Projects from three Offaly schools featured in online global aid magazine

The work of pupils from three Offaly schools has been featured in the online magazine, Global Goal Getters, which features the work of primary school pupils across Ireland who are taking part in this year's Our World Irish Aid Awards.

Tullamore-area schools Gortnamona NS and St Philomena's NS were featured in Global Goal Getters, as was Killeen National School in Birr.

Project from 24 schools across Ireland that were chosen to feature in this year’s second edition of the online publication, which is now available to view online at: ourworldirishaidawards.ie

Fifth and sixth class pupils from Gortnamona National School submitted a brilliant educational sock puppet play all about the importance of gender equality. Guided by teacher Ciara Morrissey, the pupils focused on the differences between men and women the world over.

Sixth class pupils from St. Philomena's National School, with teacher Catherine McAuliffe, created an amazing magazine entry. The students listened well to all their lesson plans and conveyed the importance of the work carried out by Irish Aid. The students included everything from Global Goals to fun games in their magazine, which is full of facts and fun.

Fifth and sixth class pupils from Killeen National School travelled through time to write letters from a "Happier and Healthier Ireland" in 2030.

Each letter or poem was insightful and full of the knowledge we need to help Ireland remain green. Sustainability, inclusion and biodiversity are clearly very important to the St Philomena's NS students, and we can see that in their work.

Commending the pupils and teachers at the schools, Sean Fleming, the Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, said: “Many congratulations to Gortnamona National School, St Philomena’s National School and Killeen National School on being featured in our second edition of Global Goal Getters.

"This reflects the hard work of both pupils and teachers, all of whom have spent time learning about and discussing the issue of equality and how each of us can make a difference to the world.

“The Our World Irish Aid Awards are an important opportunity for young people to learn about issues such access to education and the impact of climate change. These are vital issues that greatly impact millions of people's lives around the world.

"I have recently returned from a visit to Malawi to see how Irish Aid-supported programmes are helping people there. Climate change is reducing the amount of food people can produce, while many young people, particularly girls, are not accessing education. It is important for young people in Ireland to learn about these inequalities and about how they can make a positive change," said the Minister.