Togher Boys NS wins big at national environmental awards

A local primary school has won big at the 2026 Our World Awards national finals for their contribution to environmental efforts.

Togher Boys NS has won the Irish Aid Programme Awards at the 2026 Our World Awards.

Pupils from the Togher school joined primary school pupils from across Ireland who were recognised at a ceremony in University College Dublin for projects tackling global challenges.

Our World Awards is Irish Aid’s primary school awards programme to recognise young people who are engaging with global challenges and turning their ideas into creative, practical action.

At a time when young people are constantly exposed to graphic images and headlines surrounding wars and global crises, parents and teachers are asking an important question — how do we ensure the next generation grows up informed, empathetic and connected to the world around them?

The Our World Awards programme supports pupils nationwide by helping them understand and engage with global issues in a meaningful way. 

Open to pupils from third to sixth class, the encourages empathy, creativity and global awareness through project-based learning.

As part of the award submission, the fifth class group at Togher Boys NS, with their teacher Ruairí O’Sullivan, focused on the importance of education through a lively debate for their first podcast dedicated to the Our World Awards.

Pupils actively engaged with global issues and shared informed viewpoints. Some great future debaters are clearly emerging!

Pupils from counties Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Tipperary and Wicklow were honoured for projects addressing issues such as climate change, poverty, sustainability and global equality.

Togher Boys NS were not the only Cork winners: Scoil Bernadette, Montenotte, took home the Rising Star award on the day.

St Joseph’s National School from Dundalk, Co Louth, received the top award for a whole school project that brought environmental responsibility to life through a striking, pupil-led installation.

Minister of State Neale Richmond, who presented the awards, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see the level of thought, creativity and empathy shown by pupils across Ireland.

“These awards are not just about understanding global issues, they’re about taking action. The pupils recognised today are showing that even at a young age, people can play a meaningful role in building a more sustainable and fair world.

“The quality of projects this year reflects a growing awareness among young people of the challenges facing our world, and a willingness to engage with them in a thoughtful and practical way.”

Now in their 21st year, the Our World Awards are the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s flagship programme with primary schools which, over its lifetime, has seen thousands of young people become inspired to engage with global issues and take action for a fairer, more sustainable world.