Every year, across a number of subjects, Global Citizenship Education (GCE) activities are planned and implemented. GCE is underpinned by 5 key principles – Question what we know and make space for different ways of thinking, Find root causes of inequality/injustice, Prioritise human rights, Make local to global links, Act in Solidarity.
The funding comes from Irish Aid each year. 10 years on from our first application, we are immensely grateful for their ongoing support. This fund supports the use of fair trade and ethically sourced materials in the Home Economics kitchens. Training and supports are available for all staff interested in pursuing a GCE-themed approach to teaching their subject area. A half-year module on Development Education is delivered to TY students, which includes a yearly field trip.
At the beginning of the school year, student council members received training from WWGS Education Officer Lizzy Noone where we looked at the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on root causes of injustice and how we can make meaningful local to global links within our school community. 5th year Geography students enjoyed a fascinating field trip to the Dunshaughlin Workhouse, hosted by AFRI and Sonairte, where they looked at patterns of migration.
Other initiatives include an event to mark International Women’s Day every year in March. In recent years we have hosted such inspiring figures as the disability rights activist and sports journalist Joanne O Riordan, local County Councillor Yemi Adenuga, who made history by becoming Ireland’s first ever elected black female public representative. Last year, past pupil and recently elected TD Aisling Dempsey regaled our 6th years.
