Learning Lab

The idea for Learning Lab stems from an understanding that ‘transformative education’ initiatives allow for communities of learners to emerge in a space outside the academy and within civil society.

The Learning Lab ‘Identities and Social Justice’ opens a space for a focused discussion on the theme of identities aligned with the concept of social justice. Learning Lab bridges debates about cultural identity with principles of social equality – connecting questions about race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, gender, culture, language and religion, in addition to youth and age.

Learning Lab is designed as a space in which a community of learners emerges over time; where the learning process is shaped by diverse social actors, including advocates, educators, community activists/leaders, media makers and journalists, union officials and social innovators.

Learning Lab creates a cross-sector learning environment where participants engage in collective dialogue, supporting a form of ‘learning in the context of our lived experience of participation in the world’, one which engages in and contributes to the practices of communities (Wenger).

Drawing on a series of established projects in Australia, Canada and the UK, Learning Lab sessions are led by three international public intellectuals, writers, and activists:

Andrea Durbach, Director of Australian Human Rights Centre at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Australia

Handel Kashope Wright, Director of the Centre for Culture, Identity and Education, University of British Columbia, Canada and Board Member of the Highlander Research and Education Center, Tennessee, USA

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, UK based broadcast journalist, writer and public speaker on race and cultural identities

Learning Lab runs for three successive days, with three labs scheduled for April, May and September, 2010

If you wish to find out more about Learning Lab and how to become a participant, please visit Learning Lab and go to ‘Participating’ and fill out the application form.

Building on the combined work of FOMACS and the British Council, Learning Lab forges a collaboration that recognizes the complimentary interests of each partner, drawing on a range of resources and established cultural, social and political networks on the island of Ireland and beyond. Learning Lab works in association with Instituto Cervantes.