Earlier this year Fórsa published its inaugural international solidarity biennial report, highlighting the union’s work in support of international solidarity projects. As many members will know international solidarity is a cornerstone of the union, and in 2022 and 2023 Fórsa donated over €1.3 million to global solidarity projects through its long-established Developing World Fund. In the months ahead your bulletin will include stories on the many causes supported by the union’s activities in this area. 
 
“Fórsa works to better workers’ rights, quality public services, human rights and equality both in Ireland and internationally and this vital work is achieved through the generosity of members. Funded by 3% of every member’s union subscription, the Fórsa Developing World Fund gives over €600,000 a year to projects around the world, allowing the union to make ongoing contributions to human rights and development, as well as responding to humanitarian emergencies,” said Richy Carrothers, national secretary with Fórsa. 
 
Proceeds from the Developing World Fund are distributed through trade union federations like PSI, key Irish charities, including Concern, GOAL, Trócaire, the Irish Red Cross, and other smaller NGOs, delivering focused campaigns, including Self Help Africia, Vita Ireland, Justice for Columbia, and Tír nan Óg Childrens Foundation.  
 
In Cambodia, Fórsa’s ongoing support has had a transformative impact on See Beyond Borders, an organisation working to elevate education standards. The organisation’s heartfelt gratitude was recently conveyed in a video message from Maeve Corish, a representative from See Beyond Borders: “A huge thank you to everyone in Fórsa for your ongoing support of our work in Cambodia. Being here with ten other Irish teachers, I’ve witnessed the incredible change enabled by our new Transform Education Program, made possible with Fórsa’s support.” 

The Transform Education Program focuses on enhancing school leadership and fostering communities of practice among educators. Through this initiative, See Beyond Borders has developed new Teacher Development Centres in key areas, addressing the need for improved educational quality. “The support from Fórsa is absolutely groundbreaking in helping us carry out the work we are doing in the country,” Maeve added. 

For 15 years, See Beyond Borders has been committed to empowering Cambodian children through quality education, engaging with over 250 schools and supporting more than 700 teachers, positively impacting the lives of over 30,000 students. Founded by Ed and Kate Shuttleworth, the organisation was inspired by the challenges they witnessed during their visit to Cambodia in 2002.  

With ongoing support, the organisation is optimistic that its efforts will lead to better educational outcomes for Cambodian children, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. “We want to not only make an impact; we want our interventions to be sustainable,” Maeve Corish noted. 

You can learn more about See Beyond Borders here.  Watch our video about Fórsa’s global solidarity work here and download the full report on international solidarity work here.  

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