Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects

In this episode of the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast, Ciara Regan revisits her 2021 conversation with Kevin Squires of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC).Their discussion, centred on Irish activism in response to Israel’s 2009 assault on Gaza, remains deeply relevant today. Since 2023, Palestine has endured over 440 days of live-streamed genocide, as civilians continue to suffer the ongoing effects of relentless bombardment, forced displacement, and humanitarian collapse.The question then, as it is now, remains: What can we do? Kevin recalls the widespread outrage as people witnessed the systematic killing of civilians. Their response took many forms, from mass protests and boycott campaigns to grassroots activism against Israel.Irish Solidarity with Palestine: Then and NowDuring the 2009 assault, the IPSC published a full-page newspaper advert condemning the attacks—a public declaration of solidarity funded by people determined to take action. The overwhelming response reflected a widespread rejection of Israel’s occupation and violence.However, activism did not stop there. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement continued to grow, urging people to boycott Israeli goods, pressure corporations, and demand meaningful government action.Why This Conversation Matters TodayReflecting on these events, Ciara highlights the emotional impact of long-term activism. While policies and protests often dominate discussions, it is essential to remember that behind every statistic, every attack, and every war crime, there are real people with stories that must not be forgotten.The genocide against the Palestinian people continues, with mass displacement, starvation, and relentless bombings. Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, a hospital director in Gaza, was abducted and tortured in Israeli detention, alongside hundreds of other medical professionals.In moments of despair, collective action is our most powerful tool.As Arundhati Roy reminds us:“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”This podcast is a tribute to those murdered and a call to action for renewed solidarity.Now, more than ever, solidarity, action, and unwavering commitment to justice are needed. If another world is possible, it is up to us to make it so.

Sometimes, the most impactful lessons emerge from the simplest tools. In the latest episode of the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast, host Ciara Regan speaks with Lizzy Noone, Education Officer at WorldWise Global Schools. Together, they discuss how a single ball of string can be used in global citizenship education as a way to explore our interconnectedness, and our shared responsibility to uphold human rights.“The ball of string serves as a metaphor: every action we take is part of a larger global tapestry.”Show notes: Check out the Ball of String object and explainer in the  Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects exhibition courtesy of Lizzy Noone and Worldwise Global Schools.Related teaching resources on developmenteducation.ieInteractive teaching methods: 30 Activities to Explore Development Education 5 Point Starter Guide to Doing Global Citizenship EducationPrimary Education: Global Citizenship Education: Curious Teachers, Critical ClassroomsPost Primary and Higher Education:Teaching Controversial IssuesConnecting Cultures – Sustaining Our World: Lessons Learnt Toolkit

In this episode, Ciara Regan speaks with social justice and human rights activist Caoimhe Butterly about the essential role of hope, reflection, and rest in sustaining activism. At the time of recording, Caoimhe was based on the island of Lesvos, Greece – a critical point on the migratory journey for tens of thousands seeking refuge and international protection.Caoimhe reflects on the harsh realities of life in refugee camps, describing the disempowering limbo experienced by so many. Caoimhe also chats about solidarity work and the trial of rescue workers including Seán Binder for their efforts to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean.Check out more episodes in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects series or subscribe.The Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast is hosted by Ciara Regan.This episode was produced by Dylan Creane and Tony Daly. Music by Jump Lead.Brought to you by developmenteducation.ie and supported by Irish AidShow notes: This episode was recorded on the margins of the rescue workers trial in Lesvos, Greece in early 2023News report: Irish man Seán Binder faces 25 years in prison in Greece for helping rescue migrants from the Mediterranean, The Irish Independent (Nov 2021)Greece drops espionage charges against Seán Binder, RTÉ News (Jan 13, 2023)A number of objects from the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects exhibition relate to the topics discussed in this episode:RefugeesWelcome Unions Say No to RacismA Family’s Journey to RefugeBoats at SeaCharon’s Boats, XRLifejacketsTeacher resources on developmenteducation.ieMythbuster: 10 Myths About Migration & RefugeesPost primary & youth resource: Global Rights, Noble Goals: Refugees, Migration, The Sustainable Development Goals And YouthPrimary resource: Journeys: A Teachers Handbook for Exploring Migration and Migrant Rights in the Primary Classroom

