What is Development Education?
Development Education is a very important part of the Global Solidarity programme. Along with our international trade union solidarity actions it forms the solid basis of our work.
There are many different ways to describe Development Education. The definition is important because it decides how we act. But in this case we do not need to formulate a definition, because Irish Aid's definition of development education is so clear:
"An educational process aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, interdependent and unequal world in which we live. It seeks to engage people in analysis, reflection and action for local and global citizenship and participation. It is about supporting people in understanding, and in acting to transform the social, cultural, political and economic structures which affect their lives and other at personal, community, national and international levels"
Certified Global Solidarity Champions in December 2009. From left; John King SIPTU, Niall McGuirk PSEU, Mutale Kampuni IMPACT, Stellan Hermansson GS Officer ICTU, Ciara Melinn CWU, Mamadou DIallo ITUC, Vivienne Lawler ICTU, Adrienne Power CWU, Berni Power UNITE, Robert McDaid Sligo Council of Trade Unions, Deirdre Canty SIPTU. Photo: John Chaney.Irish Aid's definition clarifies that it is both about understanding our unequal world and about engaging and acting to transform the world. This is exactly what the Global Solidarity programme is all about.
We engage trade unionists in studies and interactive learning processes to better understand the causes of exploitation and poverty. This knowledge would just be depressing, if it was not linked to concrete solidarity actions for transformation of the social, political and economic structures. Therefore the development education in Congress is closely linked to our work for international trade union solidarity.
The development education project is funded by Irish Aid and aims at raising awareness of the Global Solidarity issues amongst our members.
The international trade union solidarity work and campaigning is our own responsibility and commitment.
