Forget me Not
This amazing project led by teachers Kathy Kilgannon and Siobhan Murray developed as a result of the Madeline McCann disappearance. What began as a small school project to raise awareness of missing persons in Ireland soon garnered both national and international recognition. This led students on a fantastic journey of learning and achievement. A whole array of initiatives were undertaken to raise awareness including A 'Forget me Not calendar' which was nationwide through Tesco stores. Students launched an 'exit point' strategy at airport and ports. They began lobbying government to declare a national missing person's day. This involved the collection of over 12,000 signatures. Students spoke in schools at home and abroad on the issue. They secured meetings with the then Minister for Justice Alan Shatter and the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. They also met the President who commended the students on their campaign. Having won a Young Social Innovators award they persisted with their aim of getting an official missing person's day declared for Ireland. On December 4th 2013 the inaugural Missing Person's Day took place and Davis College staff and students were not only present but spoke at the event. National Missing Person's Day is now an annual event on the calendar.
The work of the students is an immense source of pride to the College and we would hope a source of pride to all those who contributed to its success.
The Impact this project has had on the country was acknowledged by YSI in 2018 when the Project was chosen to receive a ' High Impact Award' in recognition of the contribution it has made to the plight of missing persons and their families.
