A NORTHSIDE girl was celebrating recently after winning an award for an essay she wrote which promotes positive attitudes towards disability.
Minister of State for New Communities, Culture, Equality and Drugs Strategy, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, presented Amelia Hussain, a sixth class pupil from Donabate Educate Together, with the county award for her piece entitled ‘Someone Like Me’.
The awards saw primary school students from around the country arrive at Farmleigh House as part of a national essay competition hosted by the Department of Justice and Equality to promote positive attitudes towards disability in primary schools.
The competition was entitled ‘Someone Like Me’. The students in attendance were shortlisted for their entries, which saw a mix of written and video essays, with many showcasing their own disabilities or those of their friends and families, all with a common theme of celebration.
Minister Ó Ríordáin said he was delighted to meet all of the finalists at the awards ceremony.
“I understand from the judges that the quality of the entries has been exceptional and the enthusiasm of the schools, teachers and students wonderful,” he said.
“The primary schools competition is an excellent opportunity for the youngest members of society to have a carefully thought out conversation around disabilities against the backdrop of the classroom.
“It is so important to drive this agenda from a young age and teach children to respect themselves and how unique they are, and also to respect the uniqueness of the people around them. “Amelia is a thoroughly inspiring winner and her entry was excellent.”
Rugby analyst Brent Pope, one of the judges, said: “I am no stranger to feeling different and really believe it is so important that we celebrate our uniqueness, what sets us apart.
“Writing and expressing ourselves is a terrific way to do this and I spent a lot of time reviewing the entries.
“I was really blown away by the standard of the essays and the story many of them were telling. I absolutely loved Amelia’s entry.”