Gas Networks Ireland and BITCI help schools to tell their story

Teachers and principals from schools in Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kildare and Mayo recently went back to the classroom to learn about PR and Marketing.

The initiative was part of Business in The Community Ireland’s (BITCI) “Management Excellence for Principals and Teachers” programme and was delivered by employees from member company, Gas Networks Ireland.

The schools that participated were

• Nagle Community College, Cork
• St. Joseph’s CBS, Fairview, Dublin
• Moyne College, Ballina, Co. Mayo
• St. Paul’s, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare
• Killorglin Community College, Killorglin, Co. Kerry
• Coláiste na Ríochta, Listowel, Co. Kerry

The virtual workshop was delivered by three communications experts from Gas Networks Ireland, PR Manager, Marie Sheehan; Digital Manager, Gillian Lyons; and Corporate Responsibility Manager, Christina Van Der Kamp, who volunteered their time to share their knowledge, expertise and experience to help the schools tell their stories through conventional and social media.

Eileen Fitzgerald, Regional Coordinator, BITCI said: “We are delighted to be supported by the department of Education to facilitate this programme. It enhances the professional development of teachers.  It brings businesses and communities closer together in a meaningful way.  Companies like Gas Networks Ireland recognise the value of engaging with communities and community facing organisations.”

Jim O’Sullivan, Principal of Nagle Community College in Cork said: “Participation in this workshop has started a conversation about the value of PR and how to engage appropriate media resources to best promote our broad and varied curriculum and showcase the many wonderful activities and events that take place in our school.”

“Even more importantly, it has given us the tools to increase the already positive engagement with all members of our local community and to identify suitable platforms to continue to communicate and work effectively with all our stakeholders. We understand the value of learning new skills and getting new insights and we are extremely grateful to all at BITC and Gas Networks Ireland for making this happen.”

Gas Networks Ireland has been a leading member of Business in the Community for a number of years and is one of just 40 companies in Ireland to hold the Business Working Responsibly Mark. The semi-state organisation has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Community Support Award for exceptional customer service and support to communities as part of the 2021 CCA Excellence Awards after exceeding its Corporate Social Responsibility goals throughout 2020.

Gas Networks Ireland and its staff contributed over €250,000 to more than 30 charities in 2020. This was up 15% on 2019, as the gas network operator worked closely with a number of groups supporting the most vulnerable in the communities where it operates during the pandemic.

Christina Van Der Kamp, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Gas Networks Ireland said: “Gas Networks Ireland is proud to support BITC’s work and hope that this workshop will enable schools to tell their stories and to highlight the important role they play in their communities.”

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