News & Events

A special programme for empathy education developed at University of Galway is to be expanded into Transition Year (TY) in secondary schools nationwide.Activating Social Empathy is a practical classroom resource designed to help teachers promote empathy skills and understanding among young people in the Senior Cycle.The programme was developed by researchers at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway, along with colleagues in the University’s School of Education, working closely with a Youth Advisory Panel from Foróige. It is endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment.Actor Cillian Murphy is a patron of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway and a supporter of the empathy education initiatives.  Described as a new micro-module, the new TY course complements the existing Junior Cycle Activating Social Empathy resource which was announced in 2020. It offers age-appropriate lessons and activities that challenge TY students to explore empathy in more complex social contexts.            Dr Charlotte Silke, lead researcher with UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, said: “The core aim is to support young people in becoming more attuned to the feelings and perspectives of others, and more confident in expressing empathy across a variety of real-world contexts.”  The Activating Social Empathy schools programme is supported by the Irish American Partnership and Lifes2good Foundation, Cillian Murphy and partners of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Foróige and Penn State. The TY micro-module, is informed by theory and practice in the area of social and emotional learning and the resources are underpinned by research evidence relating to the development and expression of empathy during adolescence.It is designed to strengthen students’ empathy skills through 10 interactive lessons, using scenarios and video and other learning methodologies supplemented by comprehensive sample materials. The programme encompasses three interconnected components: Cognitive Empathy (i.e., awareness or understanding of others’ perspectives); Emotional Empathy (i.e., feeling with, or for, another person), and Empathic Action (i.e., translating understanding and feelings into supportive, helpful actions). Students also learn about strategies to address empathy barriers and engage in empathic actions across diverse contexts.            Professor John Canavan, UNESCO Chair, Children, Youth and Civic Engagement and Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, said: “For young people growing up in a world marked by rising social polarisation, environmental crises and mental health issues, socio-emotional and behavioural skills are increasingly valued as part of education policies designed to address broad dimensions of learning. Empathy is a process of understanding others' perspectives, feeling for others and taking supportive action."The Activating Social Empathy Manual is available as a free resource to all schools in Ireland and can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/33rfvmus  Ends

UNiTE to end violence against women #NoExcuse University of Galway is joining with 15 third level education institutions in Ireland as part of the global campaign - 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This is our second year collaborating on this important campaign. The campaign gets underway today Tuesday November 25th - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The UNiTE 2025 campaign focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse: Ending digital violence against all women and girls. This year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality. Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “As a university community, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all. Our work on preventing and responding to gender-based violence reflects this responsibility. Informed by research, policy and best practice, we aim to raise awareness, support those affected, and strengthen a culture grounded in dignity, equality and accountability. Through a collective and evidence-based approach, we strive to ensure that every member of our community feels protected, valued and empowered.” Niamh Kavanagh, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Manager at University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway is proud to join forces with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and SVH (Sexual Violence and Harassment) colleagues from 15 other higher-education institutions nationwide - to deliver a meaningful, sector-wide response to this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.Together we are committed to raising awareness, standing in solidarity with survivors, and driving an inclusive culture of prevention, accountability and respect across the education sector.” The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs until December 10th (Human Rights Day). It was launched in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute as a call to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence worldwide. Now, with the backing of the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign, universities, organisations, and individuals around the globe are joining the cause. University of Galway calls upon students, staff, and the wider community to participate in these 16 Days of Activism to foster a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence. What is digital abuse? Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls. This includes: - Image-based abuse/non-consensual sharing of intimate images – often called revenge porn or leaked nudes. - Cyberbullying, trolling, and online threats. - Online harassment and sexual harassment. - AI-generated deepfakes such as sexually explicit images, deepfake pornography, and digitally manipulated images, videos or audio. - Hate speech and disinformation on social media platforms. - Doxxing – publishing private information. - Online stalking or surveillance/tracking to monitor someone’s activities. - Online grooming and sexual exploitation. - Catfishing and impersonation. - Misogynistic networks – e.g. manosphere, incel forums. How to Get Involved - Promote Zero Tolerance: Use your voice to spread a message of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls. - Engage Leaders: Advocate for policies that enforce zero tolerance towards violence and protect women’s rights. - Support Local Women’s Organisations: Donations and volunteer support are critical to the success of these organisations. - Share Awareness Using #NoExcuse: Amplify the message on social media, in schools, workplaces, and communities. - Wear or display the colour orange – a symbol of hope and a future free from violence. Join the 16 Days conversation on social media The national campaign at third level institutions includes University of Galway; Atlantic Technological University; Dublin City University; Dundalk Institute of Technology; IADT - Institute of Art, Design and Technology; Mary Immaculate College; Munster Technological University; Maynooth University; South East Technological University, Technological University Dublin; Technological University of the Shannon, University College Cork; University College Dublin; University of Limerick; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; and Trinity College Dublin. Read more about University of Galway’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Programme of work here and about the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence schedule of events here and via  Instagram and LinkedIn.  Ends

University of Galway has recognised seven primary and secondary schools for their outstanding commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive, and safe environments for all students. The awards ceremony was held at the University’s Institute for Lifecourse and Society, celebrating the official designation of the seven schools as Champion Schools of Sanctuary. A Champion School of Sanctuary is the highest level of the Schools of Sanctuary programme, which follows a "Learn, Action, Share" framework to foster a culture of welcome, challenge prejudice and build understanding about forced migration. These schools demonstrated actively embedding inclusion across the school community. The seven designated Champion Schools of Sanctuary are: Coláiste Muire Máthair, Galway Galway Educate Together Secondary School Ballyhaunis Community School, Co. Mayo Brusna National School, Co. Roscommon Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Limerick Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo Ballinlough National School, Co. Roscommon The awards ceremony was hosted by the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the Access Centre at University of Galway, in collaboration with Schools of Sanctuary Ireland and Galway City Partnership. The event underscores the University’s commitment to advancing equality and inclusion within the education sector and beyond. Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “At University of Galway, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging - not only across our campus, but within the wider education system. The Champion Schools of Sanctuary embody these same values, creating learning environments where every student feels seen, supported, and valued. By recognising and celebrating these schools, we are also acknowledging the powerful role education plays in shaping compassionate, empathetic communities.” Imelda Byrne, Head of the Access Centre at University of Galway, said: “At University of Galway Access Centre, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion at every level of education. The Schools of Sanctuary initiative reflects that same spirit - it’s about ensuring every learner feels seen, supported, and valued. We’re proud to celebrate these schools for creating spaces where belonging isn’t just encouraged, it’s lived every day.” Cllr. Helen Ogbu, Galway City Council, who has supported the work in schools, said: “Across counties and communities, these schools are demonstrating real leadership in creating inclusive and welcoming environments for every student. I’m proud to support their achievements today and to acknowledge the important partnerships driving this meaningful work.” Sara Hakim, Director of Schools of Sanctuary Ireland, said: “In a current climate of anti-migrant activity and unrest, the granting of this official status to these seven schools is timely. These schools have made a commitment to ensuring their school shines as a beacon of inclusion, welcome and equality.” Dr. Veronica Crosbie, Chairperson of Places of Sanctuary Ireland, said: “This awards ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic integration initiatives happening across the Irish educational landscape, often quietly under the radar of local and national media.” The awards ceremony was funded by the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Access Centre at University of Galway, and Galway City Partnership. Ends