Suas, as we know (those who stayed listening in school), is as Gaeilge for “up” or “upwards”.  Suas is also the name given to one of the fastest growing charities in Ireland at the moment.  Suas was founded in 2002 by students enrolled in Trinity College, Dublin.  Their indefatigable efforts are aimed towards education for all children and young people here and abroad.  They believe by garnering basic literacy skills, children will be able to realise their full potential and use their skills to “escape the traps of poverty”.

Suas have many different programs on the go.  The charity provides mentors to children in “under-resourced” areas and communities in Ireland to help them on a one-to-one basis, developing their reading, writing and maths skills.  Overseas, Suas encourages people to get involved in their volunteer programmes in India, Kenya or Zambia over a ten-week period during the summer.

What came to my attention just recently though, is the charity’s forthcoming project “Suas 8×8”.  This will be a touring festival taking place in the autumn months throughout different University campuses in Ireland.  The festival will focus on the global refugee crisis through the medium of photo and film.  Suas intends on putting a “face to the crisis”, by exhibiting documentaries, work-shops and discussions.  I intend on becoming part of that.  I have gleefully volunteered to help with this festival, be it as coordinator or silent observer.  I aim to document my experience here, on my blog and I hope by the end of it I come out bursting with new skills and ideas.

Please stay tuned!

 

http://www.suas.ie/8x8festival