In April, Educate Together held its annual Student Event for second-level schools. This year’s event was unique in its approach, spanning across two separate schools to accommodate the overwhelming demand and ensuring accessibility for all students involved.
Teachers and students from secondary schools across the Educate Together network converged at Limerick Educate Together Secondary School on Thursday, April 18th, and a week later at Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School on Thursday, April 25th. Approximately 50 students and teachers participated in Limerick, while 160 engaged in student-led workshops and gained insights from various NGOs at the Global Citizenship Fair.
Themed “Global Empathy and Solidarity in Action,” this year’s event explored the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on Goals 1, 5, 10, and 16, addressing poverty, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace and justice.
Continuing tradition, a student advisory group took charge of organising the event, with all workshops designed and delivered by students from secondary schools within our network.
NGOs participating in the Global Citizenship Fair included Afri, Amnesty International, Comhlamh, Hope Foundation, ISSU, Latin America Support Centre, National Youth Council of Ireland, Plan International, Schools of Sanctuary, Self Help Africa, TearFund Ireland, WorldWise Global Schools and Young Social Innovators.
With a total of 21 participating schools and a combined attendance of 200 students, the events fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Guest speakers, Islammiyah Kadejo at the Limerick event and Emer O’Neill at the Dublin event, contributed to the depth and inspiration of the sessions.
The Dublin event was also attended by Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland, who was able to witness first-hand the wonderful work that students our network are leading.
Adding an extra layer of excitement to the Dublin event, Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School used the opportunity to celebrate their 10thanniversary. It was a perfect way to commemorate a decade of commitment to equality-based education for second-level students.
