News & Announcements
Praxis Week 2024 - Keynote with Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trócaire
In an insightful and participative keynote event held on April 16th, 2024, during the university's annual Praxis Week, Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trócaire and a notable figure in global social justice, captivated both students and faculty with her discussion on the transformative power of Development Education in higher education settings.
Interactive Workshop Engages University Community
In true Development Education style, Ms. Caoimhe de Barra deviated from the usual speech or PowerPoint format and facilitated an interactive workshop to explore the essence of Development Education, emphasizing its critical role in engaging students and staff with global challenges. The workshop encouraged participants to reflect on their personal experiences and how these can be harnessed to foster a deeper understanding and commitment to global citizenship.
Personal Stories to Global Action
Participants shared poignant personal stories, from dealing with personal tragedies to confronting social inequalities from a young age. These narratives set the stage for a broader discussion on current global issues such as poverty, climate change, and social justice, aligning them with Trócaire's strategic goals.
Engagement with Current Student Concerns
The workshop also addressed present-day challenges faced by students, including the cost of living, job market uncertainties, and mental health issues. Caoimhe highlighted the importance of linking these personal experiences to larger global realities, advising students on maintaining a balance between being informed and looking after their own well-being.
Trócaire’s Educational Initiatives Introduced
The keynote highlighted Trócaire's commitment to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. Caoimhe introduced several of Trócaire’s initiatives, such as the Development Education programme, which offers resources and workshops designed to educate and inspire action among young people and educators.
Our Commitment to Global Citizenship Education
The participants, many already involved with the Praxis Project, evaluated the session as helping them to reaffirm their commitment to incorporating global justice themes into their work. Participants were inspired by the insights shared by Caoimhe de Barra, an experienced global justice advocate. The event underlined the importance of academic institutions playing an active role in educating and mobilizing students to be proactive global citizens. Indeed, the issue of partnerships between INGOs such as Trócaire and the university, were also discussed.
Looking Forward
The Praxis Project plans to continue its collaboration with Trócaire and other organisations to provide students with practical experiences and opportunities to engage in meaningful social change. UCC staff and students are encouraged to integrate GCDE themes, methodologies and resources into their teaching methodologies to enrich educational experiences.