Portlaoise school travel project is a first of its kind for Ireland News

The project aimed to develop a network of travel buddies for students to support each other in their daily commutes to school.

The Birth of WOW

The idea for WOW was born out of a desire to create a safe and supportive community for students to navigate the challenges of daily travel. The project’s organizers recognized that many students in Portlaoise faced difficulties in getting to school, including lack of public transport, long distances, and limited mobility. By bringing together students and teachers from six local primary schools, the project aimed to foster a sense of belonging and connection among the participants.

The WOW Model

The WOW model is based on a simple yet effective approach:

Students are paired with travel buddies who provide support and companionship during their daily commutes. Travel buddies are trained to listen, offer advice, and provide emotional support to their peers. The program encourages students to take ownership of their travel plans, making informed decisions about their daily routes and schedules. ## The WOW Experience*

The WOW Experience

For students participating in WOW, the experience is multifaceted and rewarding. Some of the benefits include:

Improved mental health and well-being

Enhanced social skills and confidence

Increased sense of community and belonging

Support and guidance from trained travel buddies

WOW in Action

The WOW program is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a living, breathing community that’s making a real difference in the lives of its participants.

“It’s not just for the environmentally conscious, it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem.”

The Origins of WOW Day

WOW Day, which stands for Walk to Work Day, has its roots in the United States. The idea was first introduced in 1992 by the American Automobile Association (AAA) as a way to encourage people to leave their cars behind and walk or cycle to work. The initiative was met with great success, and it has since been adopted by many countries around the world, including Ireland.

The Benefits of WOW Day

So, what are the benefits of WOW Day? Here are just a few:

Reduced carbon emissions: By leaving our cars behind, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

The students came up with a plan to invite Santa Claus to visit their town and have him walk through the town’s main street, spreading joy and cheer to the residents. The students also suggested that they would have a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a holiday craft fair, and a festive holiday dinner.

The Town-Wide WOW Launch

The town-wide WOW launch was a grand event that brought together students from four secondary schools to plan and execute a festive holiday celebration. The event was designed to promote unity and joy among the residents of the town, and it was a huge success.

Planning and Preparation

The students from the four secondary schools gathered for their forum to discuss and plan how their schools would promote and execute the town-wide WOW launch. They came up with a variety of ideas, including:

Holding a Santa Stroll, where Santa Claus would visit the town and walk through the main street, spreading joy and cheer to the residents. Organizing a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where the town’s Christmas tree would be lit up, symbolizing the start of the holiday season. Hosting a holiday craft fair, where local artisans would sell their handmade crafts and decorations. Planning a festive holiday dinner, where the community would come together to share a meal and celebrate the holiday season. ### The Santa Stroll

The Santa Stroll

The Santa Stroll was a highlight of the town-wide WOW launch.

The Green-Schools Travel Programme

The Green-Schools Travel programme is a national initiative in Ireland that focuses on promoting sustainable travel among students and pupils. The programme is designed to encourage schools to adopt environmentally friendly transportation options, such as walking, cycling, and carpooling. The programme has been successful in promoting sustainable travel practices among schools and has been recognized for its positive impact on the environment.

Key Strategies

The Green-Schools Travel programme uses a range of proven strategies to promote sustainable travel. Some of the key strategies include:

Encouraging students to walk or cycle to school

Implementing carpooling schemes

Promoting the use of public transport

Encouraging the use of electric or hybrid vehicles

Creating a school transport plan

Benefits of the Programme

The Green-Schools Travel programme has numerous benefits for schools, students, and the environment.

The forums were held in the town of Portlaoise, which is the county seat of Laois. The forums were attended by 150 students from 10 schools in the county. The forums were facilitated by a team of experts from the National Climate Change Office and the National Education and Training Authority.

The Community Climate Action Forums

The Community Climate Action Forums were a series of events held in Portlaoise, Laois, to engage students in climate change discussions and activities. The forums aimed to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on the community, while also providing a platform for students to share their ideas and concerns.

Key Objectives

To raise awareness about climate change and its impact on the community

To provide a platform for students to share their ideas and concerns

To foster a sense of community among students and local residents

To encourage students to take action on climate change

Expert Facilitation

The forums were facilitated by a team of experts from the National Climate Change Office and the National Education and Training Authority.