Volunteers 'transform' Cork primary school

Employees from pharmaceutical company AbbVie spent over 400 hours rejuvenating the outdoor area of Glouthaune National School as part of the company’s 11th annual Week of Possibilities.

The 58 workers spent 406 hours at the school improving facilities, bringing to life the Tír na nÓg theme the school had chosen with the goal of making it a ‘land of the young’ for the 440 students, who return to classes on 27 August.

The main project was the addition of a dedicated outdoor classroom where the students can learn in an inspiring outdoors space, which will encourage their creativity and curiosity.

Volunteers also refreshed the existing playground markers, painted new Four-Square playground markings, revamped the basketball courts and painted the 100 metre perimeter wall a vibrant sky blue, providing the school with a bright, interactive, and fun outdoor playground for years to come..

Employees from across AbbVie six Irish sites took part in the Week of Possibilities, putting in more than 3,200 hours working on improving projects in their local communities.

Damien Irwin, Principal at Glounthaune National School said: “To say we are delighted with the impact of the work would be a massive understatement.

“An outside classroom was seen by all to be a great idea if it could be constructed and it turned out to be a knockout. It is so sturdy, beautifully crafted and suitable to house any class outdoors regardless of the weather. It really is a great addition and kind of the natural centre piece of Tír na nÓg.

“The children were so impressed and delighted with the transformation. One 5th class boy said: ‘Wow, we have the best school in Ireland now’. A junior infant child said: ‘It's lovely. Blue is my favourite colour. Thank you AbbVie.’

“We knew getting AbbVie in would be great. But it was far better than that! I have been teaching for 37 years and, for impact, positivity and long-term benefit, it is one of the best weeks I ever saw in a school! We are so grateful,” he said.

Malcolm Garde, Site Head at AbbVie Cork said: “Every year, it is a pleasure to see so many dedicated colleagues take part in the Week of Possibilities, and this year was no exception.

“Seeing the transformation at Glounthaune National School and knowing that our work will make a positive impact on the learning environment of students is a great result, one that resonates with our key AbbVie values of giving back to our local community,” he added.