Fórsa’s developing world fund was showcased with a short video during the union’s biennial national conference this week.

The fund, which is made up of 3% of every member’s union subscription, funds a range of solidarity projects in the developing world. It allocates over €600,000 a year to international projects supporting education, development and trade union rights and organisation.

Solidarity funds existed in all three pre-existing unions which now make up Fórsa, and it’s a legacy that lives proudly on.

Delegates saw first-hand, the incredible work achieved because of the donations of Fórsa members, who have contributed approximately €1.8 million to a range of solidarity projects in the developing world to date.

Representatives from Concern, Action Lesotho, Public Services International (PSI) and the Lady Health Workers Union in Pakistan spoke about some of the projects Fórsa members are supporting in several countries.

Speaking to just one of the many supported projects, Concern’s international programme director Anne O’Mahoney explained how the contributions of Fórsa members make a real difference in the developing world.

“The fund has enabled us to support people trying to get on their feet and back into to the employment stream in the Central African Republic,” she said.

Education projects here at home also benefit from the fund, including RTE’s ‘What in the World’ documentary series, which highlights development issues for an Irish audience.

It’s clear that Fórsa’s contribution to global solidarity is making a real difference.

For more information on Fórsa’s Developing World Fund click here.

To watch the Developing World Fund conference video click here.