Three West Cork students were among the prize winners in the County Council's first Primary Schools Road Safety Short Story competition.
THREE West Cork students were among the prize winners in the County Council’s first Primary Schools Road Safety Short Story competition.
Launched last year as part of the Children’s Book Festival Week 2017, entrants were asked to feature Sally and Jake, aged 8 and 10, who are great friends and love to get up to all sorts of fun and games together.
Over 400 entries were received and the local winners were: Schools Categories: Sarah Keohane St Mary’s National School, Enniskeane. Age 9 to 12 category – Anna Kearney, Clogheen, Kerrypike National School. Age 6 to 8 category: Kelly-May Cogan Flynn, Schull National School.
Cork County Council’s water and road safety development officer Caroline Casey, was delighted with the volume of entries. ‘The stories showed that by encouraging children to think for themselves and process the road safety message we teach we can really empower our children and develop independent thinking.’
Prizes included class trips to Spike Island, Tir na Si Open Farm and Crosshaven RNLI Station, with book vouchers from the Council’s library as well as pool parties in Mallow, Dunmanway and Fermoy swimming pools.
This is the latest in a variety of initiatives undertaken by Cork County Council to increase awareness among children of being safe on the road and around water.
County Mayor Declan Hurley spoke of the importance of such initiatives to make safety top of the list when it comes to being on the road: ‘Children are our most vulnerable road users and it is up to all of us to safeguard them on our roads. Road accidents account for a significant number of child fatalities in Ireland making it vital that we encourage children to be safe and smart road users.’
Local schools can register for a free school visit to help educate children around water, road and farm safety where a free pack of safety themed games, books for schools as well as a Safety Flag to fly proudly outside the school is provided. Email [email protected].