Primary Education
Including DE from the beginning of a child’s primary education provides a sound foundation
for lifelong learning and engagement in this area. Research has shown that even very young
children can identify basic needs and discuss and explore the consequences if these are not
met (Trócaire, 2009). With appropriate facilitation and support, young children can articulate
their own concerns and emotional responses to social justice issues. They are capable
of seeing another’s perspective and recognise feelings of sadness, anxiety and concern in
other people. This ability provides the opportunity to explore issues from the perspective of
those affected and also the chance to identify possible solutions. They are also subject to
the power of negative imagery which therefore needs to be addressed through a deeper and
more sustained exposure to balanced and varied depiction of the wider world and its people.
There are ample opportunities to integrate DE across the curriculum at primary level.
Amongst the aims of the revised Primary Curriculum in the Republic of Ireland are: