This article is from page 32 of the 2007-12-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
PUPILS at Ennis Educate Together have been learning about the work done by aid organisations in troubled parts of the world.
32 children from fourth and fifth class took part in the Irish Aid Our World Global Schools Awards pro- eau benuentes
Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs, is the Government of Ire- land’s programme of assistance to developing countries and was set up in 1974. Ireland’s development co- operation policy is an integral part of Ireland’s wider foreign policy. Through Irish Aid, the people of
Ireland support development work in many countries (€813 million in 2006).
For the past few years Irish Aid has run the Irish Aid Our World Global Schools’ Awards programme for all primary schools in both the north and south of Ireland. The overall purpose of the programme Is to raise awareness among Irish students of the lives of children of a similar age in the developing world. By taking part in this programme, children can learn how Ireland works with these countries not as providers of charity but as partners for development.
Yesterday pupils presented their work to their parents and teachers at
the school.
Teacher Maurette Stack explained how the children explored the many ways poverty impacts on a region and the type of work carried out by aid agencies.
She said, ““They learned about a lot of countries like Nicaragua, Hondu- ras, Ethiopia. They had to look at dif- ferent aspects of poverty like water quality and education and the work of charities alleviate these problems. One aspect of it is to raise aware- ness about poverty and charity in the wider community so that’s why we invited in the parents.
The Irish Aid Our World Global Schools’ Awards programme pro-
vides a great opportunity to channel curiosity about the world and con- cern for others into practical action. In past years, hundreds of schools and thousands of children have taken part in this project.
It culminates with an awards day in Dublin where a national panel of judges selects the most impressive entries from schools countrywide.
This year once again there will be a fantastic final event held in Dublin, Where the most outstanding entries will be invited to attend and receive an award and will find out which school will receive the Irish Aid Our World Global Schools’ Awards tro-
phy.