Christine Buckley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christine Buckley
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Buckley in 2009
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| Born | 1946/1947 |
| Died | March 2014 (aged 66–67) |
Christine Buckley was an amazing Irish woman who spent her life helping others. She was born in 1946 or 1947 and passed away on March 11, 2014. She led a group called Aislinn, which supported people who had lived in special schools called Industrial Schools in Ireland. Christine herself grew up in one of these schools, called St. Vincent's Industrial School in Goldenbridge.
Christine Buckley's Life Story
Christine had a difficult start to life. When she was just three weeks old, she was left at the Goldenbridge industrial school, where she grew up. She was able to go to both primary and secondary school, which was not common for children in these schools. Later, she became a nurse.
In 1985, she found and contacted her mother. Three years later, in 1988, she also contacted her father.
In 1992, Christine bravely shared her story on a popular TV show called The Gay Byrne Show. She talked about what it was like growing up in St. Vincent's Industrial School. Her story helped many people understand the challenges faced by children in these schools.
Christine was a strong voice for justice. In 2003, she disagreed with a government minister who wanted to look into only a few complaints about the schools. Christine believed all 1800 complaints should be investigated.
When a report about the schools was published, she felt angry, even though she had hoped for a better outcome. In June 2009, she joined a large march with up to 10,000 people. They showed support for others who had been affected by the industrial schools. She also spoke out about a letter from Pope Benedict XVI, saying it didn't clearly address the wrongs that had been done.
Christine passed away on March 11, 2014, after a long fight with breast cancer.
Christine Buckley Award
Christine Buckley was recognized for her amazing work. In 2009, she won the Irish 'Volunteer of the Year' award. She then went on to win the European Volunteer of the Year award in Strasbourg later that year.
After she passed away in 2014, the 'Volunteer of the Year' award was renamed in her honor. This award celebrates people who give their time to help others. Some of the people who have received this special award include:
- 2014 - Jim Kavanagh, for his work with Chernobyl Children International
- 2015 - Matt Cullen, for his efforts with Swords Tiny Towns
- 2016 - David McEvoy, from Birr First Responders
- 2017 - Sister Patrica Wall, also known as the "Flying Nun"
- 2018 - Mary Fitzgerald, for helping survivors of domestic abuse in County Clare
- 2019 - Owodunni 'Ola' Mustapha, an activist and organizer for asylum seekers
Special Recognition
In December 2012, Trinity College, Dublin gave Christine Buckley a special award. She received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. This award recognized her important work helping people who had experienced difficulties in institutions. The ceremony was led by Mary Robinson, who used to be the President of Ireland.
Images for kids
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Christine Buckley in 2009
