Young Limerick woman aims to change the world for good

WANTING to change the world for the better is exactly what one young Limerick woman did, following inspiration from Australian mass climate change protests in 2018.

Saorise Exton is now in her final year of secondary school and has succeeded in being a finalist in this year’s Irish Red Cross Young Humanitarian Awards, which aims to “highlight the incredible and selfless efforts of people who have gone out of their way to help those in urgent need”, according to Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General for the Irish Red Cross. 

At age 13, Saoirse, who is a climate justice activist from Limerick city, began striking outside local council buildings calling for climate action.

About three weeks later in March 2019, a global climate strike gathered 400 people in Limerick and millions across the world. 

Following on from this, the determined young woman founded Fridays for Future Limerick, a local branch of the worldwide movement for climate action.

Saoirse then drafted a motion to declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency in Limerick, which was passed unanimously by Limerick City and County Council. 

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Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony which is taking place this Thursday, March 13, Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General for the Irish Red Cross, said: “We feel strongly that in this age of increasing conflict and devastation, we all need to focus squarely on the crucial need for unity, humanity, impartial support and volunteer service in aid of others - there simply is no other way forward.”

Through Saoirse’s role as Public Relations Officer with Limerick Comhairle na nÓg, she was selected to be a member of the Youth Advisory Group to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This allows her to raise timely issues to officials at the top of the organisation and voice young people’s concerns. Limerick Comhairle na nÓg is a forum for young people to discuss issues of relevance to them. 

The annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards will honour nominated finalists across five categories, in addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award. The five categories are: Humanitarian of the Year, Young Humanitarian, Innovation for Change Award, Journalism Excellence and Corporate Impact Award.