Two Clare national schools are in a celebratory mood this week as the judges of a prestigious national art competition have named them Junior and Senior County Winners, placing them in the running for what has become a much sought-after national title.
The competition, which is entitled ‘Someone Like Me’, is sponsored by the Department of Justice and Equality. It aims to promote disability awareness among primary school children and give them a greater understanding of what unites children of differing abilities. Now an annual initiative, ‘Someone Like Me’ allows children to learn about and discuss these topics and creatively express what they have learned through art and craft.
And, the artistic efforts of pupils and teachers at Furglan National School, Lahinch and St. Joseph’s National School, Miltown Malbay have paid off as their imaginative ‘Someone Like Me’ submission was singled out by the competition’s judges – Sinéad Burke, Mark Maguire and Caomhán Mac Con Iomaire – for being exceptionally insightful and inspirational.
Congratulating both schools on becoming county winners, Minister of State with special responsibility for Disabilities, Finian McGrath T.D. said that he was hugely encouraged by the number of competition entries.
“This year we received more than 2,000 entries from 25 counties which means that teachers and pupils right across the country have taken the time to think carefully about the similarities that exist between all people and to consider other people and other people’s feelings,” he said.
“There are more than 600,000 people in Ireland with a disability, of which 53,000 are children under the age of 15. Initiatives like this are an important part of the work carried out by the Department of Justice and Equality to promote inclusiveness and I am delighted to see so many schools take part.
“While I know that it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the entries has been awarded the national title, the reality is that we are all winners. Everyone who has taken part will have developed a better understanding of disability and formed more positive attitudes simply by thinking about treating others the way that they like to be treated themselves. That can only lead to a more inclusive Ireland where everyone, irrespective of ability or disability, is a valued member of society.”
Both schools will now go on to compete with 45 other schools from around the country for the overall national “Someone Like Me” award which will be announced by the Minister for State with special responsibility for Disabilities, Finian McGrath T.D. at a ceremony at Dublin City Hall on Monday 4th December 2017.
The competition, which offers a range of prizes up to the value of €750 was open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and over 2,000 entries were received from individual pupils, class groups and whole schools right across Ireland. Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and multi-media pieces.