Fórsa members' news bulletin

Fórsa's International Solidarity Committee has recommended €410,000 in funding to support girls denied access to secondary education in Afghanistan and communities devastated by severe flooding in Nepal. 

The proposals, presented to the union's National Executive Committee (NEC) in September, form part of Fórsa's longstanding commitment to international solidarity. Under union rules, 3% of membership subscriptions are allocated to the Developing World Fund, which supports humanitarian relief and development initiatives internationally. 

Supporting girls' education in Afghanistan 

The largest proposed allocation is €400,000 over three years for a UNICEF programme providing educational opportunities to girls excluded from secondary education in Afghanistan. 

Since 2021, restrictions imposed by the Taliban have denied more than 2.2 million Afghan girls access to secondary schooling. Each year, approximately 400,000 girls complete primary education only to find themselves unable to continue their studies. 

Working with education partner Lapis, UNICEF has developed an innovative programme delivering Afghan curriculum-aligned lessons for grades 7–12 through television, radio and digital platforms. 

Educational content is broadcast in Dari and Pashto, allowing girls to continue learning outside the formal school system. 

The programme also includes Dana, a digital learning platform developed through UNICEF's global Learning Passport partnership with Microsoft, providing interactive educational materials and allowing students to track their progress. 

The initiative has already delivered educational broadcasts for more than two years without interruption. Fórsa's proposed funding would help expand the programme, particularly its digital provision, reaching more girls in remote and underserved communities. 

Richy Carrothers, Fórsa national secretary, said the initiative reflected the importance of international solidarity in defending fundamental rights. 

“The International Solidarity Committee met with UNICEF representatives on several occasions, examining the programme's delivery, objectives and anticipated outcomes before recommending that the application be funded in full. 

"Education is a fundamental right, yet millions of girls in Afghanistan are being deliberately denied the opportunity to learn and build a future for themselves." 

Emergency relief for flood-hit communities in Nepal 

The committee has also recommended €10,000 for the Irish Red Cross Nepal Floods Emergency Appeal following devastating flash floods in August. On 26 August, a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River overwhelmed communities in northern Nepal, including Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syabrubesi. 

The flooding affected an estimated 93,000 people across several districts, displacing families and causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and essential services. 

Working with the Nepal Red Cross Society, the Irish Red Cross is helping provide emergency shelter, clean drinking water, healthcare and essential supplies. 

Local Red Cross volunteers have also supported search and rescue operations, first aid and emergency assessments, while longer-term recovery efforts include sanitation, family reunification and livelihood assistance. 

Solidarity has no borders 

Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan said the international fund had its origins in the very roots of trade unionism. 

“I don’t need to lecture people on this island about the importance of international solidarity. We know its value from our own history of famine and colonial immiseration. 

“When disaster strikes, working people and vulnerable communities are the ones often left facing the greatest hardship. International solidarity means responding when people need support, whether that’s providing emergency assistance following devastating floods or helping young women overcome barriers to education. 

“I'm so proud of this fund. These are practical examples of the difference our members’ collective contributions can make. The trade union movement was built on mutual aid and practical solidarity, and those principles are just as relevant internationally as they are here at home.” 

 
Watch: “Those Kinda Things Don't Have A Border" | Fórsa Members On Global Solidarity 

Fórsa members discuss our commitment to global solidarity and international activism. They reflect on the importance of standing in solidarity with workers globally. From supporting trade union colleagues in Colombia to contributing to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond.