Three Global Solidarity Champions' own comments on the course.
John O'Brien, UNITE
John O'Brien, INTO, receives his Global Solidarity Champion certificate from the Deputy General Secretary of the International Trade Union Conferederation Jaap Wienen 7th April 2009. Photo: John Chaney."Attending the Global Solidarity Champions course has given me a great insight into the possibilities of how the trade union movement, both nationally and internationally, could have a significant role in promoting and actively supporting change in the lives and organisations of working people in the developing world. The level of information and discussion at the course was very accessible and realistic, showing how the actions of individuals and individual trade unions, in a structured and coordinated way, could achieve great things in time. "
John Bowen, Cork Council of Trade Unions
John Bowen receives his GS Champion certificate from Jaap Wienen ITUC, April 2009. Photo: John Chaney."As one who has had an interest in issues effecting workers and their families in the Developing World for a long time, I decided to enrol on the Global Solidarity Champions course to broaden my knowledge and understanding of these. I found the course to be very informative on all the topics it covered. It had a good balance of speakers from both Irish and International Trade Unions, development bodies and Irish Aid.
I found that the course more than fulfilled my expectations of it and would strongly recommend fellow Trade Unionists to sign up for a future course. You will not be disappointed."
Mutale Kampuni, IMPACT
Mutale Kampuni, IMPACT, receives her Global Solidarity Champion certificate from Mamadou Diallo ITUC on the 1st of December 2009. Photo: John Chaney."The course enhanced my awareness of the many issues affecting the lives of workers in different parts of the world, from climate change, to entrepreneurship development, forced labour and trafficking.
More importantly, I learnt that it is possible to actively contribute to international solidarity work by developing relationships with trade unions in less advantaged countries. We can engage in positive actions through setting up solidarity committees within our workplace."
