Dublin Airport, in line with its commitment to community engagement and education, recently visited St. Kevin's Boys National School in Finglas as part of its Community School Outreach Programme. Janine and Dominick from Dublin Airport brought the APFS (Airport Police and Fire Service) ambulance to the school, where they engaged the students in an informative and enjoyable aviation-themed session during their two summer camps.
The school visit aimed to provide the young boys with an exciting opportunity to learn more about the airport, its operations, and the roles played by the dedicated airport staff, including the fire and rescue teams.
The Dublin Airport team interacted with different camp groups, sparking the students' interest with a Dublin Airport themed quiz and captivating images of airport vehicles, runways, and aircraft displayed on Webtrak, the airport's web-based flight system. Additionally, the students had an exclusive close-up look at the APFS ambulance, where Dominick, donned in his full fire kit, demonstrated the equipment used during emergency callouts. The session covered a wide range of topics, from the physics of aircraft take-off to the airport's safety protocols.
daa CEO, Kenny Jacobs said:
"Our commitment to community engagement and education remains at the heart of Dublin Airport's vision. The School Outreach Programme is an essential initiative that allows us to connect with young minds and inspire them to explore the exciting world of aviation. We are delighted to have visited St. Kevin's Boys National School and provided the students with an enjoyable and informative experience. Dublin Airport is proud to play a role in fostering knowledge and understanding among the future generation.
The school expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Dominick Gaughan and Janine from Dublin Airport for bringing the world of aviation to their students. The interaction with Dominick, who provided insights into his role at the airport and explained the equipment used in the fire and rescue ambulance, was particularly memorable for the boys. They thoroughly enjoyed the airport-themed quiz and were thrilled to receive Dublin Airport goodie bags!
Dublin Airport's Community Outreach Programme reflects its commitment to fostering strong relationships with local schools, educational institutions, and community organisations. Through this initiative, the Community Engagement team, along with representatives from various departments within the airport, frequently visits schools and clubs to provide valuable learning experiences to young minds.
From sustainability projects to discussions about potential career paths, the team customises each interaction to meet the unique requirements of each school. This ensures that the students gain valuable insights into the airport's operations and the diverse career opportunities available within the aviation industry.
Apart from the School Outreach Programme, Dublin Airport staff actively participate in external education programs such as Business in the Community (BITC) and Junior Achievement Ireland. The airport has been a leading participant in BITC's schools programme, partnering with St. Finian's Community College in Swords to deliver the 'World of Work' program.
Furthermore, Dublin Airport has been a staunch supporter of Junior Achievement Ireland for over two decades. Through this partnership, nearly 250 staff members have engaged with over 5,500 students across primary, secondary, and third-level institutions to deliver various educational programs.
For more information about Dublin Airport's community engagement programs, click HERE or contact the community engagement team via email at communities@daa.ie.