Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) is thrilled to celebrate the success of its Zero Waste Schools Programme in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
Area. Three schools, Knocknagor PS Omagh, St Nailes PS Enniskillen and Jones Memorial PS Enniskillen came together to celebrate their participation in this pioneering pilot programme on Tuesday 17th June at the Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen.
The Zero Waste Schools Programme aims to embed Circular Economy principles and actions in schools across Northern Ireland, providing our young people with the knowledge to help them eliminate waste at their schools.
The first of its kind in N. Ireland, the three participating Fermanagh and Omagh District Council schools became Zero Waste Champions by participating in a series of practical workshops covering topics such as food waste, waste diversion, stitching skills and challenging textile waste with partnering organisations – Tools for Solidarity, FareShare NI, Habitat for Humanity and Ostrero. This unique programme has the ambitious target of reducing consumption and introducing young people to reuse and repair as an alternative to landfill and recycling.
NIRNs Executive Director Eimear Montague comments, “The programme is key to encouraging sustainability discussions both at school and home, empowering children to become advocates for waste reduction. Engaging with our young people at an early age is necessary to change behaviours and attitudes towards products and materials as waste but rather as resources that can be used continuously through reuse and repair. We are so proud of all the schools that have participated, and our delivery partners so much has been achieved”.
Eimear continues, “By focusing on practical applications such as reuse and repair, students have learned to view discarded items as valuable resources. This shift in perspective is crucial for long-term behavioural change that prioritises sustainability.”
Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Shirley Hawkes commented, “The Zero Waste Schools Programme is a fantastic example of how we can empower our young people to take meaningful action on sustainability. It’s inspiring to see pupils across our district leading the way in waste reduction, repair, and reuse. Their enthusiasm and commitment remind us that small actions can lead to lasting change — not just in our schools, but in our homes and communities. The Council is proud to support initiatives like this that build a more sustainable future for all.”
Special thanks to the schools involved, our delivery partners, Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Shirley Hawkes for presenting our Zero Waste Champion schools with a certificate of completion and Zero Waste Champion Badges, a bird and bat box all made from reclaimed wood.
The success of this year’s pilot sets a promising precedent for future schools. It is a testament to the power of education in driving environmental change and the importance of engaging young people early in sustainability initiatives.
If a primary school would like to get involved in the Zero Waste Schools Programme, please contact your local council environmental department.
