The ISSU launches its General Election Manifesto
Amidst the general election uproar, we are pleased to release our second-level student manifesto, outlining, the issues we need to see a new government tackle with haste.
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union is happy to announce the launch of their Second-Level Student Manifesto for the upcoming General Election. This manifesto highlights the issues and concerns of second-level students. The ISSU are seeking the support of all candidates in this general election on the issues outlined within this manifesto. Second-Level students’ cannot be left behind by the next government.
This manifesto covers the demands of second-level students in education, mental health services, climate crisis and vote at 16. Concrete plans and actions need to be taken by the next government to tackle these issues and to create positive outcomes which the ISSU have consistently campaigned for.
“Most second-level students’ in Ireland are not of the voting age to directly have their voices heard in this general election. Second-level students cannot be left behind. There are numerous issues facing second-level students which we have been addressed in our manifesto. Second-level students’ deserve quality and easily accessible education, we need radically improved mental health services, we need serious action to be taken on the current climate crisis to guarantee our future and we need to engage students’ in politics from a younger age by lowering the voting age to 16; these are among some of the priorities contained in our General Election 2020 Manifesto.”
The ISSU want the people that are elected in this general election to implement policies that are inline with the asks of second-level students’ outlined in this manifesto.
My Regional Council Experience
The new school term started off with a bang this year, with Regional Councils around the country taking place. Donegal held it’s biggest Regional Council to date during early October, with over forty students attending the event (it may not seem like a big number but we’re talking about the west of Ireland here). The event covered important topics for the students of Ireland, such as Climate Change, Direct Provision and Brexit. One main part of Regional Councils is the election for the National Council of Schools (NCS).
The event took place in LYIT, and after a few icebreakers, the students were split into teams and did a small Kahoot! quiz about ISSU. In those teams, a climate action debate was held. All groups were given different organisations (eg. Sinn Fein, Extinction Rebellion, Shell Oil, ect.), the students were then given time to research their organisation and their outlooks on climate change/action. Different motions were then brought to the floor and the debate began.
After everybody voiced their opinion (and then some), a walking debate about direct provision was held. Many people didn’t know a lot about the direct provision crisis, so this was a great way to get educated on these issues and voice their opinions on the matter.
After lunch, came the moment only the candidates were waiting for, the speeches. With only two being chosen from a selection of seven candidates, it was a tight game. During the counting of votes, a small opinion piece on Brexit was held and people revealed how it would change their lives and plans for the future (in relation to college and job prospects) Eventually, the wait was over, and the two new Donegal Representatives for the NCS were revealed.
In my opinion, the day was very informative and a great way for people to get involved in ISSU, especially since it’s probably closer to you than Dublin. Opinions from students attending the event:
James, Colaiste Cholmcille
“The event was very enjoyable, everyone got involved and the organisers were
very friendly. I would recommend that anyone with an interest in current affairs
should attend”
Claire, Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola
“I really enjoyed the event today, I felt it was good the way we all got to express
our opinions about important topics, I would definitely recommend attending
this event.”
Ashleigh, St. Columbas
“I thought today was a lot of fun. My eyes were opened to a lot of new topics.”
By Kate Coll
End of Regional Council Season!
After a very busy 2 months. ISSU have completed its most busiest Regional Council season to date!
After a very busy 2 months, the ISSU has completed its busiest Regional Council season to date!
Regional Councils are held to reach out to our member schools on a local level. We had over 202 schools present at 17 of our Regional councils. It was our first time holding events for regions such as Cavan-Monaghan, Waterford-South Tipperary , Mayo and more and we now have 390 schools as members of ISSU!
Our regional councils consisted of workshops, debates and discussions to give attendees an insight into the work we do on a national level. Our topics of discussion included;
Climate Action
Drug & Alcohol Abuse & Misuse
Direct Provision
Education Reform
RSE Initiatives
Student Council Resources
Negotiation Skills
Student Council Support Officer, Caoilfhinn at Cavan-Monaghan Regional Council
Most importantly, at our Regional Councils, we elected our Regional Council Officers for the 2019/20 term. At each regional council attendees could nominate themselves and run for a place on the National Council of Schools (NCS). We now have 36 Regional Council Officers with at least 2 in every region, which you will get the chance to meet soon!
Their work on the NCS will consist of liaising with our member schools’ student councils in their local region while also running their own local campaigns under the ISSU!
A very busy year to come and on behalf of the NSE, we would like to thank each and every student for attending their regional council, we cannot wait to see more of you at different events throughout the year and further on!
History Is Here To Stay
The Minister for Education Joe McHugh recently announced that he intends to keep history at a compulsory subject at Junior Cert level, which is glorious news for myself and fellow history enthusiasts.
