The young innovators from the Beara peninsula wanted to raise awareness of Lyme disease and the risks associated with tick bites for those living in their local area and for the many tourists that visit each year. They were keen to educate people on the symptoms, which often mimic other illnesses, and they wanted to explore ways of preventing mis- or late diagnosis in patients.
The Action
The team liaised with medical professionals and organisations both in Ireland and abroad including Scotland, Germany, the USA, Canada and Australia. They spoke first-hand with disease sufferers and their carriers and found Tick Talk Ireland a particularly useful partner. Using the information gathered, the team produced resources and materials for homes, schools, and communities. Their pre-school, primary and post primary school education packs include lesson plans, resources and cross-curricular material on Lyme disease and ticks. They also designed a tick removal pack for First Aid boxes.
The Impact
The students presented their work to officials in both Cork and Kerry County Councils and the Office of Public Works and sent details of their research, findings, and recommendations which they invited the officials to forward to relevant national bodies.
Promotion through social media channels, the production of videos and advertisements for TV and radio and, in particular, the development of an Android App made this team of innovators stand out as the winner of the Mobile for Good Award
Login
