Love of learning competition launched in Balbriggan

BALBRIGGAN residents are being asked to illustrate their love of learning in a competition to launch a three-day festival to celebrate education in Ireland’s youngest town.

To encourage local people to get involved in the Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival, the organisers are challenging everyone to engage their creative juices in a photography and art competition to win one of five €100 vouchers.

Anyone who lives, works or learns in the town is invited to capture a picture, an image or create a piece of artwork that reflects the theme Our Balbriggan Loves Learning.

An exhibition of the winning competition entries will be the opening event of the three-day festival on March 31 in Flemington Community Centre.

Siobhan Lynch, adult education officer of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB), said: “Balbriggan loves learning so much that we have launched a festival to celebrate it, which is one of the actions identified in the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan.  

“The work created can be personal, reflecting the individual’s love of learning, or learning within the community or a specific setting.

“An image might represent what an individual learned such as new chords on a guitar, a new dance move or a collective image of people learning at sport, cookery class, choir and more.” 

Ms Lynch added: “Alternatively, it could be the tools of learning or a graduation, whatever signifies your love of learning.”

The innovative festival will feature an art exhibition, CV training and workshops and chances to meet with employers and education providers and guidance counsellors as well as showcasing the best in education and learning in the area at a number of events.

More information on the festival can be found at balbriggan.ie.

Entries for the competition will be divided into three categories – primary school, secondary school and over 18s.

The artwork can be a poster, a collage or mixed media, no larger than A3 and must be submitted to: Adult Education Service Balbriggan, Sarsfield House, Mill Street, Balbriggan, K32 KX 82 by 1pm on Thursday, March 13.

Photographs can be emailed to [email protected].