Institutions and Partner Organisations

Gaisce and HEI Partners: University of Limerick, University of Galway, University College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, University College Cork, Atlantic Technological University, Dublin City Unversity.

Description

The Roots and Shoots Initiative is designed for third-level students to promote the connections between local actions and global impacts and foster a sense of shared responsibility in how we address systemic challenges.  This initiative aims to enhance the volunteering landscape amongst third-level students to build awareness and understanding of Global Citizenship Education (GCE).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Through a series of hands-on training workshops, conferences and residential experiences, students will develop a critical understanding of interconnected global issues, recognise how local actions can have global implications, and embrace the concept of shared responsibility for the planet. Over 200 students across campuses will participate in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) workshops, intervarsity sessions, and two in-person residentials. Students can gain recognition of these learning experiences through the Gaisce Medal Programme. Gaisce participants will have the opportunity to be recognised for their non-formal learning and achievements while also completing the Community Involvement aspect of their Gaisce Award.

• This project is designed with students, as we seek to transform student volunteering and action into a powerful tool for global awareness and community engagement.
• It will provide students with opportunities to engage as active citizens, making meaningful contributions across their local and global environments.
• This will involve trainings, workshops, networking opportunities and a symposium with student volunteers from the global community.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The learning strategies bridge across three dimensions to embed ESD:

Local engagement

• Promote opportunities for students to volunteer at local level in communities
• Recruit and match students to volunteering opportunities that contribute to the SDGs
• Students encourage and support others to engage in volunteering with a sense of shared understanding of GCE
• Train volunteers on the Roots and Shoots of GCE and link the global context of the SDGs.

National engagement

• Three events focussing on SDG 17 and an exploration of the ethics and values of partnerships
• A 5-day residential event for students to critically explore SDG 17 and integrate the value of local and global partnerships within a GCE Framework
• PALs and Gold Gaisce participants mentor Silver and Bronze Gaisce participants to develop a deeper understanding of GCE in both HEIs and national-level

International Engagement

• Online conference for students between 6 Gaisce equivalent organisations (3 from Global North and 3 from Global South) to explore volunteering and SDG 17 in different contexts, sharing best practice for HEI level GCE-related activities.

Assessment Strategy

In addition to students individual reflection diaries at StudentVolunteer.ie overall measurement includes:

• Pre- and Post-questionnaire for participants collected before and after the workshop. Observations of facilitators in relation to participation and workshop materials as qualitative evidence.
• Numbers in attendance and Evidence of participation in workshop events and creation of visual art outputs. Exit survey for participants.
• Qualitative semi-structured interview with 4 participants. Quantitative survey indicating knowledge gained, understanding of concepts, likelihood to act upon learning
• Participant evaluation surveys. Evidence of Terms of Ref for the conference. Evidence of discourse about the learning and links between issues faced. Creation of 6 case studies.

Impact and Outcomes

We aim to enable students to grow their awareness of interconnected global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deepen their understanding of the connections between local actions and global impacts, and encourage their sense of shared responsibility in addressing systemic challenges. This project marks a bold step forward in integrating volunteering and Global Citizenship Education into the student experience with a long term impact of empowering young people to make meaningful contributions to address global challenges.

Collaboration, Partnerships & Student Participation

‘Roots and Shoots: A Higher Education Global Citizenship Initiative’ is a joint partnership between Gaisce – The President’s Award and Student Volunteer Ireland (StudentVolunteer.ie), funded by Irish Aid.

Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award, said:
“This launch marks an exciting new chapter for student volunteering in Ireland. We are delighted to present this invaluable opportunity to third-level students to delve into Global Citizenship Education while supporting their journey to achieve their Gaisce Award. Through this initiative, we hope to empower young people to recognise the power of their action, locally and globally, foster a sense of responsibility for the world we all share and support their achievements in non-formal learning and real-world experience. I am proud of the collaboration between Gaisce and Student Volunteer Ireland, and I look forward to seeing the impact these students will make as active global citizens.  We would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of Irish Aid in supporting this important initiative.”

Student Engagement

Roots and Shoots will engage 100 students in the Global Citizenship Education workshops, and a further 100 students in the Intervarsity, Symposium and Residential.

Disciplines

• Education
• Teaching and Learning

Programme

Roots and Shoots is available to all third level students on an extra-curricular and co-curricular basis.

Best Practices & Resources

Top Tip

Reflection with a project team across collaborative partners supports a strengths based approach.

Useful Resources

• developmenteducation.ie
• www.StudentVolunteer.ie
• www.gaisce.ie/programme-partners

Funding Details

Irish Aid, Global Citizenship Education Grant