Understanding and supporting diversity and inclusion in schools will be the focus of a free public conference held at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) on Saturday 14 October. Organised by the Diversity and Intercultural Education Network, the conference will bring together the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, educators and those engaged in education and youth services for a day of brainstorming and idea-sharing on how to best support inclusion in schools.
Launched in March 2023, the Diversity and Intercultural Education Network (DIEN), aims to create a space for teachers, educators and stakeholders interested in intercultural education and culturally sensitive pedagogy to explore and share knowledge about issues of diversity, interculturalism, inclusion and best-practice. The Network has a national reach in terms of demographics and geographical location in Ireland.
The upcoming conference, which will be held at MIC’s Thurles campus, will include topics on special needs education, displaced children, and migration narratives. The event will close with workshops on sexuality and identity in young people and mental health and well-being of teacher/educators. The keynote speech will be delivered by Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon
According to Santhi Corcoran, co-founder of DIEN: “Education is the platform in which ignorance can be addressed, myths and rumours challenged and both factual and positive messages promoted. Promoting a more culturally sensitive pedagogy, concepts of human rights, and equity in the classroom, within learning spaces and teacher education programmes will contribute to a more culturally inclusive and welcoming school community. A reimagined space where children feel they belong, and the diversity of the school community strengthens the learning environment. To support this approach teachers/educators must be empowered with skills and knowledge that enables them to be confident practitioners who can deal with complexity and diversity in the classroom. Ethical intercultural education is key to developing respect, compassion, and integration in inclusive learning communities. To accomplish this, we as educators must plant seeds for a society of respectful, compassionate, and ethical citizens. Along with co-founder of DIEN, Narrell Byrne, I invite all those interested in or working in education and with young people and migrants to this free conference.”
The event takes place on the MIC Thurles campus (E41 C424) and is free and open to all. You can register your place by clicking here.
