In an effort to draw attention to both the lives of children in developing countries and the work of Irish Aid, the Minister for Development, Trade Promotion and North South Co-operation, Seán Sherlock TD, joined pupils at Vicarstown National School, Co. Cork today to launch the 2016 Our World Irish Aid Awards.
The nationwide awards invites children across Ireland to create projects which will highlight both the challenges facing children in developing countries as well as the efforts made by Ireland and other countries to combat global poverty.
Encouraging pupils to envision their future, the 'One World, One Future' theme for the 2016 awards will give children the opportunity to learn about the newly-agreed United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development and question how the world might appear in 2030.
Speaking at today's launch, Minisiter Sherlock explained: “This year pupils will learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which were agreed in September 2015. “
Outlining the main objectives, he elaborated: “The Goals are aimed at eradicating poverty, addressing environmental degradation and climate change, and building a more peaceful, fair and sustainable world .”
Highlighting the importance of the endeavour, he continued: “The Global Goals offer an ambitious framework to tackle the most pressing social, economic and environmental problems facing the world today. It is so important that pupils in Ireland today learn about these Goals which are so vital for the creation of a better world and a better future for all .”
Pupils' entries will be assessed on creativity, theme understanding and overall impact, with Minister Sherlock urging: “I encourage schools to get involved in the 2016 Irish Aid Our World Awards and look forward to seeing their projects later this year. “
