Environmental Youth Speak Competition a Great Success Across the District

Primary schools from across the district took part in a highly successful Environmental Youth Speak competition last week, with pupils delivering inspiring presentations on the theme “The Importance of Reuse & Repair.”

Organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) in partnership with South West College and The Executive Office (TEO) District Council Good Relations Programme, the competition encouraged Primary 5 to Primary 7 pupils to explore key environmental issues through public speaking.

The Environmental Youth Speak finals took place on Thursday at South West College’s Omagh Campus and proved to be a tremendous success. A total of 13 performances from 11 schools across the district took part on the day, with pupils showcasing impressive research, creativity and confidence in addressing the importance of reuse and repair in protecting the environment.

Winner:
Gaelscoil na gCrann, Omagh
Rose Ní Chuileannáin, Juno Nic Ruairí, Caitlín Ní Dhoibhilín

Runner-Up:
Moat Primary School
Georgia McElwaine, Tilly Wilson, Emily Willis

Runner-Up:
St Mary’s Primary School, Newtownbuttler
Éabha Gorby, Claire Fitzpatrick, Anna Fitzpatrick

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“It was fantastic to see the confidence of the young people who took part in Environmental Youth Speak. Every single pupil who took part spoke with great passion about the importance of reuse and repair.

It was truly inspiring to witness their enthusiasm and commitment to protecting our environment. Initiatives like this empower our young people to find their voice and remind us that they, acting in the present, will be environmental leaders of the future.”

Supriya Foster, Sustainability Officer at South West College, said the College had been delighted to partner with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on the inspiring initiative, which championed biodiversity and sustainability. She reaffirmed that sustainability is central to the College’s ethos and said it had been proud to host the event at the Omagh Campus and support young voices advocating for a greener future.

Hugo Sweeney, Good Relations Officer for FODC, added that the creative initiative enhanced the quality and extent of shared education and helped build a community where young people can play a full and active role in building good relations while caring for the local environment.

Special thanks were extended to Councillor Barry McElduff, the FODC Climate Team, T:BUC, Northern Ireland Resource Network and South West College Omagh Campus for their help and participation on the day.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council remains committed to ensuring that the district’s natural and built environment is cherished and sustainably managed. Through partnerships and initiatives such as Environmental Youth Speak, the Council continues to deliver on its Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Biodiversity strategies — inspiring the next generation to protect and enhance the environment.

For more information, contact the Climate Team on 0300 303 1777 or via climate@fermanaghomagh.com.