Two Laois schools win categories in ‘Someone Like Me’ art
Lily Rose and Rhea, who are both fifth class pupils from St Abban's NS, Newtown, Crettyard with their artwork
PUPILS and teachers at Kolbe Special School and Scoil Naomh Abban, Newtown, Crettyard had cause to celebrate last week when they were named junior and senior county winners, respectively, of the prestigious national art competition Someone Like Me.
Both schools have secured a place at the national awards ceremony, set to be held in Dublin on Wednesday 28 January.
They will join pupils and teachers from 50 other schools to compete for the national titles in their respective categories.
An initiative of the National Disability Authority, Someone Like Me promotes disability awareness among primary school pupils through the medium of art.
The competition, which marks its tenth anniversary this year, encourages pupils to reflect on the similarities we share, even though we might have different abilities.
Thousands of primary and special school pupils across Ireland have participated in the competition over the years.
Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney, congratulated Kolbe Special School and Scoil Naomh Abban and said that the number of entries this year is a tribute to the ongoing commitment of Ireland’s primary and special school teachers, who continue to play an important role in helping to create an inclusive Ireland.
She continued: “Over the last ten years, the Someone Like Me art competition has created a national conversation about visible and non-visible disabilities, helping to raise awareness and, ultimately, effect positive attitudinal change within society.
“Because of this, the competition is an important part of the work of the National Disability Authority and has become a highlight in our calendar.
“It gives us the opportunity to meaningfully and creatively engage with primary and special school pupils and teachers alike in a way that will benefit society not just now but for generations to come.” Dr Hartney said that selecting county winners was not an easy task. “While I know it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the 52 county winners will be awarded the national titles, all pupils and teachers should be congratulated for their entries and for coming up with ways to include all people within society.” Speakers at the national awards will include James Casserly, a young disability advocate. The national awards will be presented by the minister of state attending cabinet with responsibility for disability, Emer Higgins.
The competition, which offers a range of prizes to the value of over €1,000, was open to all primary and special school pupils, from junior infants to sixth-class. Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and videos.
