Our Story
We have been delivering transformative educational programmes for third-level students and recent graduates since more than 20 years. We always listen to the needs of students and adapt to the changing societal contexts they live in. This is reflected in our story.
Our story begins in 2002 with the joint energy of a group of Trinity students, volunteers, and staff that formed Suas Educational Development.
Ever since then we have been delivering transformative educational programmes, always listening to the changing global and social contexts and needs of each new generation and responding with new types of programmes.
Our story includes an International Volunteer Programme, that trained over 1,200 student volunteers between 2002-2020 to work with local partners in Zambia, Kenya and India – a programme that was replaced in 2023 with the STAND Changemakers Academy, a new solidarity based leadership programme that responds to the needs of a new generation and harnesses the diversity that has developed across campuses in recent years. Our story also includes an Ireland based education programme that trained volunteers to support over 3,300 children from disadvantaged communities until 2021 when it joined forces with Camera Ireland to form Kinia, a new organisation.
Ebere Edeh, Ideas Collective participant 2023 and Clare Sheppard, Education and Research Manager. Image: Erin Kehoe.
The Changemakers taking a selfie with Emer O'Neill. Image: Amanda Marques.
Loay Dieck presenting at the Changemakers Academy Showcase. Image: Erin Kehoe.
Students putting up the House of Cards, designed by Sasha Beatty and Delfine Ryan. Image: Susie Spratt.
Members of the Changemakers Academy on the Winter Retreat. Image: Clare Sheppard.
Susie, Festival Manager, at the Festival info booth.
Annie with a goat at the Changemakers Academy Winter School. Image: Clare Sheppard.
Suas Educational Development, trading as STAND since 2024
Reflecting the changes of recent years within the organisation we started trading as STAND in 2024. For all those that might be sad to see Suas go, they can be assured that Suas is not going anywhere. Our past stays with us. We take the dedication, commitment, the energy, the community of people that has been forming since 2002 with us as we move forward. We value our community and love opportunities for bringing alumni back together with us.
Our Approach
We deliver our educational programmes in times of intense polarisation and despair with the state of the world. We believe that these challenges don’t need education that just scratches at the surface and facilitates simplistic solutions.
Governance
We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance. We believe that setting and maintaining standards is a key element in demonstrating accountability to all stakeholders, funders, and supporters.
