Global citizenship education

With funding from Irish Aid, we educate schoolchildren and the Irish public about international development, disability inclusion and the global goals.

Sightsavers Ireland runs educational workshops and events to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and disability inclusion, and their role in helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Funded by Irish Aid, the Global Citizenship Education programme teaches schoolchildren about disability-inclusive development and Ireland’s development programmes. It helps to develop their sense of global citizenship by exploring issues that affect people in low and middle income countries, so they can learn about the world, explore their values and get involved in bringing about positive change.

We use virtual reality headsets, school resources such as lesson plans and the award-winning Put Us in the Picture website to engage with children, and encourage interactive learning through creative activities such as games, music, dance, poetry and storytelling.

Sightsavers Ireland also engages with Irish Aid by participating at public festivals and events, and supports initiatives such as the Global Solidarity Hub, to raise awareness about Ireland’s development work. The programme also develops partnerships with schools and organisations of people with disabilities in Ireland and West and Central Africa.

How we promote global citizenship

Maichata, who has a visual impairment, wears glasses and a surgical mask while sitting at her school desk.

Schools and colleges

We run workshops with schoolchildren and help develop workbooks and school lesson plans. We also share knowledge with students and professionals on disability-inclusive development.

A large group of primary school children smile and pose for a photo as they hold their artwork.

Public events

Our Junior Painter competition invites children to learn about equality for people with disabilities and create an artwork. We engage with Irish Aid at events and festivals such as All Together Now.

Three people with disabilities at a training session on sexual and reproductive health rights.

Partnerships

We collaborate with organisations of people with disabilities and schools in Ireland and Africa to share experiences and strengthen engagement around disability inclusion in development.

1 / 3

An audience listens to a presentation by Sightsavers Ireland at All Together Now festival. — Sightsavers Ireland attended the All Together Now festival, where visitors could learn about our work with Irish Aid.

Two women wear virtual reality headsets while sitting in front of a poster that shows the alphabet in Braille. — Virtual reality helped people gain an insight into what life is like for people with disabilities in West and Central Africa.

Three speakers sit onstage at a panel event supported by Sightsavers Ireland. — Attendees were also able to listen to panel discussions about international development issues.

Learn about our partnership with Irish Aid

Sightsavers and Irish Aid

We protect sight, fight disease and make sure everyone can claim their rights.

Find out how your support can make a huge difference and change lives.