This interactive workshop introduces participants to some of Paulo Freire's most influential ideas, including listening, generative themes, coding and facilitating reflection that leads to action. Drawing on approaches from Training for Transformation, participants will experience practical tools for fostering dialogue, collective learning and grassroots leadership in educational and community settings.

Facilitator: Peter Dorman has worked in community development and education for over 40 years and has been involved with Partners Training for Transformation for four decades. 

Inspired by the work of Paulo Freire and Augusto Boal, this participatory workshop introduces drama-based methods for exploring power, privilege and social change. Through movement, discussion and active learning, participants will experience practical tools that encourage critical thinking, meaningful dialogue and action for a more just world.

Facilitator 1: Ellen Corby,  GCE Coordinator, LYCS

Facilitator 2: Mica O’Dwyer, GCE Worker, LYCS

Paolo Freire’s writings remind us that alongside tools and session plans, what counts is how we show up as educators - the presence we bring, our self-knowledge, our regard for others and the extent of our own learning disposition. This experiential workshop offers participants a chance to explore these threads through a sequence of activities drawn from Gestalt Theatre. Inviting curiosity over judgment, presence over perfection. For this workshop, be ready for some movement and self-inquiry. 

Facilitator:  Sive Bresnihan, A trainer and facilitator in Global Citizenship Education

Drawing on Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed and traditions of African liberation thought, this participatory workshop explores how education can foster critical consciousness and collective action. Through dialogue, reflection and social critique cartoons, participants will examine issues of exclusion, power and belonging while identifying practical ways to promote justice and social transformation in their communities. 

Facilitator: Daniela Catalina Jiménez-Montero, A feminist economist from Costa Rica and Community Engagement and Legal Information Officer with Africa Solidarity Centre Ireland

Drawing on African musical traditions rooted in resistance, community and storytelling, this interactive workshop explores how music can be a powerful tool for Education for Liberation. Through song, movement and dialogue, participants will learn how music has challenged injustice, built solidarity and amplified marginalised voices, while reflecting on its role in fostering critical consciousness and collective action. 

Facilitator 1: Gloria Nomalanga Zulu, Artist and Member of African Queens.

Facilitator 2:  Neo Florence Gilson, Artist and members of African Queens.

’Pleasure Activism’ creates the conditions for dialogue, connection and collective learning that are essential to Education for Liberation. Through creative print-making, discussion and reflection, participants will explore barriers to pleasure, belonging and participation while considering how joy and creativity can support community building and social change. The workshop offers a playful and accessible space to reflect on activism, wellbeing and collective liberation. 

Facilitator 1: Aleesha Wiegandt,  a creative facilitator, community organiser and multidisciplinary artist based in Cork.

Facilitator 2: Zoë McKenna,  a pleasure activist, artist, musician, and Global Citizenship Educator based in Cork.