Pat Kenny of RTE with Alice Leahy (Left), Director/Co-Founder of TRUST, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD and leading Artist Bernadette Madden.
TRUST Announce National Education & Art Competition on the theme of THE OUTSIDER in association with THE IRISH TIMES
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD with RTE’s Pat Kenny and leading artist Bernadette Madden joined with Alice Leahy, the Director and Co-Founder of TRUST at the announcement of a major National Education & Art Competition on the theme of The Outsider aimed at all second level students. Bernadette Madden has agreed to act as Chairperson of the Board of Adjudicators. Other adjudicators include the South African Ambassador Melanie Verwoerd; Former Arts Council Chairman Ciaran Benson and well known actor Gerard Byrne best known as “Malachy” in Fair City.
Education Pack and full competition details will be sent to all School Principals in late September. Pack on the theme of The Outsider will include video, CD and Teachers Notes as well as other competition materials.
TRUST undertook this initiative in response to the overwhelming reaction from teachers and students in different parts of the country to a similar initiative last year for Transition Year students. However, given the response it was decided to extend it to all second level students this year and incorporate an art competition on this occasion.
“Many people who become homeless are outsiders. While accommodation is needed to help solve this problem it is only part of the solution. People are often forced out because they cannot fit in. This initiative will allow us to share our experiences with students in second level schools – tomorrow’s leaders – and give them a chance to think about what it means to be excluded,” Alice Leahy said.
TRUST is a non denominational, non party political body that provides health and social services for people who become homeless. TRUST is also committed to sharing the insights gained in its everyday work through education and advocacy. “Only by understanding why people are excluded is there any hope of building a society in which everyone will feel welcome”.
