Dungarvan student wins national gas safety competition

Mia Cuddihy from 6th class in Scoil Mhuire Abbeyside National School, Dungarvan, Waterford, won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes.

Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide (CO) safety poster competition. Students who completed the Energize programme were eligible to enter.

The competition received hundreds of amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Mia’s poster, "Carbon Monoxide Poisoning", that was deemed the winner. Mia was presented with an iPad by Gas Networks Ireland for use in her school classroom.

Gas Networks Ireland Corporate Responsibility Manager, Christina van der Kamp, said:　"As science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, we’re big supporters of STEM education. Congratulations to Mia and all in Scoil Mhuire Abbeyside National School for winning the Term 3 Energize poster competition.

"We’re delighted that 5,200 students from 151 schools nationwide engaged with Energize last year. Most importantly, more students are now aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and will be able to spot the warning signs in the future."

The Energize programme delivers science to over 5,000 primary school students around Ireland through practical and engaging classroom-based 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.

During the pandemic, Gas Networks Ireland worked with JAI to make the resources from the Energize programme available free to download at www.jai.ie to support learning at home.

Mia’s teacher, Paddy O'Dea said: "My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions reflecting the curriculum. The programme was delivered by Tara Kiely, from Waterford City & County Council, who was an incredibly enthusiastic volunteer. Tara enabled pupils to understand career possibilities in STEM areas and encouraged them to continue with science in second-level education.

"We are delighted Mia has won this award. All of our sixth class pupils engaged in the poster competition and grasped the important safety message with wonderful creativity. Along with JAI who run the Energize Programme and Gas Networks Ireland who support it, I would also like to especially thank Tara who, as well as delivering the course, also arranged that John Pratt, Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, present the children with their Energize course certificates."

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