WorldWise Global Schools Conference 2018
News
14 May 2018
Students from Loreto, Clonmel and Loreto, Letterkenny
On 24th April 2018, three hundred post-primary students and their teachers from over 70 schools descended on the Galmont Hotel Galway for the fifth WorldWise Global Schools Annual Conference. WorldWise Global Schools is Ireland's national Development Education programme for post-primary schools. Since 2013 the programme has worked with 350 schools nationwide to integrate Development Education into all aspects of teaching and learning at post-primary level. Development Education (DE) equips both educators and learners with the knowledge, skills and values to act ethically and sustainably in a world that is both complex and highly interconnected.
Second level students inspired to take action on Global Justice at the 5th WorldWise Global Schools Annual Conference in Galway. Pictured are, clockwise from top right, Bunmi Ojejimi (16) from Scoil Chriost Ri in Laois, William Olabode (13) from Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School in Dublin 15, Shania Panganiban (14) from Blakestown Community School in Dublin 15 and Caoimhe Crumlish (16) from Moville Community College in Donegal
This year the focus was on Global Citizenship and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Moville Community College Transition Year students performed their song about the Global Goals which was sung to the tune of "Hit the Diff." On the student panel, the girls from Millstreet Community School in Cork inspired with their campaign about Fairtrade and the unforeseen global effects of Fast Fashion, including landfill, air miles and resultant climate change. They brought their exhibition 'Wear Your Waste' to other local schools.
Coláiste Dhúlaigh, Dublin, tackled the issue of migration and homelessness. Students read their poems, including a beautiful poem in both Vietnamese and English on the theme of separation from a loved one. They had also challenged a government minister to find an alternative to direct provision for our asylum seekers.
Newpark Comprehensive 'Kick Plastic Outta the Park'
Newpark Compehensive are very concerned about the global environmental impact of plastic waste. Their project "Kick Plastic out of the Park" saw them ban all single-use plastic out of the school and replace plastic cutlery in the canteen with ethically produced bamboo.
Students from various schools showcased their work and the afternoon session focused on Taking Action where students worked in groups to outline an issue and developed a plan of action to address it.
Rachel McEntee and Israel Olajide from St Olivers, Drogheda with Anne Payne, Irish Aid
The final event of the day was the awarding of the Global Passport Awards. This is an accreditation for DE which offers schools a framework to integrate DE into their teaching and learning. This year, 32 new schools were awarded the Global Passport, bringing the total schools in receipt of the Award up to one hundred and forty one.
Michael Doorly with students from Millstreet Community School, Co Cork
Michael Doorly from Concern Worldwide was MC on the day. He said:" Global Citizens aren't just people who vote, they hold politicians to account even before they can vote. Global Citizens not only obey the law, they also at times challenge the law. If a law is unfair, if it is unequal, active citizens challenge the law.
He said: "You have been challenged to deliver the SDGs by 2030. That's what we're about today. We're about Global Action. Make some noise. Tomorrow's world is inheriting better children, with passion, commitment and knowledge, these three things make you unstoppable".
Working together to achieve the Global Goals