A talented Donegal student has come out tops in the regional finals of the ActionAid Ireland speech writing competition.
Caoimhe Lafferty, of Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, was chosen as one of the winners of the ActionTalks’ contest. Her speech on the topic of agroecology, or sustainable farming that works with nature, caught the attention of the judges.
They described it as well researched, ‘well-crafted and delivered with panache.’
Caoimhe will now go forward to the national finals in Dublin in March. The competition is run by ActionAid Ireland, which works with women and children across the world, as they take the lead in claiming their human rights to build a more just world.
The ActionTalks competition, now in its tenth year, invites students across the country to investigate global social justice issues. This year students wrote speeches on the climate crisis, gender-based violence and unpaid care work. ActionAid received 112 entries from 20 schools across 12 counties.
As one of seven winners of the regional finals, Caoimhe will now go on to the National Final which will be held in Dublin on 20 March 2024, judged by a prestigious panel of judges.
“We’re delighted to give young people an opportunity to research global issues and to speak out on topics that they care about,” CEO of ActionAid Ireland Karol Balfe said.
“It’s fantastic to see so many young people engage with important global topics like climate justice and gender equality. It was very difficult choosing the winners of the regional final, as it was so clear how much effort young people put in. However, we’re delighted to see Caoimhe go forward for the final, who’s speech on the topic of agroecology was well researched, well-crafted and delivered with panache.”
This competition is supported by Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs, as part of a women’s rights programme in Kenya, Nepal and Ethiopia.
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