Galway student wins national gas safety competition
Abigail Zama from 6th class in Trinity Primary School, Tuam, 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 safety poster competition. Students who completed the Energize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programme were eligible to enter.
The competition received hundreds of amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Abigail’s poster, "Carbon Monoxide”, which outlines six steps to keep homes and families safe from carbon monoxide positioning, that was deemed the winner.
The tips and steps Abigail outlined are:
1. Know the risks of carbon monoxide
2. Do not run engines in enclosed areas
3. Keep fireplaces clean and well vented
4. Keep vents clear
5. Schedule regular maintenance
6. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms
Speaking as he presented Abigail with an iPad for use in her school classroom, Gas Networks Ireland’s Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer, Ray Cummins, said:
"As science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, we’re big supporters of STEM education. Congratulations to Abigail and all in Trinity Primary School for winning the Term 3 Energize poster competition.
"We are delighted that 3,390 students from 112 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 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.
Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, JAI, which earlier this year marked 10 years in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, now runs its successful STEM education programme, Energize, online. The resources from the programme are also available free to download at www.jai.ie to support learning at home.
Abigail’s teacher, Elizabeth Cunningham said:
"My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions reflecting the curriculum. The programme enables pupils to understand career possibilities in STEM areas and encouraged them to continue with science in second-level education.
"We are delighted that Abigail has won this award. All our sixth-class pupils engaged in the poster competition and grasped the important safety messages related to carbon monoxide with wonderful creativity. Thanks to JAI, Gas Networks Ireland and all who support the programme.”
To have Energize delivered in your school, please contact JAI at info@jai.ie.