Speaking at the Gaelscoil in Douglas, Donncha O'Callaghan explained how the earthquake had destroyed more than 3,000 school buildings around the country and how UNICEF has begun to set up learning spaces and tent schools across the worst affected areas so that the children could go back to school.

Thanking the 200 pupils and the teachers in the Gaelscoil in Douglas, Donncha gave the example of how the money they raised could help 1,000 children in Haiti go back to school in Haiti

"Being in school is so important for the children in Haiti right now," he explained to the school assembly.

"As it keeps the children safe and helps them cope with the terrible things they've been through since the earthquake happened.

"It's so important for you all to know how much your support for UNICEF will help children in Haiti right now.

"UNICEF is so grateful to you and to children and schools all over Ireland who are fundraising to help the children in Haiti."

Over the coming weeks, UNICEF Ireland Ambassador Donncha will be sending out special certificates to any school who has fundraised for UNICEF and the children of Haiti.

For more information on Donncha's work with UNICEF Ireland and UNICEF's ongoing work in Haiti, please visit http://www.unicef.ie.