Sabina Higgins, the wife of President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has been announced as the new patron of Wool in School.
The educational programme aims to raise awareness among young people about the value of wool as a natural, renewable resource, highlighting its environmental benefits and its role in the fashion, textile, and farming industries.
As a long-time advocate for sustainability, the arts and education, Sabina Higgins will bring her passion for Irish heritage, culture and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the Wool in School programme.
Wool in School
Wool in School works with primary and secondary schools across Ireland, offering workshops, hands-on learning experiences, and resources to help teachers and students explore wool’s journey from farm to fashion.
It aims to foster greater understanding of sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and the fashion industry’s role in the environment.
Lorna McCormack, director of Wool in School, said that the programme is committed to inspiring future generations to embrace sustainability and creativity through a deeper understanding of natural fibres.
She added that the support and endorsement of Sabina Higgins will further enhance the programme’s reach and impact.
“We are deeply honoured to have Sabina Coyne Higgins as our patron. Her support will be instrumental in bringing the message of wool’s importance to even more schools and communities across the country and beyond.
“Wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource, and with Mrs. Higgins’ endorsement, we hope to inspire more students to explore its benefits and the wider importance of sustainable living,” she said.
Commenting on her new role, Sabina Higgins said: “Through the work of Wool in School, children gain a unique opportunity to engage with these goals through hands-on practice of wool processing and knitting.
“In doing so, we are not only passing down the rich tradition, culture and traditions of wool craft, but we are also fostering a deeper connection between our young people and their role in shaping a more sustainable future, as we aim to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals become not just aspirations but lived reality,” she added.