Work of 33 Primary School Pupils Across Ireland Showcased in New Our World Irish Aid Awards Online Magazine
Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, T.D., today pressed the ‘go live’ button on the first edition of Global Goal Getters, a new online publication showcasing the work of primary schools participating in this year’s Our World Irish Aid Awards, the flagship global citizenship award scheme of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
This year the Our World Irish Aid Awards programme has been re-structured to ensure that pupils can continue to take part whether they are at school, engaging in blended learning or studying from home. Its theme, Partnership for the Goals, emphasises the importance of working with others to address global problems and build a more equal, peaceful, and sustainable world.
For the first time in its 16-year history, the Our World Irish Aid Awards features a rolling deadline for submissions, with each and every entry being considered for inclusion in the three Global Goal Getters online multi-media magazines which are being published as a way of showcasing children’s learning, creativity and voices nationwide.
Congratulating the primary school pupils who have already submitted projects, Minister Brophy said:
“It is really encouraging to see so many teachers and pupils continue to engage in the Our World Irish Aid Awards, despite the challenging circumstances we all find ourselves in. We have already received over 250 submissions from schools across Ireland and are so impressed with the effort, creativity and learning taking place across our nation’s classrooms and homes. It is clear that our young people are passionate about global issues and eager to share their voices and perspectives. Global citizenship and solidarity are more important than ever this year.
“The Awards provide an important opportunity to learn about the work Irish Aid carries out on behalf of the people of Ireland and how we can all play a part in making the world a better place for all.”
The Minister for Education and Skills, Norma Foley, T.D., added her endorsement saying that:
“The Our World Irish Aid Awards are a great way to encourage children to think about how they can make the world a better place for everyone, even in the midst of incredibly challenging circumstances here in Ireland. The resources offered to teachers are also of huge benefit as they cover so many aspects of the curriculum, tapping into young people’s creativity and imagination, and at the same time contributing to Ireland’s achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and target 4.7”.
Registered primary schools nationwide have received curriculum-linked teaching and learning materials to help teachers and pupils discover more about each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the work of Irish Aid.
Schools are invited to communicate their ideas and understanding of the issues in writing, song, film, artwork or another medium of their choosing.
In addition to the opportunity to have a project featured in the Global Goal Getters online multi-media magazines, selected entries will win a place at a final awards ceremony, the format of which will be determined in the context of the prevailing Covid-19 guidelines, and will be featured in a special edition printed magazine. There will be additional awards such as Teacher of the Year and Best Entry Submitted in Irish, amongst others.
The Our World Irish Aid Awards Global Goal Getters magazine can be found at www.ourworldirishaidawards.ie. Schools are encouraged to submit projects on an ongoing basis for inclusion in the subsequent issues of Global Goal Getters.
ENDS
Press Office
5 March 2021
Notes to editors:
- Photographs will be issued to photo desks by Liz Burke Communications, M: 086 891 2153 or E: liz@lizburkecommunications.com
- Irish Aid is the Government’s official development assistance programme. It is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information see www.irishaid.ie
- Over its 16-year history, the Our World Irish Aid Awards have seen tens of thousands of primary school pupils across Ireland learn about Irish Aid and its work to help improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.
- The Global Goal Getters online magazine is available at www.ourworldirishaidawards.ie/global-goal-getters/
- For more information on how to take part in the Our World Irish Aid Awards 2020/21 please visit www.ourworldirishaidawards.ie
- As part of this year’s Awards, using the example of frequent, careful handwashing – something we are all familiar with – pupils are learning about how Ireland is helping children living in refugee settlements in Uganda and other countries by making sure that there is enough soap and clean water for them to wash their hands carefully. They are also introduced to Mamcy, one of 1.2 million refugees living in Uganda who, with her family, fled war and violence in South Sudan. Mamcy describes how the Irish Aid supported World Food Programme provides much needed food to the 230,000 refugees living in the Bidibidi settlement and how Covid-19 has changed the way she and her family and friends eat and live.
