Kinnegad and The Downs schools named county winners in national inclusion art competition
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The “St Etchen’s NS Play Park” poster designed by the 2nd Class pupils at St Etchen’s.Image 2 of 2
In the Senior Category, students from 3rd, 4th, and 5th class at The Downs National School secured the county title with their ambitious 3D installation titled “Everyone Sees the World Differently.”The new year has started on a high note for two Westmeath primary schools, as St Etchen’s National School in Kinnegad and The Downs National School have been crowned County Winners in the prestigious 10th annual 'Someone Like Me' national art competition.
The announcement, made last week by the National Disability Authority (NDA), recognizes the schools' outstanding creative efforts in promoting awareness of both visible and non-visible disabilities. Both schools will now travel to Dublin City Hall on Wednesday January 28, to compete for the national junior and senior titles.
Representing the Junior Category, the 2nd Class pupils at St Etchen’s National School in Kinnegad impressed judges with their project, "St Etchen’s NS Play Park."
Under the guidance of teacher Jennie McKenna, the students took a scientific and empathetic approach to their art. The class conducted primary research by interviewing schoolmates with Autism to understand their specific needs. They then translated those findings into a large-scale 3D model of an inclusive play park where children of all abilities can play together.
In the Senior Category, students from 3rd, 4th, and 5th class at The Downs National School secured the county title with their ambitious 3D installation titled "Everyone Sees the World Differently."
Led by teacher Ken Rabbitte, the project is a multi-sensory experience. The model include real Braille descriptions for the visually impaired; a detailed model wheelchair to represent physical accessibility and supporting audio and digital imagery documenting the pupils' journey as they learned about diverse perspectives.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of 'Someone Like Me', a competition designed to foster a more accepting society from a young age. Dr. Aideen Hartney, Director of the National Disability Authority, praised the Westmeath schools for their commitment.
"Over the last ten years, the competition has created a national conversation about disabilities, helping to raise awareness and effect positive attitudinal change," Dr. Hartney said. "Selecting the county winners was not an easy task, and choosing an overall winner will be even harder."
The Road to the Finals The two Westmeath schools are now among 52 county winners (one junior and one senior from each county) vying for the top national prizes, which total over €1,000.
The awards ceremony on January 28 will feature disability advocate James Casserly and will be officiated by Minister Emer Higgins T.D., the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability.