Nelson Mandela

I began my campaign for education equality in Irish schools after a personal experience with the dangers of religious discrimination, and the issues that can arise in attempting to enrol a child into Ireland’s 97% denomination-run schooling system. When attempting to get my four-year-old daughter into education, I applied to no less than 7 schools – all of which placed her on a waiting list to be considered at a later date, due to their “Religion first” policy.

Education is fundamental to the health growth of a child – it forms part of the guidance that teaches children to think for themselves, understand the people around them, and ascend to new heights in order to benefit themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.

I believe that all kinds of discrimination in schools should be stopped – and parents shouldn’t have to struggle to find an education for their child, or be forced to carry out “pragmatic baptisms” against their beliefs. Our system should be changed to protect:

• Religious Freedom
• Right to Education
• Religious Equality

The goal of my campaign is to request education equality, starting with the removal or amendment of section 7(3)(c) – so that all children can access education.

Every child in this country should be treated equally, regardless of their religion, no religion or colour.