Would You Pay for Poison?
Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Young Social Innovators of the Year 2012: Silver Award
2012
The aim of this project was to raise awareness about fluoride in the water supply in Ireland. Attempt to remove it from our water supply, starting with their own town and hopefully go nationwide with their campaign.
The team held talks in their local town on the issue and invited public representatives and a well-known environmentalist to these talks. They met with national politicians in the Dail and created an information booklet, produced a song and created a drama to raise awareness about the effects of fluoride on people’s health. After listening to their message, their principal purchased water filters to ensure the school’s water is fluoride free.
They carried out a survey in School about awareness on the issue and set up an information stall. The team also designed leaflets and petitions. They have formed links with people across the length and breadth of Ireland, through Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Articles and photographs have been published in local newspapers such as The Kerryman, Kerry’s Eye and Tralee Outlook.
They have spoken on Radio Kerry and Community Radio Youghal. TG4 filmed their work and next year they will be featured in a documentary exploring anti-fluoride campaign’s work.
YSI Den Summary
What the team pitched for:
The team sought funding towards fluoride filters for their school and for transport to central government for lobbying purposes.
YSI Den Grant
The team was awarded €800 towards fluoride filters for their school.
YSI Award Winner
Young Social Innovators of the Year Silver Award Title Holders