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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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Minister of State Seán Fleming on his visit to Zambia
The work being done by Mountrath for the people of Africa came on the radar of Minister of State Seán Fleming on a recent trip to Zambia.
The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs visited community projects that he says were made possible thanks to support from the Department of Foreign Affairs, through Irish Aid.
The focus of these projects were on health and education, to develop sustainable communities one of which involves a Laois nun.
"I was delighted to meet with a range of people from the strong Irish community in Zambia. I also made some Laois and Offaly connections during my visit. I enjoyed a good conversation with Sr Kathleen Crawford, who is from Mountrath in Co. Laois.
"Sr Kathleen has been in Zambia for the last 40 years and currently runs a Cheshire Home. The Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia are centres for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities and is a non-profit organisation. The Embassy of Ireland in Zambia continues to support Sr Kathleen’s work there," he said.
Minister Fleming also visited a project which involved an Offaly native.
"I was proud to perform the official dedication to Fr Michael Kelly SJ, of a refurbished lecture theatre at the University of Zambia, and unveiled a plaque in memory of his work there. Fr. Kelly, a native of Tullamore, had made his home in Zambia and was a globally renowned teacher, educator and champion of girls’ education. He also carried out leading work in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS," he said.
Minister Fleming said he met with the Zambian Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, at the celebration of Fr Kelly’s work.
"We spoke about the importance that the Government of Ireland and the Irish people place on a high-quality education at home, in Zambia and in other countries," said the Fianna Fáil TD.
Minister Fleming has responsibility for International Development and Diaspora.
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