Asylum seekers lend a hand at Dimma's Books in Roscrea

Two asylum seekers from Zimbabwe living in Sean Ross spend every morning volunteering in the Vincent's SVP shop on Church Street in Roscrea - helping with donations and providing much needed support for Dimma's Books, the boutique bookshop now thriving in Church Street.

Samson Mawarire and Codney Mbiri had to flee the country some seven months ago and seek asylum in Ireland. Currently their application for refugee status is being assessed.

Samson was a professional accountant working as an insurance assessor and his wife and two daughters are in hiding in South Africa. Codney was a butcher.

“Rather than do nothing they decided to become volunteers at the SVP shop and have been doing so almost since they arrived in Roscrea", famed bibliophile, author and currently the SVP Hon. Librarian, George Cunningham told the Tribune

"Not alone have they fitted in well with the other volunteers but by their professionalism and willingness to help in every way possible have endeared themselves to all who come in contact with them.

Pictured above are George with the two men holding two of his publications. "How apt it is that the two books displayed by them reflect the Roscrea Christian heritage which had its cradle at their place of residence, Sean Ross", George said.

Dimmas Books has over 3,500 volumes available and is open every day from 10am to 4pm and on alternate Saturdays. (Closed next Sat). 

"What an example they give to others who might follow in their footsteps. And what a contribution they make giving back to the community and trying to integrate as best as is possible,” George Cunningham told the Tribune.