Politics and Society · 5th Year

Active learning ideas

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

This topic examines the vital role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and civil society in the Irish political landscape. Students learn how these organizations act as intermediaries between the individual and the state, providing services, advocating for policy change, and acting as watchdogs. The unit covers a range of NGOs, from large international bodies like Amnesty International to local Irish charities like Focus Ireland or Threshold.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 2, LO 2.3
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 2, LO 2.4

• 45–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 60 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The NGO Campaign Pitch

Small groups are assigned a specific social issue (e.g., homelessness, ocean plastic). They must design a 3-minute 'pitch' for a campaign, identifying their target audience, their key 'ask' of the government, and their primary tactic (e.g., a social media blitz or a protest). The class votes on the most persuasive strategy.

What role do NGOs play in a democratic society?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Stations Rotation
• 45 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: NGO Case Studies

Set up stations with information on different Irish NGOs (e.g., Friends of the Earth, Pavee Point, St. Vincent de Paul). At each station, students must identify: 1) Who they represent, 2) One major success they've had, and 3) One challenge they face. This provides a broad overview of the diversity of civil society.

How do civil society groups campaign for change?

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Formal Debate
• 50 min · Whole Class

Formal Debate: Are NGOs Truly Democratic?

Students debate the proposition: 'NGOs have too much influence over government policy without being elected.' One side argues for the importance of expert advocacy and minority representation; the other focuses on accountability and the 'unelected' nature of these groups. This encourages high-level critical thinking about democratic legitimacy.

Are NGOs truly effective in holding governments accountable?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Decision-Making

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• NGOs are just charities that give out food or money.

  While some provide direct aid, many NGOs focus on 'advocacy', changing the laws and systems that cause the problems in the first place. Comparing a 'service' NGO with an 'advocacy' NGO helps students understand this distinction.

• The government and NGOs are always in conflict.

  In Ireland, the government actually funds many NGOs to provide essential services. This 'partnership' model is a key feature of the Irish system. Peer discussion about the 'independence' of funded NGOs can surface the complexities of this relationship.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Stations Rotation
• Formal Debate