Sally O'Donnell, the founder and owner of Donegal and Ireland's first outdoor school, pictured with Helen and Brian from RTE's Nationwide who filmed at Glen Outdoor School, Glenswilly in June. The programme will air on RTE 1 this Friday, 4th September at 7pm.
Donegal’s Early Learning Schools will feature on RTE’s Nationwide this Friday.
Earlier this summer, the popular TV show filmed at Ireland’s first outdoor school, Glen Outdoor, which is located in Barrack, Glenswilly. The school is part of a trio of Early Learning Schools in Donegal where children spend 80% of their time outdoors.
The Nationwide producers were interested in documenting the unique learning and benefits of outdoor play for children.
Donegal woman, Sally O’Donnell, first set up the outdoor school eight years ago and was interviewed by the Nationwide team about her passion for outdoor learning. Some of the Early Learning Schools’ team also spoke of the many benefits of their experiences working in an outdoor learning environment. The programme will air on RTE 1 this Friday, 4th September at 7pm.
Meanwhile, Glen Outdoor School in Barrack, Glenswilly will host an Open Day this weekend.
Taking place on Sunday, 6th September from 4 – 6pm, the Open Day will allow parents and children view and explore the outdoor setting. Children of all ages will be entertained with face-painting and outdoor arts and crafts.
Activities include the chance for children to make their own musical instrument from nature, as well as potting a plant to bring home. While there will be lots of free activities on the day, Sally is also hoping to raise funds for the Ray of Sunshine charity through a delicious barbecue.
Based in county Clare, the Ray of Sunshine charity brings volunteers from all over Ireland to underdeveloped countries. The charity undertakes building projects such as building schools to empower children through education and give them a chance at a brighter and better future to improve their quality of life and the chance to get out of the poverty trap.
Founder and owner of Early Learning Schools’, Sally O’Donnell is volunteering to travel to Mombasa, Kenya in early 2016 with 23 other volunteers from the county. Commenting on the event, Sally said, “We’re really looking forward to hosting the Open Day at Glen Outdoor School on Sunday, 6th September. There’ll be lots of free and fun activities on the day and with the barbecue, we hope to raise some much needed funds to help the Ray of Sunshine charity build schools for young children. I’m looking forward to my volunteering experience in 2016 and hopefully the small part we play will bring something positive to the community of Mombasa, Kenya. We hope to see a great turnout this Sunday from 4 – 6pm. All are welcome, so we would encourage everyone to spread the word and bring their friends.”
For more information on the Ray of Sunshine charity visit www.rayofsunshine.ie or for more information on the Early Learning Schools visit earlylearningschools.ie or contact Sally on 086 858 9339, 074 91 37701 or sally@earlylearningschools.ie.
Glen Outdoor School in Barrack, Glenswilly will host an Open Day this Sunday, 6th September from 4-6pm. All are welcome, so come along and explore the outdoor setting, with free face-painting fun and outdoor arts and crafts. On the day, the school is also hoping to raise funds for the Ray of Sunshine charity through a delicious barbecue.