The Minister for Education Joe McHugh recently announced that he intends to keep history at a compulsory subject at Junior Cert level, which is glorious news for myself and fellow history enthusiasts.
I may be biased as someone who has had a love of history instilled in me from a young age and is hoping to further study it at third-level, but I believe that history remaining compulsory is a good thing for all students, from those who love it to those who loathe it. I know some people may think that history is a bore and unnecessary. They are entitled to have these opinions, but I truly think that this decision is for the best.
First of all, one of the main reasons that studying history is so important for young people is that they learn about the country they live in and our story as a nation. I think it is critical for young people to learn about Ireland’s history in relation to Great Britain and our journey to independence, while also learning about women’s history, including the suffragettes and other aspects, to note how far the country has come in the last century— what battles we’ve fought and won.
On the other hand, I also agree with the point made by the Minister for Education, that we should also learn about the dark side of our history, such as the state’s mistreatment of women. Including the many scandals involving mother and baby homes, abuse of children and discrimination towards minorities such as the LGBT+ community and the Travelling community. It is vital for young people to learn about the negative parts of our history as well as the positive parts. It is essential to show them that Ireland has made mistakes, that we acknowledge these mistakes, learn from them and know we can never go back to the way certain things were. Therefore I also agree with Mr McHugh’s point that history should be taught at a young age to make us “well-informed, active citizens who understand the importance of history in shaping the future” *
I also want to bring in a point made by my fellow ISSU writer Charles Gallagher that although some people may think the Irish history curriculum is biased against the British, myself and Charles both agree that the “curriculum is not biased and that it is merely common sense and patriotism” considering Ireland’s horrific history with the UK.
Not only is it important for Irish history to be taught, it is also necessary to learn about other areas of history such as Columbus and the mistreatment of Native Americans and the cruelty shown towards African American people in the USA. It is important to study these other areas of history to understand the struggles of other people and to respect other countries and races.
To finish, I will reiterate my opinion that history remaining mandatory is in fact a good thing, despite the arguments against it, for all of the reasons I have mentioned above. I hope I will be able to continue studying and cultivating my love of history for as long as I can and that this decision by the Minister for Education will awaken a love of the subject in many more young people for years to come.
By Kate Duffy
We Want YOU! "Into the Workforce" Consultation Group Needs Your Input!
The ISSU is a close partner with many of the trade unions in Ireland, bridging the link between student and workers ‘ rights and ensuring that school students are educated about their rights in the workplace.
In the past, the ISSU has collaborated with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) on its annual “Skills Academy for Future Leaders”, as well as working with individual unions on an ad-hoc basis. In 2017 the ISSU collabprated with SIPTU on the #MyRightsAtWork campaign, giving second students access to advice services for free.
Now SIPTU, the largest trade union in Ireland, have created a 'Work Prep' workshop which outlines all of the most important and valuable information that young people need to know before they head into the workforce. It covers topics like claiming back emergency tax, your rights with regard to pay and conditions etc..
HOWEVER
Before this workshop is ready to go out to schools SIPTU are looking to recruit 15 young people to trial the workshop first and to give feedback. It is vitally important that students input to this, to ensure it is exactly what we require.
A consultation group meeting will take place this Saturday 23rd November in Liberty Hall, Dublin. The meeting will run from 10am to 1pm, with transport costs reimbursed.
To express you interest, or if you have any questions, please email Deputy President Chloe at chloe.griffin@issu.ie
Call for Constitution Reform Working Group!
We are putting out a call for members to join our consitution reform working group to review and reform ISSU’s consitution.
Aim:
The Constitution Reform Working Group will be taking the lead on re-writing the current constitution. This group will be leading various consultations with our members and proposing a whole new constitution which will be put forward at Annual Assembly.
Who:
People on this Working group will need to have a very high standard of working knowledge with the ISSU constitution and will need to understand the flaws contained within and have the ability to bring forward possible solutions and amendments to this critical document of the organisation.
The working group will consist of approximately 10 people, however this number is subject to change depending on the number of applicants and their calibre we may take more or less.
This working group will be led by Chloe Griffin and Sarah Harte
Anyone can apply for this working group including NSE, NCS and MC officers past and present!
Commitment:
People on this working group will need to be able to dedicate time to this role in order for this to be successful. A couple of physical meetings will be necessary, however we would be active online very regularly. Bi-weekly online meetings would also be necessary depending on the workload.
Deadline:
This working group will start work in late November / Early December 2019 with the aim of publishing the condition at least a month before Annual Assembly.
If you have any questions about this or if there is anything you wish to clarify please contact chloe.griffin@issu.ie
Apply here
Deadline for applications to this working group will be November 25th 2019 @ 5pm