Oxfam Ireland, with the support of Irish Aid, is proud to announce the official launch of the Global Education Movement (GEM), a groundbreaking initiative designed to advance Global Citizenship Education (GCE) across Ireland.
The charity to addresses a persistent gap in community-rooted education with a focus on the root causes of injustice around the world and what we can do about it.
The launch will take place on 16 January 2026 at Wexford Opera House from 11:45am-2pm, hosted by Minister of State Neale Richmond. The day marks a significant milestone in empowering those in the heart of local communities to take action on global justice, with Oxfam’s Wexford store on the Main Street acting as the launchpad.
GEM addresses critical gaps in global education by fostering community-based learning and engagement. Through interactive workshops, self-paced online modules, scholarship opportunities and the Gaisce bronze award; GEM equips individuals with practical knowledge and motivation to tackle pressing global challenges such as gender justice, climate responsibility, migration, and economic inequality.
"Education is the foundation of justice. Through GEM, we’re not just raising awareness; we’re hopefully giving individuals the tools and confidence to challenge inequality and build a fairer world. By working with schools, community groups, and organisations across Ireland and the Global South, we’re ensuring that global citizenship education can include everyone in its transformative ethos."
— Itofa Ivarah, Global Citizenship Education (GCE) Officer at Oxfam Ireland
“Partnership is at the very core of the work," Itofa contines. "By connecting local action to international challenges, we’re creating spaces where people can both learn and lead change together. Feeling empowered enough to become an ‘active’ citizen doesn’t happen overnight, but Oxfam want to be there every step of the way in our communities."
Collaboration from the heart of local communities
The movement is underpinned by strategic collaborations with Gaisce - The President’s Award, South East Technological University (SETU), Bohemians Football Club, and 17 Global South partners; ensuring a diverse approach to education and advocacy.
Over the next two years, GEM will be implemented across 24 locations, leveraging Oxfam’s network of 45 stores nationwide to create vibrant hubs for learning and action.
Oxfam Ireland currently has over 600 active volunteers who give of their time to help run the 45 shops. They are a diverse group ranging from long-term volunteers over decades, more short-term who volunteer to gain work experience and perfect their English-language skills, refugees to Ireland, access-supported volunteers and volunteers on community employment schemes.
The event will feature a keynote address by Minister Richmond and interactive sessions showcasing GEM’s objectives and anticipated impact. Attendees will include community leaders, educators, TDs, Oxfam volunteers, Irish Aid representatives, and partner organisations.
What is Global Citizenship Education?
GCE encourages individuals to see themselves as global citizens who can make a difference through everyday community action. It aims to foster empathy and solidarity with people in the Global South by learning how to advocate for a fairer world.
Oxfam Ireland began work on its Global Citizenship Education programme in 2023 as part of a four-year grant. Throughout 2025, with helpful guidance from Irish Aid, GCE in Oxfam Ireland was redesigned to focus on in-person education for volunteers in the 45 Oxfam Ireland shops across the island of Ireland, the customers in the shops and the general public in the areas where the shops are located.
By embedding Global Citizenship Education from recruitment through to recognition, this will support Oxfam Ireland volunteers to see themselves not only as shop supporters, but as empowered global citizens, actively contributing to justice and systemic change. We look forward to engaging with volunteers in Wexford as a first stop, with Itofa Ivarah next heading to our Holywood store in Co. Down.
"Education is the foundation of justice. Through GEM, we’re not just raising awareness; we’re hopefully giving individuals the tools and confidence to challenge inequality and build a fairer world. By working with schools, community groups, and organisations across Ireland and the Global South, we’re ensuring that global citizenship education can include everyone in its transformative ethos."
