About ATHRU

ATHRU is an Education for Sustainability project, proudly supported by Pobal through the New Solutions Social Innovation Fund.

In November, 2025, Education for Sustainability was awarded the New Solutions Scaling Up Grant by An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta / Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for our new project: ATHRU, Raising Awareness of the Transition through Hope with Action, Resilience & Understanding.

The New Solutions Programme is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Union, through the European Social Fund Plus.

ATHRU: Raising Awareness of the Transition through Hope with Action, Resilience & Understanding 

What is ATHRU?

ATHRU is a climate action programme supporting groups in educational settings and communities across Ireland to turn environmental concerns into real, lasting change.

Through hands-on workshops and dedicated project support, school and community groups across the country will take part in comprehensive climate literacy training and design and deliver practical projects rooted in local needs, building skills, strengthening communities, and creating something lasting.

What does the programme include

ATHRU welcomes DEIS schools, Gaelscoileanna and schools in rural areas and community groups from all backgrounds and perspectives. The programme uses everyday language and connects environmental action with things people already care about: healthier eating, saving money, building friendships, learning new skills, or creating spaces everyone can enjoy.

Why is ATHRU needed?

We are in climate crisis and young people in marginalised communities are disproportionately affected. This means:

  • Systematic exclusion from the climate conversation
  • Exclusion from the green transition and emerging job opportunities
  • Limited voice in climate solutions

ATHRU provides the knowledge, skills and tools to give hope and agency.

Our solution

We will provide comprehensive climate literacy training, deep classroom engagement, teacher and school management training, and local community action projects simultaneously.

Project Aim

ATHRU aims to bridge the gap between environmental awareness and real community action, supporting groups across Ireland to develop practical climate projects that build lasting skills, connections and resilience.
 
Participants gain access to:
  • Practical workshops covering topics like growing food, reducing waste, building community resilience, all designed around what your group wants to achieve.
  • Project funding – getting community groups kick started and linked-in with funders to grow projects even further.
  • Expert support to help plan and deliver a project that works for local communities and leaves a lasting legacy.
  • New skills and connections that participants can use in their own lives, share with others, and build on in the future. 

Project Outcomes

  • Enhanced climate literacy in marginalised communities
  • Green skills development for emerging job opportunities
  • Community resilience building through local action
  • Reduced educational inequality in climate education
  • Youth leadership in sustainability initiatives

Project updates

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The awards were presented by Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and at the Department of Transport.

Pobal’s vision is to create an equal and inclusive society in partnership with Government and communities.

Learn more about EU Funds here.