Two Laois schools in the running for national awards
Pupils from fourth class at Ballinakill Mixed School who have been shortlisted for a national award.
TWO primary schools in Laois were recognised for their efforts in the ‘2025 Our World Awards For Irish Aid’ and have been shortlisted for a national award.
Ballylinan National School and Ballinakill Mixed National School were signalled out for what the judging panel described as demonstrating dedication, creativity and global awareness of their pupils.
Fourth class pupils at Ballinakill Mixed School welcomed the Our World Awards film crew to their school in late January. The pupils gave a warm welcome and proudly showcased their inspiring knowledge of Irish Aid. Their enthusiasm and resilience were matched only by the quality of their work, which can be seen in their brilliant video now featured on the Our World Awards website https://ourworldawards.ie/learning-in-action/
Ballylinan NS also impressed the judges with their entry. The pupils created a highly professional video that not only showcased their learning but also explored the role of women in Somalia and highlighted the achievements of influential women across the globe. Through this powerful project, the pupils demonstrated their growing awareness of global issues and the importance of empowering women in all parts of the world.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s programme with primary schools which, over its lifetime, has seen thousands of young people become inspired to engage with global issues and take action for a fairer, more sustainable world.
This year, primary schools in Laois were encouraged to learn about the lives of children and their families in Mozambique, Somalia, and The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, also known as Laos, focusing on how Ireland and 192 other countries are working together to create a better future for all through support for the 17 UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond said: “This year saw an impressive rise in the number of entries for the Our World Awards. This response highlights the growing emphasis on Global Citizenship Education in our primary schools, which is very encouraging.
“The Our World Awards challenges children, as global citizens, to put the spotlight on world issues. It encourages pupils to learn about Ireland’s international development programme, Irish Aid which aims to fight world hunger and poverty on behalf of all the people of Ireland.”
The shortlisted schools will be invited to the National final on Friday 30 May where their entries will be celebrated and the Our World Awards School of the Year, 2025 will be announced.
