IPPN, along with other education and sporting organisations, propose that, as a show of support for those workers and volunteers on front lines at this critical time, all children who have a flag in their national, county or club colours, or whatever team they follow across any code, would hang that flag from their gate posts, windows, or wherever they would normally place a flag when supporting their county club or team ahead of an important match. If they don’t have a flag, children could be encouraged to create a flag on a sheet of paper or cardboard, or by doing some sewing, with the added benefit of keeping them occupied for a while.
While sports events at the moment are currently postponed, such a show of solidarity from the children of the country towards those on the front line will demonstrate our gratitude for their marvellous dedication to their critical work at this extraordinary time. Hanging out the flags will also provide colour to lift everybody at a time when people are psychologically feeling the effects of this terrible pandemic.
We have asked the INTO, post-primary school leaders, education agencies and sports organisations to support the initiative and to use their communication platforms to share this information with their members.
We hope that in the coming days, with your help, every road, street, lane, avenue, estate and apartment complex will be festooned with colour to honour our heroes - our families, neighbours and friends in the front-line services.