Irish Ambassador to the Philippines visits Waterford school
Ambassador Hickey is pictured with 5th-year students and school principal, Sally Ronayne.
The Presentation Secondary School in Waterford has a very special visitor recently when the Irish Ambassador to the Philippines, Emma Hickey, stopped by.
The visit was part of the Department of Foreign Affairs Global Schools Project 2025.
The visit occurred on Friday, May 9, and a spokesperson for the school told waterford-news.ie and Waterford News & Star that the through the programme heads of Ireland's diplomatic missions visited 33 schools across the country to give an insight into the work undertaken by Ireland's embassies and consulates worldwide.
It was also a homecoming visit for Ms Hartley who is a native of Waterford.
She outlined to the 5th Year students her journey to the position of ambassador.
With a background in law, she joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and has worked in Egypt, Afghanistan, and Palestine.
Ms Hartley is also the first woman to be appointed as Ambassador to the Philippines.
Students also learned about the important work carried out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and how Ireland has a respected global presence in trade, aid, and diplomacy.
They were also given the opportunity to ask the Ambassador questions about her life, work as a diplomat and work at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
"As the first school in Waterford to introduce Politics and Society for the Leaving Certificate, the opportunity to discuss global issues with those working directly in government agencies is wholly beneficial to the student's learning and understanding of the real-life application of their learning in the subject," said the school spokesperson.
"This experience has left a lasting impression on the students, with many now considering a career in diplomacy," she added.
