Kingnewswire / Press release // Dublin, Ireland – under the banner of the International Day for Recognition of Volunteers, the HELP Awards 2025 highlighted the power of collective action, rewarding more than 20 people and organizations whose dedication to the service of others throws bridges between cultures and continents. Organized at the Church of Scientology and at the Dublin Community Center, the ceremony paid tribute to volunteers from 11 countries spread over three continents, highlighting stories of resilience, inclusion and hope.
“Tonight, we pay tribute to the discreet heroes, noisy champions and all those who, between the two, make an additional effort for others, because it is the right thing to do,” said Asia Kuzma, responsible for community relations at the Church of Scientology, in his opening speech. Created in 2019 by the volunteer ministers of Scientology in Ireland, this event has become an annual tradition which rewards the actors of change at the local level.
A mosaic of services: stories that have had an impact
The evening highlighted various efforts, ranging from humanitarian crises to cultural preservation. Among the winners were Zak Moradi, a Kurdish-Irish Hurling player who defends inclusion by sport. His initiative, HURLING Without Borderstrained more than 500 participants from immigration to Ireland, using this traditional Irish sport as an integration and teamwork tool. “Sport breaks the barriers,” said Moradi. “When we play together, we learn to trust ourselves. »»
Ibrahim Halawa, a lawyer specializing in human rights and former prisoner of opinion, was awarded for his work in favor of marginalized communities. Released in 2022 after almost seven years of detention in Egypt, Halawa is today heading the “Justice for All” campaign (justice for all), which provides legal aid to asylum seekers in Ireland and militates in favor of international human rights reforms. “Volunteering is not only to give your time, it is also to get up when necessary,” he said.
Lassane Ouedraogo, president of the African Center, was praised for having favored intercultural dialogue through educational programs and refugee assistance services. The “Bridging Generations” project (bringing generations to the center closer to the African elderly and young people in order to preserve the heritage while meeting modern challenges. Susuana Komolafe, founder of the Afro in Diaspora Center, was praised for her “Roots & Wings” initiative (roots and wings), which offers workshops on mental health and leadership training for black Irish. “We create spaces where people feel considered,” said Komolafe.
Global resilience: disasters with daily gestures
The volunteer ministers of the Czech Republic received the first International Help Prize for their intervention during the floods in September 2024, who moved hundreds of people in Central Europe. Trained in the center of Dublin, the team mobilized in a few hours to coordinate accommodation, food distribution and psychological support after the disaster. Their efforts in particular consisted in rebuilding the houses of 120 families in the most affected districts of Prague. “When the disaster strikes, every second counts,” said Martina Novak, team leader. “Our training has prepared us to act quickly and to bring hope when this is most necessary. »»
Closer to home, John Korah Chandy has been honored for his commitment for ten years with migrant communities in Ireland, where he offers free English lessons and job preparation workshops. Yanni Hatz, a retired teacher, is a volunteer for the association Books for allwhich offers literacy programs in rural schools. The initiative Green Roots D’Alan and Siobhan Ryan made it possible to plant more than 10,000 native trees in urban areas, while the project Techbridge De Sergiy Mas offers digital skills to the elderly, thus reducing the digital divide.
The Duo Mère Fille Avalon and Yara Juffart was rewarded for their mentoring program “Youth for Change”, which puts adolescents in contact with local non-profit associations. “Young people are not only the future, they are the present,” said Avalon, 16 years old. Maria Bunici, receiving her award, dedicated her to her late mother, who was a volunteer in a hospice for 25 years. “His kindness taught me that small gestures have a big impact,” said Ms. Bunici.
Cultural bridges and artistic activism
Community groups that promote culture and heritage as a means of integration have also been rewarded. The Innovative Business Club (IBC) supports immigrant entrepreneurs through start -up grants and networks, while the Sudanese community in Ireland organizes cultural festivals that attract thousands of people every year. VOLA Enable helps neurodivergenous people thanks to art therapy, and Moldova Vision relates to diaspora volunteers with projects in their country of origin.
The Krishna Academy of Social Sciences (Kassi) and the Confederation of Indian Communities in Ireland (CICI) were praised for their work to preserve traditions while promoting intergenerational dialogue. The CICI “Diwali for All” event, which welcomes 2,000 participants each year, includes food collections and stories. Marathi Mandal’s “Language of Unity” workshops teach the marathi to the children of Indian expatriates, thus ensuring cultural continuity.
The artists who put their talent at the service of charitable causes have also been honored. The charitable concerts of the musician Ken Tuohy made it possible to collect 200,000 euros for initiatives in favor of housing, while the series “Voices Unheard” of the playwright Frank Allen amplifies the stories of the working class through the community theater. Noel O’Grady, five times winner of the Ouireachtas Na Gaeilge, was rewarded for having associated the traditional Gaelic song with awareness programs intended for young people in difficulty.
Unity in action: a community based on collaboration
Advisor Francis Timmons, former winner of the HELP Prize and defender of the homeless of Dublin, has given a thank you letter to the volunteer ministers of Scientology. “Your social action reflects a real disinterested spirit of service,” he said. “Even if the world seems more divided than ever, we have here, under one roof, people of all the cultures who work together in peace. It’s very strong! »»
Mr. Timmons, who co -founded a refuge serving 300 meals a day, praised the partnerships established throughout the year by the church. The “Youth for Human Rights” program (young people for human rights) of the Dublin center, which affects 1,500 students each year, teaches tolerance through interactive workshops. His initiative “The truth about drugs” made it possible to reduce the rate of drug addiction in participating schools by 30 %.
The event, described by the participants as “electrifying” and “deeply moving”, emphasized intercultural collaboration. Diana Stahl, director of public affairs of the Church of Scientology, has given prizes alongside former winners, including filmmaker Robby Walsh and the traditional musician Tommy Breen. The guests discovered the possibilities of volunteering with NGOs such as Amnesty International and the Red Cross, while young delegates from 10 countries exchanged their ideas at a summit organized after the event.
The growing role of Scientology in global humanitarian
Since its opening in 2017, the Church of Scientology and the Dublin Community Center have become a nerve center for initiatives ranging from the prevention of drug addiction to awareness of the environment and human rights education. Fire L. Ron Hubbardwhich launched humanitarian programs from Merrion Square in Dublin in 1956, envisaged the churches of Scientology as well as pillars of the community, a mission which today finds an echo worldwide.
The growing recognition of Scientology as a religion continues to gain momentum, with increased collaboration between the various confessions and governments. Ivan Arjona, representative of Scientology to the European Union and the United Nations, underlined its universal ethics: “The fundamental principle of Scientology, which is to help others, is a bridge that unites humanity. Our work with communities around the world proves that when we are united, we create a lasting change. »»
Mr. Arjona has highlighted recent partnerships, such as a human rights training program for educators across Europe, drug prevention activities and events organized at Onudc and the United Nations Office in Geneva on freedom of religion or belief. “Religious freedom is not only a question of belief, it is also a question of action,” he added. “Every day, Scientologists demonstrate it through their service. »»
From local volunteers to international stakeholders, the HELP Awards 2025 reaffirmed the transformative power of the service: an act, a community and a common vision at the same time. As asia Kuzma concluded: “It is not only a celebration. It is a call for action. Because when we give our time, we offer the most beautiful gift: Hope. »»
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
