Reporters: Alley Clifford, Sarah Hayes, Lee Ann Kavanagh John Nolan and Libby Quinlan.

On Thursday the 1^stof December, we departed from Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré at 7.30a.m. We were accompanied by, Ms Leyne, Father Lorcan, Ms Mulrooney and Mr O Connor. Our bus driver’s name was Jack. Our first stop was the Irish Aid Centre on Clonmel Street. When we arrived, we were greeted by Tess and Leo, 2 workshop leaders. We were shown a presentation about the Irish Aid Centre. The charity works with people in developing countries. We were shown an interview with a girl named Memory from Malawi. Memory was 18 in the video and was still attending primary school due to responsibilities at home. She dreamed of going to secondary school and becoming a nurse. After listening to Memory’s story we were separated into five families to play a game known as ‘Food Poverty’. The purpose of the game was to show us what life is like for those less fortunate in the world. We had to pretend we lived in a village in Malawi. Our leaders gave us different scenarios and questions. Depending on the questions and answers each family could lose or gain food. This game was very beneficial as it gave us an insight into what life is like for those less fortunate than us. The trip was very informative and beneficial.

After the Irish Aid Centre we walked to Grafton Street and to St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. The flickering lights and the carols being sung really got us into the Christmas spirit. After we had eaten we proceeded to walk to Leinster House. Alan Kelly T.D greeted us at Leinster House. Mr Kelly spoke to us about Dáil Éireann before we entered. We sat in the public viewing area of the Dáil and listened to a debate on homelessness and housing in Dublin. Then we were taken on a guided tour around Leinster House. We learned about its history, past Taoisigh, Countess Markievicz and her participation in ‘The Rising’.  We then proceeded to the Seanad. We also saw the original proclamation and we received further information about its history.

Everyone agreed that it was a very informative and enjoyable trip.