The loose network of struggling groups from around the world calling itself the International Students Movement has called for a Global Week of Action 2009 this coming April (20/04 - 29/04).

Last November, students from many countries across the world took part in the world's first coordinated action against the commercialisation of education and the (re)introduction of fees. The show of strength and solidarity was organised by the ISM, the International Students Movement (for free and emancipatory education), a loose collection of individuals and groups (not just students) with a common aim evident in the group's title.

November 5th saw actions take place in Ireland, Liberia, Greece, Germany, Croatia, Bangladesh, Canada, United States, Austria, Argentina, and many more. For a full report on the day, click here.

Related Links:
• International Students' Movement (for free and emancipatory education) - emancipating-education-for-all.org.
• Last year's call for the International Day of Action - indymedia.ie.
• Education articles on Indymedia.ie - indymedia.ie/education.
• Campaign for Commercial-Free Education, Ireland - commercialfreeeducation.com.
• Call for meeting of grassroots education workers, Ireland - indymedia.ie.

If you want to let the politicians know you don't want education spaces commercialised and/or fees reintroduced - contact them @ Contact.ie.

Statement about protest held in NUIG on 2nd Feb at FF TD Bertie Ahern's visit.

FEE Needs Your Help Read about it here
November 2008: UL Students Union Orchestrate Pantomime Blockade of Minister .. Demo broken up by Armed Gardai! Read about it here
December 2008: FEE activist 'manhandled' by minister at NUI Galway protest Read about it here
January 2009: Call for International Week of Action Against Commercialism in Education (including the (re)introduction of fees Read about it here
February 2009: Day of Action Against Student Fees, Dublin Read about it here.

This is an opinion piece about the Supevalu 'Kids in Action" voucher scheme that gives "free" sports equipment to schools; this equipment is anything but free, and Supervalu, in their Terms and Conditions, admit that the vouchers are worthless.

If you liked this, you might like these:
Campaign for Commercial-Free Education lash out at these "token gestures".
Indymedia.ie Feature Artilce "Against Commercialism in Education".
Opposing Tesco's "Computers for Schools" scheme.
Global Week of Action against the commercialisation of education (including fees).
Contact.ie - Contact someone who can effect change in these matters.

Supervalu has admitted that its vouchers for the Kids in Action programme are worthless.

The recently launched Supervalu 'Kids in Action' voucher scheme claims to provide schools with free sports equipment. This is a fallacy. Simple maths will explain: in order for a school to claim a 'free' gymnastics mat that retails at about €280, customers will have to spend €32,840 in Supervalu (i.e. 3,240 vouchers at €10 each); in order for a school to claim a 'free' basketball (that you could buy for around €10) customers will be asked to add €1,570 to Supervalu's bank account, and so on. (Source: 2009 Supervalu's 'Kids in Action' Catalogue, available at supervalukidsinaction.com)

Reporting on Indymedia this evening, Andrew from the Workers Solidarity Movement (disguised as personal capacity) drew lessons from the large crowds who marched to Merrion Square in the bright and crisp December day.

How about a system where production is organised to meet people’s needs, where it would be regarded as insanity to have building workers idle while others go without adequate housing, where the idea of paying farmers not to grow food while hunger is still a daily reality in much of the world would be seen as immoral. This can only work when the means of producing and distributing wealth are owned in common, by all of society. That’s the meaning of socialism.
How about a system that takes socialism and freedom to be of equal value? One where people can do as they wish so long as they don’t interfere with freedom of others? One where you can have a direct say in making the decisions that will affect you? One where control is in the hands of the majority through democratic assemblies and councils? That’s anarchism.

Along with the anarchists reporting from the streets of Dublin, the Irish Republican Socialist Party informed us that both the IRSP and the masses of ordinary people made up a crowd of 50,000. Perhaps what we are seeing.....

...... will require the participation of many of our work colleagues, neighbours and friends. It is about the majority rejecting control over us by any minority group (whether it be employers or politicians). If we want the interests of the vast majority to be respected, then the vast majority must be in control.

Whatever, the anarchists and republicans were definitely along with the rest of us in learning something from na muinteoirí (teachers for our non-gaeilgeoir readers) today. Despite his intention to try and ignore our first answer and come back within a year with the same treaty for us to ratify the Offaly gentlemen currently holding the seal of Taoiseach (chieftan for the non-gaeilgeoir) will give up easy. You've always been thought to respect the elderly - now they're worth emulating.

Reports below the fold - add your own with the publish button. Add your photos and set your rights unlike most other sites.

The weather was good and the march got under way promptly at 12. Traffic into the city had been very heavy so it was obvious there was going to be a good turnout but nobody expected so many to come.

Related Links: 150 TCD students protest against Batt O’Keeffe, SU President welcomes him! | Public Meeting: Stand up Against the Cuts | Education on Indymedia.ie