November looked at the celebration of Black History Month. Our Global Youth Work Learners network held an online event that highlighted a wide range of creative work from young people across Ireland. Their art, centred on pride in melanin and personal identity, set a strong foundation for the discussions that followed.
Natasha Muldoon, a global youth worker with ARD FC, offered a grounded view on inclusion. She emphasised the practical realities of creating spaces where young people feel seen and valued, rather than treating inclusion as a slogan. Her contribution pushed the group to think about what meaningful support actually looks like.
Anne Walsh, who leads on Equality and Intercultural programme in NYCI, added further depth. She addressed the structural challenges that often go unspoken when organisations aim to build inclusive settings. Her points encouraged participants to reflect on what they may be overlooking and what requires sustained attention instead of short-term gestures.
A standout contribution came from Eric Ehigie, whose poem explored his experience growing up in Ireland as a young Black man. It wasn’t simply celebratory; it offered insight into belonging, identity and the tensions that can sit beneath both. Kelvin Akpaloo from Young Voices of Africa then broadened the conversation, sharing his own perspective and introducing a resource designed to help youth workers support young people in learning more about the global south.
The session was highly interactive, with questions, reflection and honest exchanges woven throughout. It balanced celebration with critical thinking, giving participants room to connect, challenge assumptions and deepen their understanding