Kildare teacher awarded for volunteer work by Concern

Kildare woman Sarah Butler is one of 24 people who have been awarded for their volunteer efforts for the humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide.

The mother-of-four who lives in Maynooth and who has taught English at Scoil Dara for 20 years, was awarded for her work as a volunteer adjudicator with the Concern Debates competition, which is the country’s largest school debating contest where students debate global issues.

Concern praised Sarah for her work as a Concern Debates mentor since 2018 and as an adjudicator.

Sarah told Concern that the debates are a highlight with her students and said it “builds their confidence, public speaking skills and engagement with the world around them.”

“We are grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who help us reach millions of people living in extreme poverty and hunger every year,” said Concern’s Community Fundraising Manager Joanne Arnold.

“Concern’s work continues despite many challenges. The families we support in places like Sudan and Gaza cannot be reached without the support we get from our volunteers.

“They include the adjudicators who help us run Concern Debates which has been hugely successful in getting students thinking and talking about the many issues the world faces.”

Concern’s Volunteer Awards began in 2013 to celebrate the vital contribution made by the organisation’s volunteers in Ireland.  

Many raise funds that enable Concern to continue to alleviate poverty and hunger, which last year alone saw 27.3 million people reached in 27 countries.   

Concern was formed in 1968 in response to the Biafran famine in Nigeria.  

More information about Concern’s work and how to support the organisation can be found at concern.net.  

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