PUPILS at a Derrygonnelly school are fundraising for a new ICT suite to aid them in their learning.

Having identified the need for computers in their school, children at St. Patrick’s Primary School, Derrygonnelly are aiming to raise £35,000 to make it a reality.

Funds will go toward 30 computers, 30 chairs, computer benches, updated lighting and heating systems, electrical and installation fees, painting, decorating, and flooring. They feel this will help them enhance their education. 

The school's P7 Eco-Committee is appealing for help from the whole community, including businesses, parents, past pupils, and anyone who can contribute. 

A school spokesperson said: "Children have called this fundraising initiative 'Fund Our Future' as they truly believe that computers will better equip them with skills for lifelong learning.

"The children and staff at St. Patrick’s Primary School have created a ‘Go Fund Me’ page in the hope of securing enough money for their plans to come to fruition!

"People can go to the following link to donate: www.gofundme.com/fundourfuture2024.

"Donations can also be made to the school in the form of cash or cheque. Any help and support would be greatly appreciated!"

Speaking on the fundraiser, the school principal, Miss McGarrigle, said: “I am inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity of our children, and I hope the community can help make this possible for them. As the children say, ‘Fund Our Future’."

The principal added that school budgets are "dramatically underfunded."

"Unfortunately, school budgets are currently dramatically underfunded, which really impacts our financial situation. As School Principal and alongside the Board of Governors, managing the school budget year-on-year is challenging.

"Therefore, we are unable to fund a new computer suite from our LMS school budget, which is funded by the Department of Education (DfE) so the children have decided to fundraise themselves - to essentially fund their future!"

Commenting on the fundraiser,  a spokeswoman from the Education Authority (EA) said that grant-maintained schools receive a "core allocation" of desktops and devices, and that it is "working alongside" the St. Patricks PS to ensure that this "entitlement is maintained".

The spokeswoman added: “Schools have the option to enhance their educational technology provision further, via external funds, by purchasing additional devices, for which the EA provides support and advice."