Making spACE for Community

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM, registration begins at 9:30 AM
Location: Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Ave, Grace Park, Dublin, D09 R232

Connecting Roots. Growing Futures.

Communities are built through connection, participation and shared learning. Adult and Community Education creates spaces where people come together to learn from one another, build relationships and strengthen their communities. Whether through sport, music, arts, volunteering, cultural activities, community development or local initiatives, learning happens in countless ways—many of which are not always recognised as learning.

Join us for Making spACE for Community, a national gathering celebrating the many ways Adult and Community Education connects people and helps communities flourish.

Participants will be given the unique opporutntiy to hear from a diverse and exemplary set of speakers, participate in powerful workshops, and enjoy music shared from community voices.

SPEAKERS

We are delighted to welcome Oxfam CEO Jim Clarken as our keynote as well as be given the wonderful opportuntiy to learn more about the new Global Citizenship Education Startegy from Irish Aid by Director for Global Programmes and Global Citizenship Education Niall Tierney.

Hear from our inspiring panel of experts actively engaged in community development which will be moderated by DkIT lecturer Kevin McParland and includes former teacher for UNWRA Nima Ashour, Executive Director of DEN-L Peter Dolo and EU Projects Coordinator for AONTAS Larisa Sioneriu.

We are also thrilled to welcome Katlyne Armstrong, Project Cooridantor for Bohemians FC, to help give valuable insight into the club's Community Wealth Building strategy.

WORKSHOPS

Participants will also be offered the amazing opportuntiy to learn, share experiences, and explore new ideas through our workshops: Land Use in Ireland with Davie Phillip, Food for Thought with Gareth Conlon from Siolta Chroi, and Water is Life with Suzanne Linnane and Caroline Gilleran Stephens.

MUSIC

We are also excited to welcome the Mosaic Choir (celebrating every culture and every voice) to provide musical accompaniment to the day.

Above all, Making spACE for Community is a celebration of the diverse places and ways in which learning happens — and the vital role it plays in creating stronger, more inclusive and resilient communities.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to join us on the day. Register now!

Please make sure to provide any mobility/accesibility and dietary needs when you purchase your ticket.

Lunch as well as tea/coffee will be provided on the day.