Workshop: Healthy Conflict & Constructive Dialogue - Educators' Guide to Depolarisation

Date:  Tuesday 18 February 10.30 am - 4pm, Wednesday 19 February 10.00 am - 3pm

Location: Carmelite Community Centre, 56 Aungier St, Dublin, D02 R598



This 2-part training workshop is being provided by IDEA to support educators in practically addressing and successfully engaging with polarising views and topics when carrying out GCE/DE programmes and activities.


IDEA has invited Tvrtko Pater a trainer from HERMES, Croatia to introduce participants to a guide developed by the DARE Project ('Depolarisation Activism for Resilient Europe'). The guide is a practical toolkit for educators engaging with learners on all issues related to Global Citizenship Education and aims to support educators to confidently deal with polarising views and controversial topics. The guide contains both a theoretical section which uncovers the psychology and sociology of polarisation in society, and is followed by a vast number of exercises and  skill-building activities that seek to empower individuals to seek out, engage with and enter into dialogue with people whose views (radically) differ from their own on questions of identity, belonging, discrimination, globalization, and power inequalities. Over the course of two full days, the trainer Tvrtko Pater, will run you through the toolkit step by step, using practical examples of methodologies and approaches, and support you in bringing them to your own educational context and practice.


The DARE project is a strategic partnership between five civil society organisations from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, Serbia and Sweden. It was created to inspire a critical learning space and youth-led and action-oriented dialogue about various contemporary challenges such as polarisation, radicalisation, mental health, human rights violations. The method’s theoretical background is inspired by and rooted in Narrative Therapy, Positive Youth Development, Non-Violent Communication approaches, Critical Pedagogy, Conflict Transformation and Bohmian Dialogue.


Please note that there is a fee to attend this event.

Fees for members of IDEA is €50

Fees for 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 has now closed. Please email anya@ideaonline.ie to be added to the waiting list.


The training takes place in person in Dublin over two full days. Places are limited and priority will be given to participants who can attend in full for both days.


A print-out copy of the guide will be distributed on the day, please let us know in the comment box as you register if  you do not desire a hardcopy. 


Image Credit: Jenkin Shen

Attribution: Pexels.com



Biographies


Tvrtko Noa Pater is a Croatian educator who works in the fields of Holocaust education, rhetoric, facing history and depolarization. He has over 20 years of teaching experience working in various contexts, some examples of his previous work are: a trainer at the Model International Criminal Court (MICC) educational programme, a Peer Guide trainer for the “Anne Frank - A History for Today” travelling exhibition and a British Parliamentary debate trainer. Tvrtko was also the lead trainer during the “DARE - Depolarisation Activism for Resilient Europe” project. 



August 25, 2025
The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) has joined a growing coalition of Irish civil society groups in endorsing a critical open letter, urging the Irish government to formally join the Hague Group and push for an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people. The appeal, initiated by IDEA members Comhlámh and Afri, demands that Ireland act decisively ahead of the Hague Group’s 20 September deadline, coinciding with the 80th UN General Assembly. Ireland has already sent a representative to participate in a recent Hague Group meeting, signalling its engagement with this urgent international initiative. However, civil society organisations stress that formal membership and full endorsement of the Group’s six measures is now essential if Ireland is to match its words with action. Halting arms transfers to Israel. Preventing military transit and servicing of vessels carrying such goods. Enforcing shipping controls, including penalties like de‑flagging. Reviewing public contracts to eliminate state support for occupation. Pursuing national or international investigations for serious international crimes. Enabling domestic prosecutions using international jurisdiction. The open letter outlines grave concerns over escalating atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, including settler violence, land dispossession, home demolitions, and forced displacement. It points out that, while UN efforts have been blocked, the Hague Group offers an immediate and tangible path toward justice. For IDEA, the call is also about upholding the principles of Global Citizenship Education (GCE). At its core, GCE is an educational process that helps people of all ages understand global interdependence, think critically about injustice, and develop the skills to take meaningful action. It cultivates empathy, solidarity, and responsibility, encouraging learners to connect local and global struggles. Supporting the Hague Group is therefore not only a matter of foreign policy, but also an expression of Ireland’s commitment to educate for justice and to model these values in practice. Ireland has until 20 September to join the 13 countries that have already committed to six concrete pledges at the Hague Group summit. As the deadline approaches, this coalition is calling on all TDs and Senators to publicly back Ireland’s membership, advocate for the six pledges within government ranks, and ensure that formal commitment is secured before the UN General Assembly convenes. Find out more here.
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.
Smme
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Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!