April Minister Launches New Website for Global Citizenship Award

EIL Intercultural Learning is delighted to announce the launch by Minister of State for the Diaspora & International Development, Ciarán Cannon TD, of the Global Citizen Award website, mentor video and participant handbook on Tuesday, 3 April at a special ceremony at NUI Galway.

The new Global Citizen Award website captures the actions of returned international volunteers who are raising awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a wide range of global social justice issues affecting communities all around Ireland. The website is also a development education resource that gives an insight to international volunteer’s reflections on their overseas experience and their continued engagement upon return to Ireland.  

“These resources will work towards strengthening individual's understanding of global justice issues and highlight the work being done by returned international volunteers to raise awareness of global issues in communities all over Ireland,” said Global Citizen Award Coordinator, Áine Ní Éalaí. The Global Citizen Award mentor training video utilizes animation and interviews with award mentors to give new mentors an overview and guidance on how best to support people through the Award journey.

The event also marks the award of four travel scholarships to NUI Galway undergraduate students to participate in the EIL Intercultural Learning placement programme in Asia and Latin America for summer 218. Vivienne O’Kelly, Co. Sligo, Alina Ostrowska, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Aidan O’Sullivan-Ryan, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Cliona Langley, Arran Islands, Co Galway, will receive training and preparation and engage in community projects in Ireland and aboard as part of the scholarship. Member of the Global Citizen Award adjudication panel and Volunteer Coordinator at NUI Galway, Lorraine Tansey said, “At NUI Galway we recognise the diversity of Galway and embrace building the next generation of global citizens that can bridge local and international intercultural experiences through enabling student participation in national awards and scholarship opportunities.”

EIL Intercultural Learning is an Irish not for profit organisation which provides intercultural learning opportunities through study abroad, volunteer abroad, language training, travel awards, group educational programmes, and other cultural immersion activities for about 2,000 people each year. The Global Citizen Award, initiated by EIL Intercultural Learning, aims to mobilise returned international volunteers, to inspire members of the Irish public, and to become more active global citizens by increasing their understanding of global issues. It is sponsored by Irish Aid and supported by our partner organisations. The award is recognised by Comhlámh and Irish Development Education Association. EIL Intercultural Learning and the Global Citizen Award are excited about the new opportunities these elements offer to Award participants, Global Citizen Award Alumni and the wider development education sector. For more information please see www.globalcitizenaward.ie  .

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