Student champions soak up some water knowledge
Image 1 of 3
Students took part in a day of interactive workshops. DARAGH MCSWEENEYImage 2 of 3
Uisce Éireann graduate Larissa McCarthy with Sacred Heart Secondary Clonakilty students Roisin O’Donovan, Katharine O’Donovan, Caoimhe White, and Sarah Whelton. DAVID JONESImage 3 of 3
Elaine Doyle of Clean Coasts; Brian O’Leary, Uisce Éireann, Water Regional O&M Senior Manager; and Jennifer Cooney of Green Schools with Botherbue Comprehensive students Padraig O’Connor and Holly Davis. DAVID JONESPupils from schools across Cork recently gathered to undertake water ambassador training, taking the first step to become champions in water conservation.
More than 30 students from nine different schools met at the historic Nano Nagle Place where they dived headfirst into the Green Schools Water Ambassador Programme, a day full of interactive workshops courtesy of Uisce Éireann.
Training alongside staff from An Taisce's Green-Schools team, the pupils learned some interesting and surprising facts about water. One piece of knowledge they brought home with them was that, on average, one person uses 133 litres of water per day and that each day 1.7 billion litres of water travels through the water network in Ireland. Also presenting to the students on the day, Clean Coasts demonstrated why we need to Think Before We Flush with their unique fatberg sculpture.
Brian O’Leary, Regional Water Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “The Green Schools Water Ambassador Programme is a great opportunity for the students to learn more about our water supply, how water is treated, and how valuable it is. Safeguarding Ireland's water supply is a top priority for Uisce Éireann, but it is not something we can do alone. Everyone can play their part through practicing simple and effective ways to conserve water.”
Jennifer Cooney, Green Schools Water Officer, added: “We had interest from secondary school students across Ireland in becoming advocates for our most precious resource: water. At our recent training event in Cork, the water ambassadors delved into topics like river health, water conservation, and environmental impacts of fast fashion.”
Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Campaigns and Development Officer, spoke about the Think Before You Flush campaign.
She said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign was set up in response to the prevalence of sewage related litter, such as wipes and cotton buds, on Irish beaches. It is essential that the campaign engages people of all ages.
“Sewage related litter affects us all and must be addressed to help protect our environment and wastewater network. Remember, only flush the 3 P’s (pee, poo, and paper). Everything else goes in the bin,” added Ms Doyle.
The Green-Schools Water Ambassador Programme is a grassroots sponsorship focused on increasing awareness and understanding of the vital role that water plays in our daily lives and water conservation through a range of activities, tailored to students at both primary level and secondary level.