Mayo students learn about climate change thanks to EPA and Junior Achievement

STUDENTS from five Mayo and Leitrim primary schools joined 27 schools nationwide whose students had the opportunity to learn about climate change during Science Week thanks to expert volunteers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The local schools included Ballyvary Central NS, Ballintubber NS, Convent of Mercy NS, Claremorris, and St. Joseph’s NS, Ballinrobe, along with St. Manchan’s NS in Co. Leitrim.

Thirty-four EPA volunteers guided 853 students through climate change workshops during Science Week 2023.

The Climate Change & You workshop, developed by Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) in partnership with the EPA, aims to increase awareness and knowledge of global warming and encourage students to identify ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help their community. Throughout the year, 800 students nationwide participated in the workshop, bringing the total student reach to more than 1,600.

Teacher Teresa Walsh, fourth class teacher in Ballyvary Central NS, reported back to the EPA: “We are grateful for the excellent programme presented to us on Climate Change and You. The pupils really enjoyed the activities and learning about the impact climate change has on us, as well as the impact we have on climate change.

“The children have mentioned the programme several times since your visits, and we are being very conscious at making small changes consistently. We hope you will return to our class again in the next school year. Thank you to Brid Farragher and the EPA for this impactful opportunity.”

Gerard O'Leary, director of the EPA’s Office of Communications and Corporate Services, said: “The education of young people on the importance of climate action and the environmental impact of daily activities needs to be a priority. The EPA is delighted to partner with Junior Achievement Ireland during Science Week in order to increase environmental awareness among primary school children participating in JA programmes in schools around the country.

“The workshops are fun and an inventive way of engaging with these important issues at primary school level.”

The EPA environmental workshop is just one of many opportunities afforded to students thanks to the EPA’s support of JAI since 2016. In that time more than 200 EPA volunteers have reached 7,000 young people through Junior Achievement (JA) programmes designed to encourage young people to remain in education and help them to develop the skills they need to succeed in a changing world.

Helen Raftery, CEO of JAI, said: “The educational value of students working with role models and getting the chance to learn from them is well-established.

“Thanks to the EPA, more than 850 students had an exciting opportunity to experience environmental issues brought to life in a real and meaningful way. We are grateful to both our partner schools and the 34 EPA volunteers that helped us to communicate these important messages to young people all over the country.”