Local students help launch Irish Aid awards

STUDENTS from Gaelscoil Bharra in Cabra were joined by Minister for Trade and Development and local TD, Joe Costello (Lab), last week for the launch of the Our World Irish Aid Awards 2014.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the awards, which were established by 2005 to help Irish children understand global issues and the role of Ireland in meeting the UN’s eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Last year 124 schools in Dublin took part in the programme, with six making it to the regional finals and this year Irish Aid is aiming to get more entries than ever before.

During the three month programme, primary school students between the ages of 8 and 13 learn about the lives of children in developing countries. They then undertake a creative project to express what they have learned under a given theme.

This year’s theme,

‘A Better Future for all the World’s Children’, relates to all the MDGs and enables children to explore all aspects of Irish Aid’s work in developing countries.

Students can then work together and express what they have learned in a number of creative ways, including writing, film, or music.

All entries are judged on their creativity, understanding of the theme and their impact. Schools whose projects show creativity and a good understanding of the theme will receive an award plaque at the regional awards ceremonies in May.

A selection of the top entries will be invited to receive an award at the final awards ceremony in June where a judging panel will select one outstanding project to achieve the overall

‘Our World Irish Aid Awards’ trophy for 2014.

“I am encouraging pupils from all over Dublin to use their imaginations to think of the differences between their lives and the lives of children in the developing world,

? Minister Costello said at the launch.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the projects, which I have no doubt will be both educational and creative.

?

?¢ For more information on how to take part in the Our World Irish Aid Awards 2014 visit ourworldirishaidawards.ie.