The ABC of Global Citizenship Education 2024

Date: 3 Sessions in total - Wednesday, 21 February 10.00am - 4.00pm, Tuesday, 27 February, 2-4.00 pm, Thursday, 21 March,10.00am – 1.30pm


Location: Session 1: Ormond Meeting rooms, 31-36 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7 , Session 2: Online via Zoom and Session 3: Ormond Meeting rooms, 31-36 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.



This 3-part training workshop on the ABC of Global Citizenship Education is being provided by IDEA and Concern Worldwide’s Global Citizenship team to support participants to deepen their understanding and develop their skills in Global Citizenship Education delivery.

 

Please note: This training course is similar to the course ‘the A-Z of Global Citizenship Education’ which was designed and delivered for the first time in 2023. Participants who attended that training in 2023 and are interested in attending this course should contact elaine@ideaonline.ie

 

Global Citizenship Education enables people to understand the world around them and to act to transform it. It works to tackle the root causes of injustice and inequality, globally and locally to create a more just and sustainable future for everyone. IDEA members use a variety of terms including Global Citizenship Education, Development Education, Education for Sustainable Development, Global Youth Work and related terms.

 

The training is targeted at newcomers to Global Citizenship Education but is open to all. It will also be useful to anyone who wishes to brush up on their Global Citizenship Education skills.

The training will:

 

  • Support educators to bring a global justice perspective to your educational work
  • Explore interactive and participatory approaches to Global Citizenship Education
  • Provide information on relevant resources and supports for your Global Citizenship Education work
  • Introduce you to the Code of Good Practice for Development Education
  • Increase understanding of the context of Global Citizenship Education in Ireland, including relevant stakeholders.

 

During session 2 we will be joined by a guest speaker – Briana Fitzsimons from the Hope & Courage Collective. The Hope & Courage Collective is an organisation that is working to inoculate our communities against the spread of hate and extremism in Ireland. During this training, we will provide an understanding of the far right in Ireland and some updates on the context they are currently operating in. We will then take a look at building a community response, which will include managing difficult conversations around these topics in educational settings. 


The ‘ABC Of Global Citizenship Education’ is being hosted by IDEA, in collaboration with Concern Worldwide, and will be facilitated by Elaine Mahon, IDEA, and Lauren Wright, Concern. It will take place over 3 sessions:

  • The first day will take place in-person in Dublin on Wednesday, 21 February 10.00am - 4.00pm, Ormond Meeting rooms, 31-36 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.
  • The second session will take place online Tuesday, 27 February, from 2-4.00 pm.
  • The third session will take place on 21 March 10.00am – 1.30pm, Ormond Meeting rooms, 31-36 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7.


Fees for members of IDEA is €50.00 and non-members of IDEA is €100.00. Fee for unwaged (refugees, asylum seekers, students, others) is €3.00 - this can be paid in person.


Registration for this event is now closed. If you would like to be added to a waiting list please contact Maximiliana





Biographies

Elaine Image

Elaine has worked for IDEA since 2013, where she manages the Capacity Development Programme supporting members of IDEA to increase their knowledge and understanding of DE/GCE practice, strengthening quality in their educational work and measuring impact. Elaine facilitated the development and roll-out of the Code of Good Practice for Development Education, which was led by IDEA members and is the first of its kind in Ireland. 


Elaine has wide-ranging experience in the Community and Voluntary sector  as a freelance facilitator and trainer specialising in areas relating to global justice, equality and interculturalism. Prior to working in IDEA, Elaine spent three years at the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). There Elaine engaged in the development of non-formal education resources including One World Week resources and providing advice, support and training to youth workers on DE/GCE. 


She has completed  a Certificate in Global Citizenship Education from Maynooth University.

Lauren has been a member of the Concern Active Citizenship team for six years and works with schools and young people across Ireland to deliver and support delivery of Development Education.


She is a qualified post-primary teacher with 12 years of experience working with young people. Lauren previously taught Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the UK, as well as working in the CAFOD Development Education team to develop education resources for youth groups.

 

Lauren holds a Master’s degree in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin, and has completed the Global Citizenship Education certificate in Maynooth University. 


Briana will be the guest speaker for session 2 of this training. Briana is the Community Engagement Lead for the Hope & Courage Collective. Before joining the organisation, she was a secondary school teacher for 13 years. In addition to her work with the Hope & Courage Collective, Briana is an award-winning author, DEI&B consultant and anti-racism workshop facilitator. 

August 11, 2025
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.
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August 2, 2025
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!
July 24, 2025
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 .