Two schools from Northern Ireland have beaten off competition from 58 countries to take the top prize in an international Eco-Schools Competition. The county Down-based schools, Holy Cross Primary School in Atticall and Cumran Primary School in Clough were awarded joint first place in the Foundation for Environmental Education’s student-led World Days of Action Competition. Eco-Schools from 58 countries across 6 continents participated in the world days of action with the best energy saving actions winning the global competition.
In Northern Ireland over 150 Eco-Schools participated in a day of action on 7th November last year on ‘Operation Energy Power Down Day,’ The event was organised by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the environmental charity which operates the Eco-Schools programme in Northern Ireland and SSE Airtricity, the principal sponsors of the Eco-Schools Programme and energy topic ambassadors.
The Foundation for Environmental Education’s awarded joint first place to Holy Cross Primary School and Cumran Primary School who will each receive US900. Second prize was awarded to Pabrade "Ryto" gymnasium from Lithuania, with third prize going to Goce Delchev Aerodrom Primary School in FYR Macedonia.
Both Northern Ireland schools achieved impressive results on Power Down Day helping them to secure top spot in the international competition. Holy Cross Primary School achieved a 20% reduction in electricity compared to readings taken earlier that week. Cumran Primary School used numeracy lessons to measure their own performance and calculate the potential savings for schools across Northern Ireland.
The winning schools were presented with their prizes at Parliament Buildings on 10th June by Minister for the Environment, Mark H. Durkan. He said: “This is a tremendous achievement by these two schools, achieving global recognition in winning the World Day of Action Energy Award through their best energy savings ideas. Northern Ireland’s young people have a proud history spanning some twenty years with Downpatrick Nursery School being the first in the world to be awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.
Engaging our young people at the earliest age is critical if we are to sustain our environment. During my many visits to schools I have seen at firsthand how Northern Ireland’s young people of all ages are making a real difference, altering attitudes, behaviours, making real savings and contributing to a better environment and a stronger economy.”
Speaking at the event, Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools Manager, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said: “Congratulations to both schools on their global success. The response from schools to the Operation Energy Power Down Day was exceptional and both Holy Cross PS and Cumran PS achieved impressive results. With over 96% of all schools in Northern Ireland involved in the Eco-Schools Programme it is clear to see how deeply our young people care about the environment and I am delighted this has also been recognised on an international level.”
Josh Bradley, SSE Airtricity, added: “SSE Airtricity is committed to the communities right across Northern Ireland and we are delighted that Holy Cross Primary School and Cumran Primary School have received global recognition for their projects. The fact that both schools are in Co. Down is something everyone living there can be proud of, and hopefully will encourage schools in other counties to go the extra mile in next year’s competition.”
Both schools will also be celebrating their success at the SSE Airtricity and Eco-Schools Global Wind Awards event which will take place in Derry~Londonderry on the 12th June and will provide schools the opportunity to celebrate their Eco-Schools and energy saving achievements over the past year while also having the opportunity to visit the Slieve Kirk Wind Park.