Inspiring Day for Future Change Makers at Maynooth University
Education for Sustainability, funded under the Research Ireland Discover programme, brought over 100 students from the heart of Dublin to Maynooth University to explore concepts related to the green transition and develop their green skills.
Watch the video to get a glimpse of the day!
The CLOuD Project is an innovative, collaborative initiative aimed at inspiring and equipping children from central Dublin with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a sustainable future.
The CLOuD Project has been running through 2025 with a focus on hands-on learning and community engagement.
Early feedback from participants highlights increased awareness, confidence, and a sense of empowerment in facing climate-related challenges.
Through interactive experiences and educational workshops with our expert facilitator Tarren Leigh Agnew-Skalska and led by Hilary McNamara, participants are introduced to concepts such as climate justice and climate literacy, empowering them to understand the challenges and solutions surrounding environmental change.
On this special day, students heard from Prof. Katriona O Sullivan, Director of the National Research Centre for Inclusive Higher Education, and Prof. Jennie Stephens, Professor of Climate Justice at the ICARUS Climate Research Centre, about opportunities and options in third level for all.
The CLOuD Project was created in response to the growing need for environmental education and the urgent call for climate action. Ensuring students have the tools, mentors, and experiences to foster a sustainable mindset, this event aims to transform uncertainty and concern about climate change into positive engagement and practical action.
“Our aim is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to engage in climate literacy. Through this project, we are guiding students to see themselves as active participants in building a just and sustainable future.”
Commenting on the event, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland said: “The CLOuD Project is a great opportunity for young people to learn about concepts related to the green transition and develop their green skills. We are delighted to support it through the Research Ireland Discover programme. This event will help students understand the green transition and empower them to contribute their valuable talents to tackle challenges head on.”
About Our CLOuD Project
This event was part of our project, CLOuD – Climate | Literacy | Outreach | inclUsion | Diversity, an outreach and engagement project bringing climate literacy education directly to Dublin’s DEIS schools, funded under the Research Ireland Discover Programme.
The Research Ireland Discover Programme focuses on creating meaningful public engagement with STEM, emphasising collaboration with communities. The programme seeks to drive innovation in STEM education and public engagement, contributing to Ireland’s industry, enterprise, and societal progress.
Collaborating with inspiring leaders in climate literacy, diversity and inclusion, including professor and author Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan, youth volunteering organisation, Localise Youth Volunteering, and sustainable fashion community hub, Change Clothes, and Susan Adams and the Education for Sustainability team, we’re building on the great work already happening in our communities to further develop active citizenship for a more sustainable future.
For more information about the Cloud Project or to get involved, please contact Education for Sustainability at hilary@educationforsustainability.ie.
And to keep up-to-date on the project, please follow us on LinkedIn.
