Global Action Plan’s ACT project is making a real difference in the lives of adult learners and community groups.
I found GAP very helpful, solution-oriented, open minded and understanding the challenges of community work, where the participants often struggle with complex issues.”
The world today faces critical challenges; climate change, pollution, global poverty and rising inequality. These interconnected issues demand action, starting right in our communities.
That’s the mission of GAP’s ACT programme. Since 2019, ACT has united people across Ireland to explore these global problems and spark meaningful change. Funded by Irish Aid, ACT delivers global citizenship education (GCE) to adults, particularly from marginalised backgrounds. The programme has engaged hundreds of participants from groups nationwide, empowering them through education, dialogue, and community initiatives.
But are we truly making a difference?
To find out, we conducted an independent evaluation this year. Consultant Miriam Hockey assessed whether ACT is meeting its goals and how effectively it’s doing so, using feedback, reports, and interviews with participants and stakeholders.
What is the ACT Programme About?
ACT is an educational initiative for adult learners and community groups in Ireland. Its GCE approach helps people understand the interlinked root causes of climate change and other global issues, and motivates people to take local action for a more sustainable world.
GCE is critical to understanding the big picture, seeing local and global connections, the interconnection and complexity of environmental issues. GCE is vital to the mindset of our organisation.
ACT offers free workshops to groups across Ireland to raise awareness and understanding of climate change and climate justice. It also develops educational resources, such as our Toolkit for Community Groups and our Disability Inclusion guide. In 2023, ACT also established a Community of Practice for sharing ideas among motivated community leaders, and in 2023 and 2024, ran the Climate Heroes challenge, motivating groups to discover the cumulative impact of small lifestyle changes.
Key Findings from the Evaluation
The evaluation showed that ACT made a real impact. Our partners praised GAP for its flexibility and unwavering support, with many eager to continue collaborating in the future.
The programme succeeded in raising awareness about global issues and inspiring action. Community leaders, in particular, enhanced their ability to engage others, making it easier for them to plan and lead local initiatives.
One of the standout moments was Climate Heroes, which captured the imagination of participants nationwide, turning sustainability into a fun and engaging challenge. However, the Community of Practice encountered some hurdles, suggesting that we need to rethink how and with whom we engage moving forward.
Over the past 2 years we have developed a great relationship with GAP. From the amazing educational / practical workshops to the Climate Heroes Challenge.
We are very grateful for the support we have received in helping our service users to participate in and advocate for inclusive climate action.
Looking Ahead
The ACT evaluation has shown the power of community in tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. By coming together to learn, share, and take action, participants across Ireland have made meaningful strides toward a more sustainable future.
GAP is proud to support these efforts, helping people understand the impact of their actions and encouraging them to become active global citizens.
But this journey is just beginning, and there is still much more we can achieve together.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a community dedicated to learning and action, we invite you to join our Community of Practice.
This network provides a space for like-minded individuals and groups to connect, share ideas, and support each other in creating positive change. By joining, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with others, gain new skills, and contribute to a growing movement for climate justice and sustainability.
Together, we can build a better world – one that is fairer, greener and more inclusive. Join us today and become part of a community committed to making a lasting impact.
