Dublin Learning City Festival, was officially opened today by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy at an event in Pearse Street Library.
The festival will run from today, Monday 3rd, through to Wednesday 5th April to celebrate the inclusive learning possibilities in Dublin and will showcase a wide range of events in-person and online from the many organisations working to break barriers to education.
Tours, workshops, exhibitions, talks and many other activities that focus on the theme ‘Free, Fun and For Everyone’ will be enjoyed by attendees.
Ro Cruanas (Fusion Murga participant) pictured at the launch of the Dublin Learning City Festival
Photo : Justin Farrelly
The diverse programme covering an exciting mix of traditional and non-traditional learning events from a multitude of individuals and organisations from all over Dublin has something for all learners.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy stated, “Dublin is an incredible and vibrant city with enormous opportunities for all citizens to learn.
“I believe that learning is the key to transforming the community and that the citizens of Dublin will find great benefits from the empowerment, prosperity and development that learning allows. I hope, through the Dublin Learning City Festival, that citizens of all backgrounds will find the joy in learning and acquiring new skills.”
Denise McMorrow, Co-Chair of Dublin Learning City commented, “We are delighted to welcome back Dublin Learning City Festival 2023. Our motto is Learning is ‘Fun, Free and for Everyone’. We encourage and support lifelong and life wide learning. From workshops and talks to tours and tutorials, the festival will highlight the wonderful opportunities that are available in Dublin as well as showcasing the joy that comes from learning. Everyone should use this opportunity to try something new.”
Sean Delaney, Co-chair of Dublin Learning City continued, “We hope that Dublin Learning City Festival 2023 will further help people from all backgrounds to see the fun in learning and the many diverse ways there are to learn. Last year’s festival was a great success and we are delighted to work with the amazing educational centres across Dublin to continue promoting lifelong learning this year with new exciting learning events. ”
Dr Anna Kelly, Director, UCD Access & Lifelong Learning and Chair of the PATH Cluster of Colleges, commented, “The Dublin Learning City Festival is an extremely important event to highlight educational possibilities available for all. Learning is an integral part of one’s life, not only for career growth, but to be empowered with knowledge. Being informed of the amazing opportunities for learning in Dublin will help to share the wonders of learning and the wealth possibilities that exist throughout our city.
L-r Denise McMorrow (Co-Chair of Dublin Learning City), Ayob Deboub (Learning Champion) and Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy pictured at the launch of the Dublin Learning City Festival Photo : Justin Farrelly
Dublin was established as a Learning City as defined by UNESCO in 2019 and received the UNESCO Learning City Award in 2021. The aim of the Dublin Learning City initiative is to ensure that education and learning is accessible for all individuals, regardless of background.
The project is fully funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Access Initiative that brings together people and organisations including the main education providers (UCD, TCD, NCAD, Marino Institute, IADT & RCSI) to work targeting socially disadvantaged learners and encourage and support them to take up learning opportunities at all stages of their lives.
It has a strong partnership with Dublin City Council and the Education and Training Boards.
Dublin joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2019. UNESCO GNLC support and improve the practice of lifelong learning in the world’s cities and recognise progress made in building learning cities.
For more information on the Dublin Learning City Festival, visit: https://dublinlearningcity.ie/