Solas Hospital School, CHI Crumlin, has been awarded €5,000 as part of the Féilte Bursary Scheme to collaborate with seven schools* to support the hosting of the Hope Congress 2025, an international congress of teachers in hospital schools. This project aims to unite hospital educators from Ireland and around the world to share knowledge, practices, and insights tailored to the unique challenges of teaching children with medical and mental health needs.
*List of collaborating schools:
- Temple Street Hospital School
- Linn Dara Schools
- Children’s Ark School
- Beaumont Hospital School
- National Rehabilitation Community Hospital School
- Cork University Hospital School
- The National Children’s Hospital Special School, Tallaght
School's reflection
“We are deeply grateful to the Teaching Council for awarding a Féilte bursary of €5,000 to support the HOPE Congress 2025, which took place in Dublin in May 2025. The congress brought together 294 hospital teachers and education professionals from across Europe and beyond, united by the theme Together: Sharing Information, Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Practice.
The bursary was an important contribution that helped us to provide a rich programme that balanced research, policy, and practical strategies through keynote lectures, oral presentations, and hands-on workshops. Particularly impactful were sessions amplifying the voices of students with medical or mental health needs, which powerfully reminded participants of the importance of inclusive and responsive educational practices.
The congress facilitated meaningful professional learning by creating spaces for hospital teachers to exchange ideas, reflect on shared challenges, and collaborate on solutions that will benefit students at home and internationally. The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the value of the event in inspiring new approaches, strengthening networks, and supporting the ongoing professional development of those working in this highly specialised field.
We sincerely thank the Teaching Council for their generous support in making this important learning experience possible.