Our Green-Schools Programme has wrapped up its awards season with 15 ceremonies across the country throughout the month of May. Following three years of online award ceremonies, we were delighted to return to in-person ceremonies in eight locations around Ireland for schools in every county.
Green-Schools is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with An Taisce celebrating its 75th anniversary, so these events were even more special for it. There were fantastic performances from schools at many of the ceremonies, which made each event unique. Guests at the ceremony in The Helix, for example, were treated to a special rendition of the Dermot Kennedy song, ‘Outnumbered’ by students from Francis Street National School, a song which they felt made them feel hopeful when faced with the climate crisis.
Speaking at the ceremony in The Helix in Dublin, Director of An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit, Cathy Baxter, said, ‘It’s fantastic to see the reach and development of the Green-Schools programme over the last 25 years. To witness the commitment and innovation from the teachers, students, principals, caretakers and wider school community has been truly inspiring and we are looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the next 25 years. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the work of the programme through partnerships and sponsorships. It takes a collective effort to achieve what the programme has achieved- and there’s plenty more to come!’
A very big congratulations to the 747 schools around the country who received Green Flags this year, with 52 of these receiving their very first flag. Well done to all of you!
The number of schools awarded for each theme:
Litter & Waste: 74Energy: 6Water: 80Travel: 123Biodiversity: 123Global Citizenship- Litter & Waste: 83Global Citizenship- Energy: 90Global Citizenship- Marine Environment: 82Global Citizenship- Travel: 61
Global Citizenship- Food and Bio: 25
Read the full Green-Schools Annual Report for 2022-23 HERE.