Recently, students from across the Midlands showcased their creative solutions for climate issues at the Arcadia Creative Climate Awards (ACCA) exhibition at TUS Athlone. This year’s event, held on April 21, marked the sixth anniversary of the awards, which invite primary and secondary school students to present ideas that improve their local environments.
Ten schools participated this year, with students presenting 11 innovative projects. From hands-on initiatives in primary schools to broader sustainability concepts in secondary schools, the presentations revealed a strong awareness of environmental challenges.
The atmosphere was lively, filled with families who came to support the young innovators. In the morning, the exhibition welcomed the public, and in the afternoon, TUS representatives presented formal acknowledgments of the students’ work.
The ACCA complements the Junior Mayor initiative led by Cllr Frankie Keena, encouraging youth involvement in environmental policy discussions. Cllr Keena expressed his admiration for the quality of the entries: “The students and staff did an amazing job. It’s important to recognize their contributions to this Climate Expo.” He highlighted that the venue, supported by Joanne Gillivan and her team, added to the event’s success.
According to Fiachra McLoughlin, Director of Arcadia Retail Park, the engagement level was extraordinary this year. He noted that the presence of families and the community made the event more enriching for students. “It’s inspiring to see their ideas shared with a broader audience,” he added.
Spotlight on Projects
One standout project from Coosan NS tackled the issue of food waste. The students observed significant waste in their school and took action. They gathered data, conducted research, and shared their findings with classmates. “We believe we made a real impact,” they stated.
Students at St. Mary’s NS initiated the “Clean Commute Crew,” leading surveys and campaigns to reduce car usage and promote walking or biking to school. Their efforts resulted in measurable improvements in active travel among their peers.
At Scoil na Geithre Maistri, students focused on biodiversity. They built bee hives and planted bee-friendly gardens, showcasing the vital role bees play in pollination. Their project highlighted the interconnectedness of local ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Ardnagrath NS’ “Willow Weavers” project combined sustainability themes with wellbeing. They planted willow to create a living fence and garden space. The project supported diverse insect populations and fostered a hands-on appreciation for the environment.
The ACCA continues to be a crucial platform for fostering environmental awareness and innovation among youth. It bridges schools and communities, nurturing future leaders in sustainability.
Some projects this year included:
- Clonbonny NS: “Save the Bees, One Cap At A Time”
- Coosan NS: “Food Should Be Eaten, Waste Should Be Beaten”
- St. Mary’s NS: “The Clean Commute Crew”
- Marist College: “Marist Movers”
The ACCA not only highlights young talent but also emphasizes the importance of community impact. In a world increasingly focused on climate change, these initiatives are steps toward a more sustainable future.
