Artistic skill and understanding wins Ballinkillen NS awards
Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney presented an award to pupils Martha Keogh and Ciara Hawkins, with Ciara's mother, Caroline, also pictured Photo: Gareth Chaney
BALLINKILLEN NS pupils must be a kind and talented bunch of children because not only did they create some brilliant art work in the national Someone Like Me competition, they also showed great understanding through their art of how to include everyone in their lives, irrespective of their abilities.
Three pupils from Ballinkillen NS won county prizes in the Someone Like Me competition, which is organised by the National Disability Authority (NDA).
Hannah Cummins from second class won the junior title, while Ciara Hawkins and Martha Keogh from fifth class took home the county prize in the senior category.
The girls travelled with their parents to Dublin City Hall recently, where they were presented with awards by Dr Aideen Hartney, director of the NDA.
Hannah is the daughter of Jill and Noel, Ciara’s parents are Caroline and Simon, while Martha’s mam and dad are Mairéad and George. They are all delighted with their daughters’ achievements, as are their respective teachers Clíona Walsh and Rebecca Smith.
Now in its ninth year, the Someone Like Me art competition attracted 2,783 entries from national schools across the length and breadth of the country. The competition was created as part of the NDA’s work to nurture more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities.
It aims to open the children's eyes to see beyond the surface and realise our similarities and unique differences, serving as a tool for children to learn and engage in heartfelt conversations, sparking curiosity and empathy.
To date, it has seen more than 25,000 children take part in lesson plans and pupil activities designed to help them develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities in a bid to help create a more inclusive society.
