March is a month full of energy, participation, and meaningful action. Across Dublin and around the world, young people, youth workers, and volunteers come together to raise awareness, celebrate culture, and make a real difference in their communities.
From environmental action to equality campaigns, storytelling to financial literacy, March offers countless opportunities for young people to lead, learn, and engage.
Highlighting Volunteerism and Youth Engagement
2026 continues to be the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY2026), recognising the powerful role volunteers play in building stronger and more sustainable communities.
Throughout March, schools, youth groups, funded organisations, and volunteer-led clubs continue to promote active citizenship and leadership. Events such as the Student Volunteering Conference highlight youth leadership in action, while initiatives like Global Money Week support young people in developing practical life skills around financial literacy and responsible decision-making.
For funded youth organisations and volunteer-led groups, March provides valuable opportunities to strengthen youth participation, embed inclusive practice, and align local projects with national youth work priorities including wellbeing, equality, intercultural understanding, and community engagement.
Training & Youth Development in March
March also featured important training opportunities for youth workers and volunteers, supporting continued professional development and strengthening digital, wellbeing, and youth engagement practice across services.
On 12 March, BRYR hosted a Kinia AI Training Workshop, exploring how artificial intelligence and digital tools can be used safely and effectively in youth work settings. The session supported participants in developing confidence around emerging technologies, while also considering ethical use, online safety, and the role of AI in youth engagement and learning environments.
On 18 March, BRYR also facilitated a SpunOut Training Workshop, focused on youth mental health, wellbeing, and effective approaches to supporting young people through trusted, youth-friendly information and engagement tools. The workshop highlighted practical strategies for connecting young people with reliable supports and promoting positive wellbeing outcomes across youth settings.
These training opportunities reflect the ongoing commitment of youth services in Dublin to continuous learning, innovation, and ensuring that staff and volunteers are equipped to respond to the evolving needs of young people in a changing digital and social landscape.
Awareness Days & Youth-Focused Events
March is packed with days that celebrate knowledge, inclusion, and social responsibility:
- World Seagrass Day (1 March) – Raising awareness about marine ecosystems and encouraging environmental stewardship through education and local action
- World Book Day (5 March) – Celebrating reading, imagination, and lifelong learning
- International Women’s Day (8 March) – Promoting equality, leadership, and youth-led activism
- Saint Patrick’s Festival (14–17 March) – A celebration of culture, creativity, and community participation across Dublin
- Young Carers Action Day (16 March) – Recognising and supporting young carers
- World Social Work Day (17 March) – Highlighting the role of social work and community support
- Eid al-Fitr (20 March) – Celebrating community, generosity, and cultural connection
- World Storytelling Day (20 March) – Promoting creativity and expression through storytelling
- Education Freedom Day (21 March) – Supporting access to open and inclusive learning
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March) – Promoting equality and anti-racism
- World Down Syndrome Day (21 March) – Supporting inclusion and accessibility for all young people
- World Water Day (22 March) – Encouraging environmental awareness and sustainability
March also includes wider campaigns such as Colon Cancer Awareness Month and the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal, which highlight the importance of community engagement and volunteer action.
These moments are opportunities to:
- Encourage active citizenship
- Promote equality and inclusion
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Strengthen community partnerships
- Support young people’s wellbeing
Even small actions participating in a discussion, attending a workshop, volunteering locally, or learning about a global issue can have a lasting impact.
Transforming Lives and Communities: City of Dublin ETB Expo Showcases Impact and Innovation
March also saw City of Dublin Education and Training Board (ETB) host its Transforming Lives and Communities showcase event in Croke Park, celebrating the breadth, diversity, and impact of its work across Dublin city.
The event brought together schools, centres, services, learners, and partners to showcase innovation and achievement across education and training. It also marked the official launch of the City of Dublin ETB Strategy Statement 2026–2030, setting out the organisation’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities for the years ahead.
City of Dublin ETB Chief Executive, Dr Christy Duffy, highlighted the importance of collaboration and impact, noting that the event demonstrated both innovation and the dedication of staff and learners across the organisation.
The showcase featured:
- Student performances and TEDx participation
- Creative exhibitions from learners across ETB services
- Media, engineering, robotics, and VR demonstrations
- Health and wellbeing activities and supports
- Career and progression information for learners and employers
The event also included keynote contributions from education leaders and guest speakers, highlighting the importance of ETB schools, further education, and training pathways in supporting learners across Ireland.
Supporting Inclusive Education for Every Young Person
March also brings a significant development in inclusive education with the announcement that City of Dublin ETB has been selected by the Department of Education and Youth as patron of the new National Children’s Hospital School.
The new school is expected to open on 1 September 2026 and will support children and young people receiving care at the National Children’s Hospital. It will be formed through the amalgamation of four existing hospital schools at:
- Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin
- Beaumont Hospital
- Children’s Health Ireland, Temple Street
- Children’s Health Ireland, Tallaght
This development reflects a commitment to ensuring that every young person can continue their education during periods of medical care, supporting both learning and wellbeing.
As the State provider of multi-denominational education and training, City of Dublin ETB already supports a diverse network of Community National Schools, Community Special Schools, Community Hospital Schools, and Community Colleges across Dublin. This new hospital school further strengthens that commitment to inclusive, learner-centred education.
Hospital schools play a vital role in ensuring continuity of learning, emotional support, and stability for young people during challenging times. This announcement highlights the importance of education systems that are flexible, inclusive, and responsive to every learner’s needs.
Strengthening Youth Work Through Participation
Youth work in Dublin continues to provide inclusive and supportive spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop skills, and contribute meaningfully to society.
March reminds us that youth participation is not just about events it is about voice, empowerment, and opportunity. Funded organisations and volunteer-led clubs play a vital role in ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have access to safe, welcoming, and engaging environments.
Through collaboration, cultural celebration, advocacy, and volunteering, we continue to build stronger, more connected communities.
Looking Ahead
This March, we encourage young people, youth workers, volunteers, and community partners to:
- Take part in awareness days
- Celebrate diversity and culture
- Promote equality and inclusion
- Support environmental action
- Strengthen youth voice and participation
Small actions, shared learning, and youth engagement create a ripple effect, helping communities become stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
As we continue through the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, we also celebrate initiatives that expand opportunities for young people and ensure that education remains accessible, inclusive, and responsive to diverse needs.
Final Thoughts
March reminds us that meaningful change often begins with participation. Whether through volunteering, celebrating diversity, supporting inclusion, protecting the environment, or amplifying young voices, every action contributes to stronger communities and brighter futures.
Funded youth organisations, volunteer-led clubs, educators, youth workers, and community partners all play a vital role in creating spaces where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Together, we continue to build communities where every young person has the opportunity to learn, contribute, and thrive.
Small actions. Strong communities. Brighter futures.
From all of us at
City of Dublin Youth Services
☘️ Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! ☘️
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