Saolta launch – Mansion House, Dublin 2

On Thursday, January 30th 2020 we launched our newest programme Saolta in the Mansion House, Dublin.

NEW PROGRAMME, 'SAOLTA', LAUNCHED IN THE MANSION HOUSE FOR THE ADULT AND COMMUNITY SECTOR IN IRELAND.

Saolta, a new development education programme aimed at the adult and community sector in Ireland was launched Thursday the 30th of January in the Mansion House, Dublin. The nationwide programme will improve and deepen development education opportunities in Adult & Community Education. Drogheda based Development Education organisation Development Perspectives is the lead partner in the programme’s consortium which also includes AONTAS, Concern Worldwide, Irish Rural Link and the Adult and Community Education Dept of Maynooth University.

The event was attended by representatives of government bodies, nonprofits, educational institutions, as well as members of the community education sector.

The event was emceed by Michael Doorly, Head of Active Citizenship in Concern Worldwide and chairperson of the board of director for Development Perspectives who warmly welcomed the attendees to the beautiful surroundings of the Mansion House. During his introduction Michael spoke of the current passion in Irish society towards combatting the challenges of climate change and asked how we can build on this momentum to also include issues of poverty, hunger, conflict? He highlighted that Saolta will work with a variety of stakeholders in the Adult and Community sector including Institutes of Further Education and Public Participation Networks in order to create action across communities in Ireland.

The keynote speech was delivered by Orla McBreen, Director of the Civil Society and Development Education Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who highlighted the importance of the Adult and Community sector in addresses the current challenges that face our world and added that her department and others want to advice on how to work most effectively.

Michael Doorly then introduced the panel of speakers made up of Suzanne Kyle from AONTAS, Tom Collins from the National Water Forum, and Bobby McCormack from Development Perspectives who all spoke passionately about the role of education in society and the connection between what happens in own communities and how it connects to a larger global picture.

The floor was then opened up to questions and comment from the audience.

The event closed with a contribution from Michael Kenny from Maynooth University who echoed education’s ability to be an instigator a change.

To find out about Saolta go to www.developmentperspectives.ie/saolta