Limerick students make big splash at water awards
LIMERICK'S young water champions were celebrated at the annual Green School Water Awards hosted by An Taisce Green Schools and Uisce Éireann.
Scoil Fhionain, Kifinane were the overall winners in the primary school category.
Over the past school year, over 12,000 students in 432 schools all over Ireland have participated in the Green Schools water theme which is sponsored by Uisce Éireann.
The water theme looks at developing awareness around water conservation and how to effectively manage this precious resource in our schools and at home.
The Limerick school demonstrated commitment to the water theme and to raising awareness of the value of water in their school and the broader community.
The pupils in Scoil Fhionáin reached out to their local newspaper which covered their water action day including a water relay race, while everyone was encouraged to become more aware of how they use water by introducing water wardens in each class to check for leaks and running taps. Students were also encouraged to use refillable water bottles.
The two schools were chosen from a list of eight regional winners, who were recognised for their exceptional commitment to delivering water conservation measures, awareness raising and sustainability actions.
Speaking at the awards, Geoffrey Bourke of Uisce Éireann congratulated all the winners for their efforts to highlight the value of water. “It is truly inspiring to see how the schools taking part in the Green Schools water theme are setting an example for how we should all value our precious water resources and have proved just how much water can be saved. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who has taken part in this excellent program."
Green Schools Manager, Joanne Scott said: “Once again this year we have seen some inspirational ideas from the participating students. They have shown great leadership, not just in their schools but also in their wider communities. Our Schools of the Year winners have showed a genuine willingness to reach out beyond the schools themselves to engage with a wider audience.
“Well done to all the schools who took part in the programme this year for their outstanding efforts.”