Spotlight on the Wool Innovators Project

Ulster Wool has been working on an exciting project educating the future generation on wool, supported by The Worshipful Company of Woolmen charity.

The project kicked off in January with Jayne Harkness-Bones, Depot Manager, Ulster Wool and Gerard Hughes, Project Manager from SENTINUS visiting all 13 schools taking part and are now making plans to deliver an online version to over 20 schools that unfortunately couldn't get a place on the programme.

• Kilmoyle Primary School
• Ballymacward Primary School
• Carryduff Primary School
• St Colman’s and All Saints’ NU
• St Oliver Plunkett Primary School
• St Anne’s Primary School Corkey
• Hamiltonsbawn Primary School
• Carrick Primary School
• Newtownstewart Model Primary School
• McKinney Primary School
• Loanends Primary School
• St John’s Primary School
• St Mary’s Primary School

Depot Manager Jayne commented "We are thoroughly enjoying the experience so far and love the enthusiasm and inquisitive questions from the young people. We want to thank the schools we have visited for the warm welcome and are looking forward to visiting the remaining schools over the coming weeks."

Gerard from SENTINUS tells us about his experience working on the project. “The project has been well received by the schools, children have been excited, and there are lots of fantastic ideas coming forward in the makings for a great finale at the Balmoral Show”.

“We would also like to thank the participating schools for their hospitality and for making us welcome as we travelled around Northern Ireland. In particular, the young people who amazed us with their inquiring nature, enthusiasm and genuine interest in sheep and wool.

The next phase is over to the schools where they will create, develop, explore, and have fun learning new skills and innovating concepts using wool.

Each school will have the opportunity to showcase their display boards at the Balmoral show on the 15th of May where we would encourage parents, family, and friends to come along and support the young people.

We extend our thanks to the ‘Worshipful Company of Woolmen Charity’ for their support in delivering this programme.

The three finalists will be announced in May.