Louth student reaches final in national speech writing competition

A Louth student at Dundalk Grammar School, Chucks Kpaduwa has been announced as a finalist of the ActionTalks speech writing competition.

The competition, run by ActionAid Ireland, invited students all over Ireland to write about the leadership role of women during emergencies, conflict and climate disasters and the impact of climate change on women’s rights. ActionAid Ireland works with women and girls all over the world supporting them on achieving equality and human rights, and holding power to account.

The competition, now in its eleventh year, was open to students across Ireland. This year ActionAid received 90 entries from 23 schools across 12 counties. The six finalists will win a €50 voucher and proceed on to the final which will be held in Dublin in April. This year the overall prize is a €500 voucher for the winner and a €100 voucher for their teacher.

CEO of ActionAid Ireland Karol Balfe said: “In these challenging times, the ActionTalks competition continues to shine a light on the genuine passion and deep engagement young people have for critical global issues, giving us great hope for the future.

"Selecting finalists was particularly difficult this year, with exceptional entries from across the country demonstrating sophisticated understanding of women's rights and global justice. We encourage those who didn't advance to the final to maintain their commitment to these vital causes.”

She continued: “ActionAid's work, supported by Irish Aid and ultimately by Irish citizens, makes a significant global impact in eliminating violence against women and girls and this competition reflects our core mission. We wish Chucks the very best of luck in the final, knowing that all participants have already contributed to a more just and equitable world.”

This competition is supported by Irish Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs), which funds ActionAid's Women's Rights Programme, a programme that works to eliminate violence against women and girls. Irish Aid programmes are funded by Irish citizens and play an important global role in supporting women and girls.