What's it all about?

Irish Aid is the Government's programme of overseas development assistance. The overall aim of Irish Aid is to fight global poverty, and its work is guided by the Millennium Development Goals. These goals are about eliminating poverty and improving the quality of life for all.

THIS YEAR’S THEME: “CARING FOR THE PLANET, FEEDING OUR WORLD” This year’s theme links MDG1 (Eliminating extreme hunger and poverty) to MDG7 (Ensure environmental sustainability), and invites pupils to explore how taking care of the environment can help to fight poverty and hunger. The Awards ask participants to think about the MDGs in relation to children living in developing countries. More than half of the world’s children are born into poverty. In 2010 there were 925 million hungry people in the world. Malnutrition continues to be a significant cause of annual infant mortality for almost 8.1 million children who die before their fifth birthday. But, there is good news too. Infant mortality rates have decreased. More children than ever before now go to school, and nearly every country in the world acknowledges the right of each child to a healthy and safe childhood in which they can grow, play and develop. These Awards ask children in Ireland to envisage and contribute to a better future for all the world’s children.

Our World Irish Aid Awards will give you the chance to learn more about the world and to speak out for a better world. Click here to get started