Pupils in Dublin are set to benefit from a pioneering programme that will see them get the low-down on Dublin City Council in their classrooms.
The Knowing Dublin guide, unveiled by Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne, is designed to be used by Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) teachers across the City to help young people get to grips with what the Council does for them and how they can engage with their city. It was researched and written by public library staff.
The Knowing Dublin guide, in both English and Irish, is available from the Central Library, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1 and can be downloaded here. Each Dublin City branch library has a reference and a lending copy.
Over sixty Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) students have already taken part in a pilot workshop on ‘local democracy at work’ in the Council Chamber, meeting with the Lord Mayor and senior managers to find out first-hand what is involved in the day-to-day management of Dublin City.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne, said: “We would like to encourage people to consider what an important role their local authority plays and how they can actively influence their city’s future direction. Most of us never stop to think what would happen if there were no rubbish collections, no libraries or parks? How many of us understand the role of international relations and research in the city or how Special Policy Committees (SPCs) influence Council’s policy?
“If you live, work or study in Dublin City, everything that the Council does affects your life. It is important for every citizen of Dublin to understand the role the City Council plays and how they can work together with the Council to make a real and positive difference to life in the city. The Knowing Dublin booklet will help young people, as well as other citizens, understand what a central role the Council has in the civic life of the City.”
Comments on this entry are closed.