Dublin student wins national carbon monoxide safety competition

Freya Ní Shé from sixth class in Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch in Ballymun, Dublin has won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes.

Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition. Students who completed the ‘Energize’ Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) educational programme were eligible to enter.

The competition received numerous amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Freya Ní Shé’s poster outlining the side effects of carbon monoxide poisooning and the importance of having a carbon monoxide alarm in your house, which was deemed the winner.

Speaking as she presented Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch with an iPad for use in their school classroom, Gas Networks Ireland’s Social Sustainability Manager, Gráinne O'Reilly said:　

"Through creativity and innovation, students like Freya highlight the importance of carbon monoxide safety. Their artwork not only educates but inspires us all to prioritisesafety in our homes. Congratulations to Freya for winning an iPad for her classroom."

The Energize programme delivers science to primary school students around Ireland through practical and engaging lessons to cultivate interest in the subject so students continue with it to second level education. Carbon monoxide awareness is an important element of the programme.

This year marks 14 years of partnership between Junior Achievement and Gas Networks Ireland. Over the last year the Energize programme has included a module on ‘Sustainability’, which introduces students to the topics of renewable energy, biodiversity, and social responsibility.

 Mairéad Furlong, múinteoir rang 6 i Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch said:

" The Energize programme really gave the students an opportunity to engage with STEAM at a level that has awoken their curiosity and appreciation of science. It really was very rewarding to watch how they explored the world of science; health and wellbeing, energy, safety and light in a fun and exciting way."

To have Energize delivered in your school, please contact JAI at info@jai.ie.