Outdoor Play & Learning
The Outdoor Play & Learning program aims to provide primary schools with resources to promote outdoor play, physical activity and learning – vital in helping young students’ wellbeing and social-emotional development. Outdoor Play & Learning has been developed in response to the great need identified by principals and teachers to encourage people to get outside, play together safely and offline, particularly in the wake of virtual learning necessitated by COVID-19.
$250,000 will be invested for Outdoor Play & Learning, divided into grants varying from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the school site and need.
To advance this critical initiative, the Partnership is inviting primary schools to apply for grants to enhance outdoor spaces and equipment.
“School communities have done an exceptional job in adapting to the changes required to operate safely in a Covid-19 environment. We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with the Irish American Partnership and thank Patron Pádraig Harrington, and the members of the Partnership as we welcome this wonderful investment to resource fun and engaging outside play areas for our young learners.”
The Outdoor Play & Learning will fall under the Partnership's O'Neill Direct Grants to Schools program. Named in memory of a dear friend of Ireland who wholeheartedly believed in supporting Irish education and, more specifically, primary schools, this hallmark program provides critical, targeted funding to schools across Ireland. These grants are typically used to purchase literacy, numeracy, science materials, and now, outdoor resources aimed at promoting outdoor play, physical activity and learning, ultimately improving social connectedness and educational outcomes.