Minister McHugh launches 2017 Our World Irish Aid Awards for primary schools
16/1/17
Minister McHugh launches 2017 Our World Irish Aid Awards for primary schools
Awards seek to help children in Ireland understand global development issues and Ireland’s role in fighting poverty worldwide
The Awards invite pupils across the island of Ireland to create projects about the challenges facing children in developing countries and the role played by Ireland, through Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development, in the global effort to fight poverty. Schools are provided with online and print curriculum linked teaching and learning materials, and pupils communicate their ideas and understanding of the issues in writing, song, film, artwork or any medium they choose.
The ‘For People and Planet’ theme of the 2017 Awards helps pupils to understand the interdependence between people and the natural world, and how the wellbeing of people, wildlife and the environment is interconnected. Pupils will learn about the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, agreed by 193 countries including Ireland, to address the root causes of poverty and protect the planet, and how they as global citizens can play their part.
Speaking at today’s launch, Minister McHugh said:
“The Our World Irish Aid Awards give pupils from across the island of Ireland a great opportunity to gain insight into the lives of children in developing countries, and convey their understanding through projects which are both creative and educational.
Pupils will learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which are aimed at eradicating poverty, addressing environmental degradation and climate change, and building a more peaceful, fair and sustainable world by the year 2030. It is so important that young people learn about these Goals which are vital for the creation of a better world and a better future for all.
“I encourage schools to get involved in the 2017 Irish Aid Our World Awards and look forward to seeing their projects later this year.”
The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, TD, has stated that:
“The Our World Irish Aid Awards is an exciting educational initiative which brings current global issues into the primary classroom, in a child friendly way. Taking part can support teachers’ delivery of the curriculum across a range of subject areas, and allows pupils to communicate their own knowledge and ideas in many creative and innovative ways.”
All entries are 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 Award’ plaque at regional awards ceremonies in May, and 12 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 special awards for Teacher of the Year and Best Newcomer School.
ENDS
Press Office
16 January 2017
Notes to editors:
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Photographs will be issued to photo desks following the launch.
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Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas assistance programme. It is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For further information see www.irishaid.ie
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The Our World Irish Aid Awards 2017 are open to primary schools in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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For more information on how to take part in the Our World Irish Aid Awards 2017 and the Global Goals for Sustainable Development please visit http://ourworldirishaidawards.ie/
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For further information: Máirtin Cronin, Press Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 01 408 2032; Liz Burke Communications (086 8912153)
The United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development 2016-2030
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Goal 1 |
End poverty in all its forms everywhere |
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Goal 2 |
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture |
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Goal 3 |
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages |
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Goal 4 |
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all |
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Goal 5 |
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls |
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Goal 6 |
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all |
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Goal 7 |
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all |
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Goal 8 |
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all |
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Goal 9 |
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation |
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Goal 10 |
Reduce inequality within and among countries |
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Goal 11 |
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable |
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Goal 12 |
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns |
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Goal 13 |
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts* |
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Goal 14 |
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development |
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Goal 15 |
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss |
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Goal 16 |
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels |
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Goal 17 |
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development |