News and Events
3rd Annual Social Justice Human Rights Conference for Second Level Students (CETSS/SASS)
On Tuesday, December 10th 2024, International Human Rights Day, 180 Transition Year and Politics and Society students from Cork Educate Together Secondary School, Carrigaline Community School, and Millstreet Community School came together for an inspiring event. The conference was co-organized by Michaela Alfred-Kamara of Cork Educate Together Secondary School and Shirley Martin from the School of Applied Social Studies at University College Cork (UCC).
The theme of this year’s event was Equality, Justice, and Freedom, and students had the opportunity to engage in six dynamic workshops. Each workshop ran three times throughout the day, offering students a range of perspectives and practical tools for activism. Facilitators included:
- Hope and Courage Collective, addressing key human rights issues;
- Financial Justice Ireland, exploring global economic inequality;
- Oein DeBhairduin, a Traveller activist and representative of the National Museum of Ireland;
- Sumaya Mohammed, a former CETSS student and current UCC student, who guided students in building their own activist toolkits;
- Raphael Olympio from the Cork Migrant Centre, sharing insights into migrant rights and advocacy, and;
- Dr. Monica Oikeh, GP and Green Party electoral candidate, who explored health and social justice issues.
The day began with a warm introduction from the School of Applied Social Studies, followed by a special letter from President Michael D. Higgins’ Office.
Students also received a video message from Taoiseach Simon Harris, and enjoyed music from Cork musician Josie Flood. The event concluded on a high note with a musical performance by Raphael Olympio.
Students described the day as informative and inspiring, with many expressing a renewed determination to address inequality and injustice in their own communities.