Irish Aid is the Irish Government’s overseas development cooperation programme to fight world hunger and poverty on behalf of all the people of Ireland. Ireland’s development cooperation programme works together in partnership with governments, international agencies, non-governmental organisations and communities to protect the environment, grow more food, create jobs, build schools and hospitals etc., so that poor and vulnerable people can improve their lives, protect themselves from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and build a better future for their children.
The Our World Irish Aid Awards gives you the chance to learn more about the developing world and to speak out for a better future for all the world’s people.
This year’s theme, Equality for All, invites pupils to learn about the Global Goals and how Irish Aid, the government’s overseas development cooperation programme, is working hard to make sure every human being is included and treated fairly and equally so that we can all build a better world for our families. Using our Equality for All magazine and accompanying lesson plans, you can work on a creative piece showcasing what you learned or what inspired you. You can use writing, artwork, music or film and submit your work for a chance to feature in our Global Goal Getters online multi-media magazine, by kids, for kids.
We also want you to share your ideas and information with your friends and family at school and at home! Everyone in the world, including you, has an important role to play in fighting for gender equality and creating a better world. Taking part in the Awards is a good place to start. Are you and your class up to the challenge?
193 countries of the United Nations, including Ireland, are working together to create a better world and a better future for all by 2030, through the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which were agreed in September 2015, with Ireland taking a leading role in negotiations. These Goals, which build on the achievements of the previous UN Millennium Development Goals, seek to bring about a better future for children everywhere and for future generations.
The 17 Global Goals are as follows (simplified wording):
1. End poverty
2. End hunger
3. Make sure everyone can live healthy lives
4. Make sure everyone gets a good education
5. Make sure that women and girls get the same chances as men and boys
6. Make sure that everyone has access to clean water and proper toilets
7. Make sure that everyone has enough heat, light and power without damaging the environment
8. Help countries to develop and provide good jobs in a way that benefits everyone
9. Build schools, hospitals and roads, and promote creative businesses and industries, that make the people’s lives better
10. Make sure that everyone is treated fairly and that countries treat each other fairly
11. Make cities environmentally friendly and safe communities where people can live well
12. Make sure we only buy or use what we need so that we do not use up the Earth’s scarce resources
13. Act now to fight climate change
14. Look after the life in our oceans and seas
15. Look after forests, animals and the earth itself
16. Work for peace and justice inside and between countries
17. Countries will work together as partners to achieve the Global Goals and make the world a better place for everyone
Yes! The lesson plans on the Awards website have been written to provide pupils with learning opportunities directly related to the primary curriculum, including:
Curriculum Areas Republic of Ireland: Languages, Social, Personal & Health Education, Arts Education, Social, Environmental & Scientific Education, Religious/Ethical Education, Literacy & Numeracy.
Areas of Learning Northern Ireland: Language & Literacy, Mathematics & Numeracy, Personal Development & Mutual Understanding, The Arts, The World Around Us, Religious Education.
Yes. You can either call our dedicated hotline number on 01 522 4834 and one of our team will be more than happy to help you. Or, you can send in your query via email to ourworld@realnation.ie
Please note: It is important to make sure that you complete an Entry Form with a signature and accepted terms and conditions. Remember to clearly label pupils’ work.
The classroom resources and At Home Learning activities provided on this website provide step-by-step lesson plans for teachers, with supporting worksheets and background information, which are adequate for participation in the Awards.
However, the following publications and websites also have a wonderful range of ideas, resources and materials presented in teacher-friendly and child-friendly interactive style:
Our World Irish Aid Awards Real Nation 24 Arran Quay Dublin 7, D07 W620 | Tel: 01 522 4834 | Fax: 01 522 4809
Email: ourworld@realnation.ie | Facebook: @ourworldirishaidawards