Top marks for Scoil Chroí Naofa sixth class girls and their fundraising efforts

Sixth class pupils at Scoil Chroí Naofa in Carndonagh have shown that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Over the past few months, these young students have taken on a series of projects that reflect their compassion, initiative, and strong sense of community spirit.

As part of their school newspaper project, the class chose to focus on the recent fire that devastated the Doagh Island Famine Village, a cherished heritage site and tourist attraction that was badly damaged at the start of May.

Budding journalists Ruby McLaughlin and Ellie Mae Doherty led the way by interviewing Pat Doherty, the main man behind the Famine Village.

Conducting the interview live from their classroom, the pupils listened intently as Pat spoke about the damage, the loss of local history, and the incredible community support that followed. His determination to rebuild inspired the whole class to take action.

With support from the school’s parents association, the sixth class pupils organised a bake sale to raise funds for the Doagh Famine Village restoration efforts.

The students designed posters, visited classrooms to spread the word, and many also got involved in baking alongside their parents. Their hard work paid off and they raised an impressive €470.
In recognition of their support, Pat Doherty invited the class to visit Doagh Famine Village for a special educational tour.

The pupils sampled traditional Irish foods including dulse seaweed, Carrageen Moss jelly, and wild berries while listening to Pat’s captivating stories of Inishowen’s past. The visit offered the children a powerful reminder of the old meitheal tradition and how communities have always come together to support one another, both in the past and today.

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The pupils’ efforts didn’t stop there. Determined to continue their good work, they organised a sleep-in fundraiser at the school in aid of the Friends of the Inishowen Hospice. With cancer touching so many local families, the children recognised the vital role hospice care plays in the community. Their sleep-in raised an additional €480 through sponsorship.

And their generosity continues. This Friday, Scoil Chroí Naofa will donate old runners collected by the pupils to the ‘Walk in Our Shoes’ charity, which provides footwear to children in need across the world.

Through their hard work and kindness, Scoil Chroí Naofa’s sixth class has shown the true power of community, empathy, and taking action to help others.