Researchers visited Carlow schools to speak with children about choosing an education and career in STEM
Researchers from South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow recently teamed up with Teagasc, under the coordination of Carlow County Council, to celebrate Ireland’s first Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week. Female researchers from enviroCORE visited various national schools in the county to speak with children, and young girls in particular, about choosing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education and career path.
SDG Week, which took place from the 20 – 26 September, as part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW), marks the anniversary of the day the SDGs were agreed and comprises of activities to celebrate and raise awareness of these goals.
The enviroCORE visits aimed to contribute towards SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Researchers from the Department of Applied Science, SETU Carlow, including enviroCORE Director Dr Thomae Kakouli-Duarte and enviroCORE intern Ms Naoise Kelly visited the Queen of the Universe National School in Muinebeagh, Co Carlow on 20 Sept 2022. Similar visits were paid by enviroCORE researchers Ms Marta Mroczkowska to Clonegal National School, Ms Demi Ryan to Scoil Molaise in Old Leighlin, and Ms Katie Phair to St Joseph’s National School, Hacketstown.
Speaking of the events, Dr Kakouli-Duarte said, “The responses we received via Carlow County Council were so rewarding. Teachers praised our visits and many schools have already started arranging projects, experiments, and other initiatives subsequently. We have been informed that we have certainly succeeded in inspiring many girls across Co Carlow.
Moreover, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, who were coordinating the National SDG Week campaign, have very kindly stated that our visits will be a guiding force in career choices for these young students.”
SETU looks forward to continuing the success of these school visits and taking part in SDG Week 2023.