Asylum-seekers in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, have mobilised themselves into a model army of community workers.
Grateful for the hospitality they have received since arriving last June, the asylum-seekers have pledged to give their adopted town a gift in return by making it "the cleanest town in Ireland".
Armed with spades and shovels, 29 of the 85 people in the hostel run by the Department of Foreign Affairs at the former convent in Ballyhaunis will clean up the local river and car-parks.
"The people of Ballyhaunis have been very good to us, better than we expected," said Mr Anthony Odirichukwa, co-ordinator of the Clean Ballyhaunis Group.
"I don't think many of them had ever seen black people before, but they are really friendly and encouraging. It is very nice."
Mr Odirichukwa said the first priority was to clean the river bank and the river itself. This will include the removal of weeds and shrubs which might cause flooding when the heavy winter rains come.
"We are not going to stop there," the Nigerian exile said. "We have other work in mind once the river project is finished."
The "clean and green" unit, which comprises 15 nationalities including Uzbekistans, Nigerians, Algerians and Croats, will be given implements to carry out their work by Mayo County Council.
One of the team leaders is Mr Johnson Omri Elvis, who jokingly refers to himself as "The King".
"The only thing we used to do every day is eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now that we have something worthwhile to do, we are going to put everything into it."
Many of the asylum-seekers, who are all awaiting a decision from the Department of Foreign Affairs on applications for asylum, fled from war and persecution in their native countries.
Parents of five children, Murad and Nasreem Karim fled Somalia after their eldest daughter, aged 19, was first raped by a gang and then smothered to death with a pillow.
"It is so peaceful here," said Nasreem, surveying Ballyhaunis from the refugees' hilltop retreat.
"We are grateful for the welcome we have received here and are looking forward to giving something back in return."
Ballyhaunis Community Council successfully put the case to Mayo County Council that it should assist the refugees in their environmental work.