A former Concern Worldwide Programme Manager and public servant, Homayoon Shirzad, completed his master’s degree at SETU, marking what he described as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
Humayoon, originally from Afghanistan and based in Waterford, graduated with a Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation in Health and Wellbeing. His achievement came two years after completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Education and Development at SETU, and followed a certificate in local government studies with the Institute of Public Administration, supported by Wexford County Council.
From Afghanistan to Ireland
In Afghanistan, Homayoon worked with Concern Worldwide, holding several senior roles and contributing to a range of development and education initiatives. Among his key responsibilities, he led the Irish Aid - funded Rural Education Support Programme (RESP), which focused on expanding access to education in rural communities.
“We supported communities where access to formal education was limited or never available,” he said "Through community-based education, children were able to begin their schooling locally before transitioning to larger hub schools, creating an important pathway into formal education. Unfortunately, right now the girls are not allowed to continue secondary school, and in rural villages where we had created opportunities for girls to attend primary school, it is taken from them as well. So even achieving primary school is now a dream for many girls. “
Homayoon arrived in Ireland in 2016. Since coming to Ireland, he has worked in several Community Development, Education, Community Integration, and other Programmes, focusing on community empowerment, language, education, employment, supports and services, building connections between Irish communities and new arrivals, promoting awareness around Irish culture, traditions, Irish values and intercultural initiatives.
A transformative experience at SETU
Reflecting on his master’s study at SETU, he described it as a long-held aspiration closely aligned with his professional experience.
The programme aligned closely with my experience working with groups and individuals, and I greatly valued the blended learning format, which allowed me to balance study with full-time work. The personal development modules, in particular, made it a deeply reflective and transformative learning experience.
Homayoon Shirzad SETU Graduate
He added that the student-centred approach, group learning environment and residential elements stood out as particularly meaningful. “It never felt like banking of information. The group atmosphere, friendship and support were among the main highlights of the course,” he said.
While studying, he also worked with Schools of Sanctuary, supporting inclusive education initiatives. Later, he joined the Local Authority Integration Teams Wexford County Council as an integration support worker, balancing professional responsibilities with his academic commitments. He credited his employer for supporting him throughout his studies and recognising the value of his qualification.
Learning, growth and resilience
While studying, he experienced periods of significant pressure, but the support of lecturers, colleagues and friends enabled him to continue. “Without the support and learning environment in place, I could not imagine managing all the tensions, worries and stress I experienced. I received a lot of emotional support, positivity, and flexibility around my assignments,” he said.
He described the experience as transformative, both personally and professionally. “Life-changing education happened through his masters. I am proud of my lecturers, classmates, and myself for achieving my goals despite the challenges.”
Reflections and future aspirations
Homayoon advises students to seek support and speak openly when facing challenges, emphasising the importance of not dealing with difficulties in isolation. “Do not carry difficulties in silence. Suffering is part of our shared humanity, but it can be overcome. Speak up, ask for help, and you can get through it,” he said.
Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a PhD in the future, although he acknowledges that balancing further study with professional commitments remains a challenge. “If there was an opportunity to combine full-time work with a PhD, I would be very happy to take it,” he said.
