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.
March 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 clean-up initiatives.
World Book Day (5 March): Celebrating the power of books as they inspire imagination, amplify young voices, and open doors to lifelong learning.
International Women’s Day (8 March): Celebrating the achievements of women and girls while promoting equality, leadership, and youth-led activism.
St Patrick’s Festival (14–17 March): Dublin comes alive with parades, performances, and cultural celebrations. Youth groups and volunteers play an active role in bringing community events to life.
Young Carers Action Day (16 March): Highlighting the experiences of young carers and promoting understanding, support, and recognition of their vital role within families and communities.
World Social Work Day (17 March): Recognising the contribution of social work professionals and community partners who support young people and families across our services.
Eid al-Fitr (19–20 March): Marking the end of Ramadan, a time of celebration, generosity, and community connection for Muslim communities. We extend warm wishes to all young people and families celebrating.
World Storytelling Day (20 March): Encouraging creativity, communication, and cultural exchange through storytelling in youth spaces, libraries, and schools.
Education Freedom Day (21 March): Promoting access to learning and open educational resources, reinforcing the importance of equitable education opportunities.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March): Supporting intercultural dialogue, equality, and anti-racism initiatives within youth work settings.
World Down Syndrome Day (21 March): Promoting inclusion, awareness, and accessible youth spaces where every young person feels valued and supported.
World Water Day (22 March): Raising awareness of water conservation and sustainable environmental practices through youth-led action.
Making Every Day Count
March also includes broader campaigns such as Colon Cancer Awareness Month and the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal, both of which rely heavily on volunteer engagement and community support.
For youth services, these moments are more than calendar dates they 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.
Strengthening Youth Work Through Participation
Youth work in Dublin continues to provide inclusive, 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 crucial 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.
Supporting Inclusive Education for Every Young Person
March also brings positive developments in education and inclusion with the announcement that City of Dublin ETB has been selected by the Department of Education and Youth as the patron of the new National Children’s Hospital School.
The new school, expected to open on 1 September 2026, will support children and young people receiving care within the National Children’s Hospital. It will be established through the amalgamation of four existing hospital schools currently located at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Beaumont Hospital, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, and Children’s Health Ireland at Tallaght.
This important development reflects a commitment to ensuring that every young person has access to education, regardless of their circumstances. Hospital schools play a vital role in helping children and young people continue their learning while receiving medical care, supporting both educational progress and emotional wellbeing during challenging periods.
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. The addition of the new National Children’s Hospital School further strengthens this commitment to inclusive, learner-centred education.
For youth workers, volunteers, educators, and community organisations, this announcement highlights the importance of creating opportunities where every young person can participate, learn, and thrive. Whether in schools, youth services, community settings, or healthcare environments, inclusion remains at the heart of positive youth development.
The new hospital school represents not only an investment in education, but also in equality, wellbeing, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
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. The announcement of City of Dublin ETB's patronage of the new National Children’s Hospital School is a powerful example of how education and community services can work together to support young people wherever they are.
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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