5 minute read
PUTTING THE YOU IN EUROPE
IRD Duhallow Visits Local Schools
By NOLLAIG MURPHY and LENORA KELLY Development Officers, IRD Duhallow
Through the years, people of all ages and walks of life have participated in Communicating Europe events. This initiative serves to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives, and improve the quality and accessibility of information available in relation to European issues. Under this programme, knowledge is shared and participants are encouraged to expand their interest in the policies and structures of the EU.
From this, the public will be equipped with information to engage with policy makers and to discuss issues which are of importance. Transition year students in four local schools took part in interactive workshops delivered by Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe, and while the EU was the focus, students also learned about LEADER and other important EU funded programmes which have supported rural development in the Duhallow Region. Students will soon get the opportunity to meet with some of the MEPs for Ireland South to learn about their experiences as well as bring their own thoughts to the table.
As emigration numbers rise, retaining youth in rural areas like Duhallow is more important than ever, and through the Communicating Europe programme, students are encouraged to contribute their ideas and hopes for the Ireland and Europe of the future.
Over the past fortnight, IRD Duhallow was delighted to organise workshops in local secondary schools through the current 2024 Communicating Europe Programme.
The Communicating Europe Programme is an initiative by the Department of Foreign Affairs that supports projects aimed at improving public understanding of the EU and its policies. It promotes activities such as media campaigns, educational programs, and public events to raise awareness of the EU’s role and benefits. The program encourages dialogue between the public and policymakers in order to stimulate interest and participation and to encourage an understanding of democracy in Europe. IRD Duhallow was awarded funding to deliver workshops in the Duhallow area, and to date four local schools have availed of interactive events which have been facilitated by project tutor Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe. Bespoke workshops have been delivered in Scoil Mhuire Kanturk, Millstreet Community school, Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Rathmore and Boherbue Comprehensive School. Under the title of Communicating Europe, the EU and its Citizens workshops specifically included information on the span of valuable work undertaken through thirty years of the LEADER programme in Duhallow and the Social Inclusion SICAP programme. Students learned about the national, local and regional impacts of EU membership and had visual presentation of projects specifically benefiting local communities.
Dr. O’Keeffe explained to the groups the value of the LEADER programme, which is supported through European funding and has helped to develop everything from community centres and recreation facilities to local walks and playgrounds, tourism accommodation to activity centres and culture facilities to training initiatives. LEADER has helped projects relating to small and medium business to set up and expand, creating employment and encouraging people to remain, return, live and thrive in rural areas.
Dr O’Keeffe provided an overview of how post-World War Two the development of the EU came to fruition, with class discussions taking place on what being part of a union entailed and what it meant for Ireland. The groups learned about other member states, when they joined the EU, why some countries are not in the EU, and if they use the euro or not. The groups learned about the various structures of the EU and its principal institutions, and how the landmark fifty years of membership is considered pivotal within Irish history.
Dr O’Keeffe provided an overview of the students of the 14 Irish members of the European Parliament, the recent European Election held in May, and the recent appointment of the Irish EU Commissioner for Justice, Michael McGrath.
The next phase of this project will entail the local secondary school Transition Year students being facilitated with an opportunity to meet with some of the MEPs for Ireland South, who were elected in May 2024. The MEPs for Ireland South are Sean Kelly, Billy Kelleher, Kathleen Funchion, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Michael McNamara. Students will be able to reflect learning outcomes from the Communicating Europe project to the MEPs, including discussing some the issues that they feel are of most importance to young people living in the Duhallow region.
