The work of pupils from St John the Apostle NS, Knocknacarra, is being showcased in the new Our World Irish Aid Awards online magazine, Global Goal Getters, launched this week.
Minister of State for Overseas Development and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, pressed the ‘go live’ button on the first edition of Global Goal Getters this week, featuring the work of primary school pupils across Ireland participating in this year’s Our World Irish Aid Awards, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ flagship global citizenship award scheme.
St John the Apostle is among the 33 schools selected to be included in the first edition.
This year the Our World Irish Aid Awards programme has been Covid-19-proofed 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.
“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," Minister Brophy said. "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 voice and perspective. 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, added: “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.”
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 across Galway city and county 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, among 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 subsequent issues of Global Goal Getters.
