa would be able to deliver.

Evelyn said she hoped she could get a bicycle for her daughter. Her friend Hosanna said she would like the same for hers. She said there was plenty of space in the centre where they live for the children to play, and having a bicycle would just mean they spent more time outside.

Queen, originally from Zimbabwe and a mother of three, said she hoped at some stage she could get a refurbished laptop to continue with her university studies. She currently finished her course in healthcare and is moving into her first year of nursing.

A boy wearing a mask takes in the atmosphere at the children’s Christmas party.

15-year-old Emmanuel said he would like to get an iPad so he could continue with his schoolwork in his third year. He is currently borrowing a Chromebook, but said he would like something he could call his own.

A young child enjoys the festive fun while being pushed along on a scooter.

One parent hoped she could get a car so she could drop her child off at school from the centre. Chloe said she has two kids and says they struggle getting to school on time. A car would make the school run so much easier and also allow her to spend more time with her children.

Programme coordinators Sinead Mulry, Dr Mike FitzGibbon, dressed as Santa, and Bhooshita Soyjaudah with volunteer elves.

The project began in the early 2000s as an Ethical Development Action Initiative, when direct provision centres lacked kitchens where residents could prepare meals and snacks for themselves. 

The initiative thus provided sharing kitchens and communal cooking sessions. Eventually, as years went by, the project morphed into Christmas parties, which allows those living in centres to come together with Cork residents and foster a sense of community.