Heywood Community School, Ballinakill, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 2017
According to the Central Statistics Office, only 16.8% of 15-24 year olds volunteered in Ireland in 2013. The team carried out a survey in their school, contacted charities and carried out secondary research to learn more about why so few young people volunteer. They found that, although young people are interested, information on volunteering is not very accessible.
In response, they set up www.teenagevolunteer.org, which includes a database of volunteering opportunities and fundraising events. They developed social media and poster campaigns, and hosted events in their efforts to promote volunteering initiatives for young people.
To incentivise students, they introduced a Student Volunteer of the Year Award in their school. They teamed up with charities including the Lions Club, the Simon Community, Cara Rescue Dogs, Pieta House, St. Vincent de Paul, Amnesty International and Concern. The team received mentoring from Volunteers Ireland after pitching to the YSI Den.
The innovators plan to expand their Student Volunteer of the Year initiative and Nascadh Le Chéile to all secondary schools in Laois and their ultimate goal is to expand the project nationwide.
Our main aim is to connect the skills and enthusiasm of today’s young people with the needs and wants of society
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