ISSU has a dual role: to promote the benefits of young people becoming part of the decision-making process that affects their school lives, and to provide individual students with support for voicing their views and opinions.
Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child says that children and young people have the “right to express views freely in all matters affecting them”. This includes views and opinions on schooling. The ISSU aims to help students express those views effectively.
School is the place where young people spend the majority of their time. It is perhaps the most important community, other than home, in which we participate. For many it is a positive experience, but for others it is something to be endured rather than enjoyed.
The ISSU is a not-for-profit, voluntary student rights’ organisation here to represent you, the second-level students of Ireland. The ISSU is the National umbrella body for school Student Councils, aiming to represent and connect Irish second-level students the length and breadth of the country, ensuring that the voice of the Irish second-level student is heard and striving for innovation and democracy within the education system. The ISSU believes that Young People are not merely citizens in waiting. Young People deserve better, they deserve to be heard. Young People can and will contribute positively to society. It is so important that voices, views and opinions of Young People are (i) heard (ii) listened to (iii) and most importantly respected.
ISSU's main aims include:
- To provide training and development of second-level school Student Councils, in conjunction with relevant bodies.
- To develop policies on issues affecting Irish second-level students and bring the needs and rights of Students to the attention of the relevant authorities.
- To provide a transparent, democratic and reliable organisation.
- To work in collaboration with other educational institutions and bodies both in Ireland, and Europe.
- To work closely with educational curriculum policy makers and Teachers’ Unions to continually develop a transparent, fair and modern education system.
- And most importantly, to give Students a structured platform through which the voice of the Irish Second-level Students will be heard.
Irish Second-Level Students' Union
ISSU 9th Floor
Tel: 01-443 4461