In this episode, Ciara Regan caught up with visual arts educator Fiona King.From the art squad to curriculum design and teaching, Fiona King has been building communities of art practice and teaching art education and socially engaged art for over 20 years.Fiona King is the coordinator of The Professional Master of Education (PME) programme, a lecturer and researcher in Art Education within the School of Education in the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Dublin.Fiona also co-leads the trail blazing Change Lab initiative in the NCAD Gallery with Tony Murphy as part of an immersive Ubuntu Network experience that takes place annually for student teachers to grapple with their identities as researchers, artists and educators by exploring the potential of art as a social commentator.For more, explore The Artist’s Notebook object that was submitted by Fiona and Tony to the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects exhibition (the notebook is available online). A special note of thanks to Fiona and Tony for the formative discussions in the canteen in NCAD and for supporting the project from brainstorm to launch night in what became the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects exhibition.Check out more episodes in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects series or subscribe.The Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast is hosted by Ciara Regan.This episode was produced by Dylan Creane and Tony Daly. Music by Jump Lead.Brought to you by developmenteducation.ie and supported by Irish Aid

It’s been 4 years since the global School Strike for Climate event. In this episode of the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast, Yvonne O’Callaghan reflects on that seminal moment in May 2019, and many moments since then where young people have taken the lead, saying:‘They have broken down more barriers than anyone before them in terms of activism over the last 20 years.’In this episode, guest host Tony Daly caught up with trade union leader Yvonne, who believes ‘This is about the future and we need to make sure future generations, including young people, are involved in how we tackle climate justice right now, not in 10 years.’ In SIPTU’s 22nd May 2019 statement in advance of the climate strike event in her capacity as SIPTU Global Solidarity Campaign Secretary, Yvonne said:‘Our union is built on the belief that through collective action real and progressive change can be achieved. Our activists are honoured to have been asked to assist a number of grassroots organisations of young people who are focused on ensuring that there is effective action taken to deal with the existential crisis that is climate change.’Yvonne was one of the supporting adults in the trade union movement in Ireland in the lead up to the climate protest in Dublin, contributing a high-vis vest as worn by dozens of volunteer marshals towards the exhibition. Yvonne is Head of Equality and Policy in SIPTU Trade Union, chair of the ICTU Global Solidarity Committee and chairperson of Fairtrade Ireland. For more, check out the School Strike for Climate – Marshal Vest object in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects online exhibitionFor listeners, some periodic background noise can be heard as this episode was recorded on the side-lines of the Fairtrade General Assembly in Nairobi in June 2022. Check out more episodes in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects series or subscribe. The Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast is hosted by Ciara Regan.This episode was produced by Dylan Creane and Tony Daly. Music by Jump Lead.Brought to you by developmenteducation.ie and supported by Irish Aid

Is it possible to go online today and avoid misinformation? And what about the work involved in writing about global issues such as FGM  - in Ireland and elsewhere - and testing the interest of readers to know about them and take action?In this episode, Ciara Regan caught up with award winning journalist and feminist Órla Ryan of TheJournal.ie, who believes “it’s through education and awareness that things can change.” Órla talks about what it was like meeting former circumcisers involved in female genital mutilation, the power of her platform working in a newsroom, her views on the term ‘fake news’ and shares tips for young people (particularly women) interested in exploring roles in journalism. Órla’s work has been acknowledged in its commitment to highlighting humanitarian issues and  highlighting social injustices happening in Ireland or abroad in the Irish Red Cross Journalism Excellence Award and the Justice Media Award. More recently, Órla is the creator and presenter of the 6-part documentary podcast series Redacted Lives which explores mother and baby homes in Ireland and  tells the stories of people who passed through the system (released on November 10th 2022).Explore Órla Ryan’s three-part series on FGM and women’s rights in Kenya on TheJournal.ie:Part 1: ‘I used to cut the girls, sometimes I would cut the wrong part and they would bleed terribly’, July 21st 2019Part 2: ‘I’ll give you a goat and then you can forget about the rape’, July 22nd 2019Part 3: ‘Girls are forced to have sex in exchange for sanitary pads or 50 cents’, July 23rd 2019.Check out more episodes in the Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects series or subscribe.The Irish Global Solidarity in 100 Objects podcast is hosted by Ciara Regan.This episode was produced by Dylan Creane and Tony Daly. Music by Jump Lead. Brought to you by developmenteducation.ie and supported by Irish Aid