Deele College students brought the school to a halt on Friday afternoon to highlight the global inaction in relation to climate change around the world.
The Raphoe school is one of several schools throughout the country who undertook this action to highlight the need for drastic changes to combat pollution and reduce our carbon footprint.
The strikes were coordinated through two autonomous groups – FFF Ireland and School Strikes 4 Climate – as well as the Schools’ Climate Action Network (SCAN), a student-driven network of young people whose schools support their decision to strike.
All of these events are coinciding with a global protest in 75 countries prompted by the school strike by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar supported the action last week in the Dáil and said he was “inspired” by the strikers.
In a twist to the Raphoe school strike, Deele College combined the strike with their annual Seachtain na Gaelige school Ceili, which saw the would-be Ceili stars strutting their stuff while also striking for climate change.
This was being organised by both the Irish and Geography departments.
The students blocked the road and were supported by local commuters in their efforts to highlight the important issue of the environment and global warming. Shouting chants demanding Government action on climate change, the students made a real stand for the environment of the future.
Deputy Principal, Mr Danny McFadden says that the idea of students striking for serious issues like global warming and climate change shows how engaged the students are with real life issues.
“I would applaud the students on their stance and I think that if everyone, including those in power, took the same decisive action, we would be able to to rectify global issues much easier.
“There was a great atmosphere in the school today with the Ceili to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge and the strike, which really added to the day. Our students took a stand against climate change and it really highlights the importance of the issue for all our school community.”