The founder of a migrant community group in Galway is walking from Oranmore to Dublin this weekend to highlight what he called the "appalling" conditions for people living in Direct Provision.
Vusi Thabethe said the system is not "fit for purpose".
Residents of the Direct Provision centre in Salthill picked up toiletries and other supplies from the man who set up Shining Light Galway in support of vulnerable migrants.
They wished Vusi Thabethe well ahead of his walk to Dublin in support of their cause.
"I need to speak truth to power in a way that can’t be ignored, that's why I’ve decided to walk to Dublin, to bring this message to the media, the public, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and the Oireachtas," he told RTÉ News.
Mr Thabethe said he wants to raise public awareness to put pressure on politicians to change the system.
"Ultimately we want an end to Direct Provision as we know it and to replace it with a system that is fit for purpose, allowing those living there the dignity they deserve."
There are currently around 7,000 people asylum seekers in Direct Provision centres across the country with more than 1,000 new arrivals last year.
That number is matched by those already granted permission to stay here but who remain stuck in the system due to delays in processing applications and a chronic shortage of housing.
Esther Adegoke has three children, with a fourth due in September, and said that living in Direct Provision is a struggle.
"Our living conditions are so cramped. We’re in a tiny apartment sharing one toilet. I know change is supposed to be on the way but I’m here now four years and it’s becoming unbearable."
Joy Ojo is another mother who also has career aspirations. "I wanted to offer my services as a nurse or carer but my dream is being shattered living in Direct Provision with no end in sight."
Innocent Togu lives in Direction Provision in Salthill with his wife and four children. The family fled Nigeria over five years ago. He takes solace in the small plot of land behind the Eglinton building.
"I have no opportunity for employment here for the foreseeable future so I work in the garden. It soothes my soul and cools my brain. Otherwise I get very depressed with my situation."
Vusi Thabethe's walk to Dublin will raise funds for the work carried out by Shining Light.
The community group was set up last year to provide voluntary assistance to minority groups affected by poverty, particularly those living in Direct Provision.
"We are tackling issues through direct actions such as the delivery of food which would otherwise go to waste, the redistribution of unwanted furniture items, free books for children, support with mental health needs and any other type of advice or assistance we can provide to marginalised people."
Mr Thabethe first walked for over four hours from Oranmore to Ballinsloe and later made his way onto the newly opened Greenway from Athlone to Maynooth.
He is due to arrive in Dublin on Monday afternoon where he will hand in a letter to the office of the Taoiseach.
Born in Soweto, South Africa, Mr Thabethe moved to Galway 15 years ago. He has not come through the Direct Provision system himself but saw the plight of many who have and was moved to help.
He co-founded Shining Light Galway community group with friends during the first Covid pandemic lockdown in 2020.
The group provides free food, furniture, clothing, basic level maths and English classes and general assistance to people in Galway’s Direct Provision centres and vulnerable minority migrant communities.
"I feel they are treating the symptoms and not the problem, and something needs to be done at Government level," he said.
"Last week I could not sleep thinking about all those people living in Direct Provision, given just €36 a week to live on. I thought about those living with children in one room with one bathroom.
"How does a single mother continue to live in this sort of environment day after day? Not only does she have to think about the kids, she is constantly worried about her visa application."
Earlier this year, Children's minister, Roderic O'Gorman, said that every effort is being made to improve accommodation and services with a view to ending Direct Provision in 2024.
