This Report is an account of the consultation held in November 2020 by Laois Education Support Centre in collaboration with the Teaching Council with nine school communities in the town of Portlaoise – parents, teachers, school leaders, community groups, and students. This consultation focused on their experiences of education in Portlaoise as seen through the lens of diversity, inclusion, and interculturalism. This was a really positive, insightful day and the openness and energy of all participants was incredible. The Report outlines both the context for the event and the emergent themes identified as important to the community for further exploration going forward. We hope this is the start of a longer term engagement where Laois Education Support Centre can work with all partners in creating a network where we can address the emergent themes from the day.
The Report was launched by Rotimi Adebari, a Nigerian-born Irish citizen living in Portlaoise who made history in 2007 when he became the first African to be elected a Mayor in the Republic of Ireland.
The report is available to view here.
The agenda for the day is available to view here.
