Learning about Sustainability as well as Local & Global Development this year, 2C CSPE class visited the workhouse in Carrickmacross, where we went on a guided tour of the site, learning about the impact of An Gorta Mór on the people of Monaghan. Learning about the layout of these buildings – 163 workhouses were built in Ireland between 1841 and 1851 – and the terrible conditions which drove famine victims to enter a workhouse was so affecting.
Global Citizenship Education (GCE) explores the root causes of global and local injustice – encouraging students to think critically, build empathy and take meaningful action towards a kinder, fairer and more sustainable world. https://www.worldwiseschools.ie/global-citizenship-education/
When we went on to visit Síolta Chroí, a farm outside Carrickmacross, we were then able to take a look at the causes of famine, exploring topics such as food security (SDG 2 Zero Hunger) and sustainability(SDG 15 Life on Land). Gareth Conlon from Development Perspective was our friendly host and guide, having worked with the students in CSPE class on Sustainability, prior to our visit to the site. Students got an opportunity to explore a farm where the focus is on regenerative agriculture – they got to plant potatoes and trees and meet the ponies, chickens, ducks and alpacas that call this farm home. Bingo the Jack Russell was a firm favourite with the girls!
This field trip helped the students use a GCE lens to explore Sustainable Development Goal 2 Zero Hunger. “The stories of suffering, hunger and starvation students heard at the workhouse are not relics of the past, but a living reality woven into the fabric of our world today.” https://www.afri.ie/education/
The students were accompanied by Iníon Ní Anluain and Ms Caffrey on the day. Many thanks to Worldwise Global Schools (WWGS) who supported with part-funding of this year’s CSPE field trip.
