Festival of Learning 2021

Disadvantage prevents children, families and communities from reaching their potential and being heard. Professor Kate Pickett, co-author of the Spirit Level and the Inner Level will explain why equal societies do better, and how disadvantage is an issue for us all. Views from Family Resource Centres, insights from research and excluded communities will help us understand who experiences disadvantage and how.

How can public policy respond to the needs of children and families experiencing disadvantage? Olivier Thevenon, Head of the Child Wellbeing Unit, OECD will talk about effective approaches to family support in different jurisdictions. Panel contributors include  Ciara Pidgeon from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Professor Conor O’Mahony, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection.

The digital world is increasingly important in the lives of children and young people – it’s a place to learn, play and participate. Professor Mark Brown, from the National Digital Learning Centre at DCU will explain why a digital society also needs to be a fair society. Panel contributors include Ellen Helsper, Professor of Digital Inequalities (LSE) and we’ll hear how the innovative use of technology in organisations such as Foróige and iScoil is helping young people to reach their potential in the real world.

How can EU policy initiatives benefit children and young people? What’s important for children and young people as Europe emerges from the pandemic? Massimiliano Mascherini, Head of Unit ad interim Social Policies with Eurofound will share insights from research on the relationship between young people and the EU. Panel Contributors include the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Eurochild Children’s Council, and UNICEF.