Susana Nunez, Second-level Education Officer, Educate Together
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 demand and ensuring accessibility for all students involved.
Themed “Global Empathy and Solidarity in Action,” this year’s event zoomed in on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Goals 1, 5, 10, and 16 took centre stage, highlighting poverty, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace and justice issues.
Continuing tradition from last year, a student advisory group representing 12 schools took charge of shaping and organising the event, with all workshops designed and delivered by students from secondary schools within our network. Following feedback from last year, the group also introduced the event’s first Sustainability Pledge, which heavily informed the design and running of the event.
In addition to hosting the event on two campuses, the event featured another innovative aspect: a Global Citizenship Fair. Here, students had the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from a diverse array of NGO’s (Non-Government Organisations) such as Afri, Comhlámh, Hope Foundation, ISSU (Irish Second Level Students Union), National Youth Council of Ireland, Plan International, Schools of Sanctuary, Self Help Africa, Tearfund Ireland, WorldWise Global Schools and Young Social Innovators.
With 21 schools in attendance and a great overall turnout 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 TD, 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 in the areas of Global Citizenship Education and Ethical Education in our network.
Adding an extra layer of excitement to the Dublin event, Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School used the opportunity to celebrate their 10th anniversary. It was a perfect way to commemorate a decade of commitment to equality-based education for second-level students.
If you are eager to learn more about both events, head over to the #GlobalEmpathy Highlights reel on our Instagram page. There, you will find updates from our Limerick and Hansfield media teams, capturing all the action and excitement.
