Final call for Longford primary schools to enter the 2019 Our World Irish Aid Awards

 As the entry deadline for the 2019 Our World Irish Aid Awards fast approaches, primary school pupils across County Longford are being encouraged to put the finishing touches on their projects in time for the closing date for submissions which has been extended to Friday 12th April 2019.

This year’s theme ‘Leave No One Behind’ relates to all of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and reminds us that each and every one of the world’s 7.6 billion citizens counts.  In a bid to combat the 13 million tonnes of plastic that makes its way into our oceans every year, harming local and global marine life and eco-systems, pupils will be learning about an Irish Aid supported project in the northern highlands of Tanzania.  Dunia Designs, run by Irish expats Evanna Lyons and Alexis Cronin, is an eco-friendly design company that specialises in the upcycling of plastic bottles, plastic bags and other waste to create beautiful and functional indoor and outdoor furniture and construction  materials, not only diverting and reusing waste, but also creating jobs for local families who otherwise would not have the opportunity to work and earn an income to support the wider family unit.

Pupils have been invited to create projects about the challenges facing children in developing countries and the role played by Ireland through Irish Aid, the Government’s official programme for overseas development assistance. Projects can take any form, with artwork, sculpture, writing, song and film featuring among the early submissions.

All entries will be assessed on their creativity, understanding of the theme and their impact.  Sixty projects that illustrate strengths across these three areas will receive an ‘Our World Irish Aid Awards’ plaque at regional awards ceremonies in May, and twelve top entries will win a place at the final awards ceremony in June, where the overall winner will be presented with an ‘Our World Irish Aid Awards’ trophy.  There will be additional awards for Teacher of the Year and Best Newcomer School.

This is the 14th year the Awards have taken place.  To maximise the time available to schools to finish their projects, the deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 12th April 2019.