Bulelani Mfaco: Growing up in the apartheid ghetto of Khayelitsha in Cape Town, Bulelani Mfaco became involved at an early age in protests for adequate housing & access to land with Abahlali Base Mjondolo, health care in the Khayelitsha Health Forum, and improved policing in neighbourhood watches. In 2017 he claimed asylum, seeking protection from violence and targeted killings of LGBTQ+ people. He is one of the Spokespersons for the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) where he is campaigning for the right to work for all asylum seekers, and to end Direct Provision. Bulelani is also on the board of the Hope & Courage Collective, and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.
Exploring Contemporary Issues through Global Citizenship Education: 'Social Inclusion in times of Rising Xenophobia'
Date: Wednesday, 15 May, 12.30-2.00pm
Location: Online via Zoom
IDEA is collaborating with Comhlámh to host a webinar on ‘Social Inclusion in times of rising Xenophobia’ #4 on our webinar series : Exploring Contemporary Crises and Issues through Global Citizenship Education on Wednesday, 15 May, 12.30-2.00pm, online via zoom.
This webinar will look at an existing gap in Ireland of refugee and migrant integration, resettlement, and community engagement in Ireland. More specifically speakers will explore how this gap, in a time of austerity and multiplying barriers to overall social inclusion feeds xenophobic, anti-immigration, racist and far-right narrative sentiments. This event will also aim to discuss and explore the ways global citizenship education, the international development and humanitarian sector can become pro-active players in filling that gap. Key questions we will ask ourselves are:
- How can these sectors reach out to local actors and community groups and become active participants in building the connections needed to promote social cohesion and intercultural diversity?
- How can we make sure that intersectional solidarity is at the heart of our responses and that the voices of those affected are centred?
The speakers will be Joe Munnelly, a PhD in Humanitarian and Development studies graduating from UCD’s Centre for Humanitarian Action; Bulelani Mfaco, one of the Spokespersons for the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI); and Sarah Kelleher, CEO of Lourdes Youth & Community Services (LYCS). The moderator for this webinar is Dr Caroline Murphy, CEO of Comhlámh.
This event is fully booked!
Biographies
Joe Munnelly: Joe has a PhD in Humanitarian and Development studies graduating from UCD’s Centre for Humanitarian action. His research background has focused on Europe’s refugee crisis and his doctoral research was focused on the social integration of refugees in Ireland. Joe also has years of experience in advocacy and campaigns having worked as Advocacy Officer for Oxfam Ireland and Failte Refugees.
Dr Caroline Murphy is currently working as the CEO for Comhlámh. She has over 15 years’ experience of working for organisations across the Irish International Development sector with key experience in educational drama, development education, strategy, policy, and safeguarding. Her PhD focussed on ‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed’ and ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’, exploring applied theatre as a method for confronting issues of injustice and oppression.
Sarah Kelleher has worked as CEO of LYCS in the North East Inner City for over 20 years. With a background in youth work and community development, Sarah has vast experience of working in inner city communities both in Ireland and in the UK. She has recently gained a 1st Class Honours in M.A. in Management: Community & Voluntary Services with Dublin City Univeristy. Sarah has a special interest in policy development and measuring qualitative outcomes of programmes delivered to hard-to-reach communities. She has also served as a Board member of a number of local and national voluntary organisations and statutory agencies.
Budget 2026: Investing in Global Citizenship Education is Investing in Global Solidarity “Ireland has received international recognition for its development education strategies… Without additional investment, we cannot seize the opportunity to turn development-aware children into development-aware adults.” - OECD DAC Peer Review of Ireland Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here . For over half a century, Ireland has invested in Global Citizenship Education (GCE), enabling people across the island to explore complex issues such as climate justice, human rights, and equality - and to take informed action for a more just and sustainable world. Between 2021 and 2024, €33.6 million was invested in programmes reaching over 1.2 million people, helping to embed GCE across schools, communities, and other learning spaces. This investment has made Ireland a European and global leader in the field. But in today’s turbulent context - with rising disinformation, polarisation, climate emergencies, and deepening inequalities - the need for GCE has never been greater. As Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, told the IDEA Annual Conference in May 2025: “Now is the time to focus on the hard issues… These are among the greatest challenges of our time.” Why Now? Budget 2026 comes at a critical moment. Ireland is: Running out of time to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Preparing a new national GCE strategy for the next five years. Operating in a global context where democratic values, human rights, and multilateral cooperation are under unprecedented strain. The OECD has commended Ireland’s strong GCE strategies but has also warned that without additional investment, we risk falling short on SDG Target 4.7 - ensuring all learners acquire the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development. Our Key Budget 2026 Asks: Increase investment in GCE Move towards the widely recognised target of 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA), using a cross-departmental approach and accounting for inflation. Current spending is 1.2% of ODA - far below the €26 million annually needed to reach the 3% target. Boost GCE/ESD funding under “ESD to 2030” Provide adequate and dedicated funding for projects led by organisations, schools, and higher education institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development. Create dedicated GCE/ESD funding lines Integrate and resource GCE/ESD within the SDG National Implementation Plan, Climate Action Plan, and National Action Plan Against Racism, recognising that climate justice and anti-racism are core components of global citizenship. Increase Ireland’s ODA Commit to a €300 million increase in Budget 2026 to make tangible progress towards the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030. Adopt Coalition 2030 recommendations Implement budget measures that ensure resources reach those furthest behind first, and align budget lines with specific SDG targets. Beyond Funding – Policy Coherence and Decent Work In addition to resourcing, GCE requires stronger coordination across government departments and better integration into policies, institutions, and networks. GCE practitioners must also have secure, decent working conditions in line with SDG 8, ensuring that expertise is retained within the sector. The Opportunity for Ireland Ireland is respected globally for its principled, values-based approach to international development. By investing in GCE now, we can: Strengthen civic trust, participation, and resilience in our society. Equip citizens to navigate complex global challenges. Ensure Ireland remains a strong, independent voice for justice, solidarity, and human rights on the world stage. Budget 2026 is our opportunity to protect the progress made, scale up impact, and deliver on our commitments. IDEA and our members are ready to work with Irish Aid and across government to ensure Ireland continues to lead with integrity, foresight, and global solidarity. _______________________________________________________ Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here to explore our recommendations in detail and see how, together, we can strengthen Global Citizenship Education in Ireland and beyond.
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!
IDEA invites tender submissions from interested auditing service suppliers to provide auditing and associated professional services to the organisation from the year ending 31 December 2025. IDEA is seeking to engage an experienced auditing service firm that will provide the full range of auditing services required to fulfil its statutory obligations, to comply with relevant accounting and reporting standards and best practice. All submissions to be made to sal@ideaonline.ie You can find the full details here. The deadline for the application is Monday, 11 August, 5pm .
