Meath Partnership

About the Programme

The Connecting Cultures – Sustaining Our World programme, funded by Irish Aid, is a two-year project running from 2024 to 2026, providing Global Citizenship Education (GCE) training in County Meath.

This project aims to empower communities by providing a deeper understanding of how policies, practices and attitudes link to influence inequality both locally and globally. Through an engaging and interactive learning approach, participants will explore the core pillars of GCE; Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Systems Analysis and Active Citizenship.

The training will feature knowledge-sharing sessions led by experts from organisations including the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA), Development Perspectives and Social Justice Ireland, offering insights into the practical application of GCE. The programme will also highlight the connections between GCE, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global Human Rights, underlining the importance of integration, inclusion and social justice in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

Key Components

• Train the Trainer: A two-day GCE course designed for adult and community educators, as well as community and voluntary workers in County Meath. This training introduces GCE concepts, their connection to the SDGs, and their role in shaping policies that drive meaningful change, equality, inclusion and integration.
• Meath Citizens Training: A series of in-person and online workshops tailored for residents in Meath who are at risk of social exclusion. These workshops will be delivered annually, engaging participants who have accessed Meath Partnership programmes such as the Education and Training Centre, Tús, SICAP, the Rural Social Scheme and LEADER. The focus will be on self-advocacy and empowerment, with the aim of equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to actively shape their communities.
• Meath Partnership Staff Training: As one of Meath Partnerships core aims is to serve individuals at risk of social exclusion, it is essential to understand the root causes of poverty and social injustice. Staff training will embed a GCE ethos into the organisation’s work practices, strengthening its capacity to support service users and drive positive social change in Meath.
• Co-Innovation Lab: Residents from County Meath who participate in the training will advance to the Co-Innovation Lab, where they will develop a GCE-based community activity. Over three days, they will engage in Design Thinking, Ideation and Testing, guaranteeing that the activity is impactful and relevant to their own local context.
• Final Event: The innovative activity developed during the Co-Innovation Lab will be officially launched and shared with the wider public. The event will feature roundtable discussions exploring current social justice issues and how GCE initiatives can raise awareness of inequalities and support the development of local solutions within communities.

Impact and Sustainability

This project aims to encourage transformative change in County Meath by promoting inclusivity and raising awareness of the importance of GCE and the SDGs. Through education and engagement, it will drive lasting positive change within local communities.

• Target Group Participants: Individuals who take part in the training will develop a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion in their communities. They will gain a deeper understanding of the complex systems shaping local, national and global development, as well as their role in driving change as engaged and proactive citizens. Participants will leave with enhanced knowledge of GCE and be better equipped to take meaningful action.

• Adult & Community Education (ACE) Practitioners: ACE practitioners will gain a greater understanding of GCE principles and values, along with the confidence to integrate this knowledge into their organisations and educational activities, strengthening their teaching and community engagement efforts.
• Community Organisations: Community organisations will deepen their understanding of GCE and use this knowledge to develop practical strategies that promote inclusion, equality and sustainability within their networks and activities.
• Residents of County Meath: Local residents will benefit from increased awareness of GCE and its relevance to their everyday lives. They will gain insight into the roles of policymakers and their own responsibilities as active citizens which will encourage greater participation in community and civic life.

Target groups for Meath Citizens Training 

Further Information

For further information please contact Fiona Duignan, Global Citizenship & Integration Officer - email.

Or contact the Meath Partnership offices on 046-9280790 to speak directly to one of the team.