Sign off social media to help Trocaire

STUDENTS from schools across Co. Louth are being encouraged by Trócaire to take part in a ‘gruelling challenge’ to help people in the developing world this week.

Reidin O’Connor from Trócaire said, ‘Many of us associate Lent with giving something up so as part of this year’s Lenten campaign we are asking post-primary students to give up something for Lent that may prove easy for some but incredibly difficult for others – social media.’

‘ The ‘Sign Up Sign Out Challenge’ takes place tomorrow March 7th, although the challenge can be done any time during Lent, and we are hoping that school students, who are old enough to have social media accounts, will stay away from them for one day only.

‘During the time they are offline we are hoping they will seek sponsorship or organise fundraising events to raise money for Trócaire,’ he added

‘It’s a light-hearted way of getting across a very serious message. The break away from the ever-present Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram will hopefully give students the opportunity to reflect on life outside the digital world. In the real world children just like them in the developing world face huge challenges,’ said Reidin.

‘We receive incredible support for the campaign from schools right across Co. Louth and we have no doubt that students will do their bit once again for the children in dire need overseas.’