We need to talk about Palestine

Our first Conversation Circle of 2020, 'We need to talk about Palestine', (19 Feb 2020) focussed on two perspectives from the region: Fatin Al Tamimi, the chairperson of the  Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign , and Patricia Owens, who recently returned from three months with the  Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI).  

Fatin is a Palestinian/Irish citizen, living in Ireland since 1988. Her main goal is to raise awareness and work on ending oppression, inhumanity and injustice in the world and strive for peace in Palestine. Fatin believes the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) movement, is one of the most effective ways to promote Palestinian rights and achieve justice.   

Patricia has worked in the area of education for a number of years.  In August 2019 Patricia volunteered in Yanoun, a small rural village in the North of the West Bank for three months with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). As an EAPPI volunteer, she provided a protective presence and monitored human rights abuses.   

The event opened with a presentation from Patricia on her three months as an ‘EA’ (Ecumenical Accompanier). She reminded us that the Occupied Palestinian Territories are roughly the same size geographically as Co. Galway with a population which is 25 times the size of Co. Galway. She shared her experience of Yanoun which is a very vulnerable community of an small and ageing population is close proximity to new Israeli settlements and outposts. In Israeli law, outposts are distinguished from settlements authorized by the Israeli government. This distinction between illegal outposts and “legal” settlements is not endorsed by international law, which considers both a violation. There has been an international presence of EAPPI in Yanoun since 2002. Patricia volunteered accompanying farmers and shepherds who were grazing their flocks on their own land outside the village, and were often approached aggressively by Israeli settlers who wanted to push them back into the village. 

Fatin shared her work with the IPSC, who are not aligned with any political party. It aims to promote awareness of Palestine as a human rights and justice issue, as well as celebrating Palestinian culture and showing solidarity with Palestinian refugees all over the world.  The IPSC is also promoting the  Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement  which is a civil society action since 2005.  The Occupied Territories Bill * is another way to support justice for Palestine and it is currently passing through the Houses of the Oireachtas. 

The conversation focused on the importance of an international connection with Palestine, and the hope this can give people living in Palestine. The situation can often appear to be hopeless and people living in Gaza and the West Bank demonstrate huge resilience in the face of occupation. The EAPPI programme provides for ‘principled impartiality’ to uphold human rights and international law. Another example provided was of the EA team accompanying Palestinian children to school where they must pass Israeli soldiers and trying to maintain calm in a tense atmosphere.  

As Development Educators, we are urged to keep Palestine on our agenda as a global justice issue. We have an important role to play in raising awareness of the lived realities of people in Palestine and the affect on their access to education and employment. Showing solidarity with Palestinians can happen through school-twinning initiatives, volunteering in Palestine, raising the issue with our elected representatives and considering the BDS movement within our own organisational procurement policies and personal lives as consumers. 

*Trócaire has a guide of FAQ on the Bill here:  https://www.trocaire.org/news/what-you-need-know-about-occupied-territories-bill   

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 .