Carndonagh and Moville schools awarded for LGBTQ+ inclusion

Two Donegal schools have been awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Carndonagh Community School and Moville Community College have Completed the Accreditation Programme For LGBTQ+ Safe and Supportive Schools.

These are the first schools to finish the 18-month journey to embed LGBTQ+ inclusion across their school community, policies and practices. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is run by Belong To, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation. 

Students, teachers and principals from 37 schools came together to receive their award at a celebratory event at The Foundry, Google Headquarters in Dublin. The event was hosted by Presenter and Podcaster, James Kavanagh.  

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative is a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion in post-primary schools that involves the whole school community.  

Over 18 months, schools are supported in implementing evidence-based actions across several key areas, which research shows improves the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark was created with support from Google.org. 

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark provides a comprehensive approach to developing an LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school that includes: Ensuring that staff are equipped to support LGBTQ+ students; Creating a supportive, LGBTQ+ inclusive school culture and environment; Encouraging students to share their opinions and ideas on how to create a safe and supportive school; Developing and implementing effective school policies and plans; Implementing a curriculum that supports diversity and respect; Working with parents, community organisations and other local LGBTQ+ youth projects or groups to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion. 

“School can be a difficult place for LGBTQ+ students, but that does not have to be the case,” Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO, of Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland said. "There are outstanding schools committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students. 

“The positive impact of inclusion and visibility allows students to live healthy lives and thrive at school. Today is about celebrating 37 brilliant schools that have shown leadership and outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through participation in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark. 

“I want to thank the entire school community in each of these schools and, in particular, recognise the incredible efforts of each LGBTQ+ Quality Mark Coordinator and Principal. 

“Thank you for showing up for LGBTQ+ students and for demonstrating commitment, courage and leadership. Congratulations on being the first schools in Ireland to receive the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.”