Letterkenny's Errigal College wins body positivity award

Errigal College has made history as the first school in Donegal to be awarded the prestigious Body Positivity Award by Bodywhys Ireland.

Dr Fiona Flynn, Youth Development Officer with Bodywhys Ireland, visited the Letterkenny school to present the award and flag to Principal Mr McFadden, coordinating teacher Ms Boyle, and members of the school’s student ambassador team.

Speaking on the achievement, Principal Mr McFadden expressed his pride in the student body and teaching staff: "We are immensely proud of our students and staff for receiving this national recognition. Being the first school in Donegal highlights the incredible strength of student voice here at Errigal College. The ambassadors have shown true leadership in creating an open, positive, and inclusive environment for our entire school community."

The award comes following a comprehensive Body Positivity Week organised during Eating Disorder Awareness Week in February. A team of 35 student ambassadors designed and delivered the campaign to promote positive body image, build social media literacy, and encourage critical thinking about online media messages.

A core message emphasised throughout the week was: "Your worth is not measured by your appearance."

Coordinating teacher Ms Boyle praised the dedication of the 35 student ambassadors who spearheaded the campaign: "Our 35 ambassadors put an incredible amount of work into opening up vital conversations around body image and digital wellbeing. Seeing them use their voices to empower their peers and make such a meaningful difference across every year group has been deeply inspiring."

Following the success of the initiative, Errigal College has confirmed plans to host another Body Positivity Week during the current academic year.