Irish Teacher: Sex education must be taught free from the influence of religious ethos

"...because in Ireland, we foster compassion, not hate"

Jennifer Horgan: moving for change in Irish sex-ed. Pic: Larry Cummins

“Thank you. Thank you, Ireland. I really mean that. It’s nice to know you’re here.” This moment from last weekend is replaying in my head. It’s Sunday. I’m sitting in an auditorium having just finished a three-day workshop on forum theatre. Forum theatre uses theatre to achieve social aims, to conquer oppression.

These are the facilitator’s parting words to us, and our country. The voice belongs to Julian Boal, son of the world-famous creator of forum theatre, Augusto Boal. It’s gravelly, vulnerable – rooted in his father’s story and the story of his country – Brazil. A group of us teachers, activists, artists, and social workers are sitting in front of him, brought together by the wonderful creativity and change department at MTU.