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In today’s connected world, it’s more important than ever to help young people understand what it means to be a global citizen. Global Citizenship Education (GCE) gives girls the knowledge and confidence to think for themselves, care about others, and take meaningful action both locally and globally.
In the Irish Girl Guides, we bring GCE to life through our Global Awareness, Community & Teamwork (GACT) programme, which is a central part of our Journey Programme. With its focus on equality, sustainability, and social justice, GACT helps girls grow into confident leaders and active citizens.
What is Global Citizenship Education?
GCE is about much more than facts and figures. It is about encouraging curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking. Irish Aid describes it as “a lifelong educational process” that helps us better understand our fast-changing, deeply interconnected world.
It encourages respect for diversity, inclusion, climate justice, peace, and human rights.
GCE empowers girls to:
- *Think critically about global and local issues
- *Understand how their actions impact others
- *Challenge stereotypes and question assumptions
- *Act with empathy and purpose to create positive change
These values align closely with the principles of Guiding.
Why is Global Citizenship Education so important in Irish Girl Guides?
As part of WAGGGS (the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts), Irish Girl Guides belongs to a worldwide community of over 10 million girls across more than 145 countries. This global sisterhood reminds us that our lives are connected and that every voice counts.
GCE in Irish Girl Guides is seen in many ways:
- *Our Mission: “To enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world.”
- *Our Vision: “A future which is sustainable, diverse and equal.”
- *Our Promise and Law, which encourage girls to try their best, help others, and make the world a better place.
- *Our commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), as we have Special Focus Badges related to these topics.
- *GCE-themed stories in Trefoil News, inspiring girls to reflect and take action.
- *Our Gaisce Dual Award Programme, through which many of our members complete activities related to GCE.
Guiding the Next Generation of Changemakers
At Irish Girl Guides, we are proud to raise girls who care deeply about the world, ask thoughtful questions, and lead with courage and kindness.
From local community clean-ups to exploring gender equality through storytelling, every GACT activity is an opportunity for girls to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and become changemakers.
Through Global Citizenship Education and our wider Guiding programme, we are helping shape a generation that’s ready to speak up, step forward, and drive change together.
Shauna Harris
