Students ‘speak out’ on the social issues at Mansion House

Students from schools across the country gathered at the Mansion House in Dublin yesterday to “speak out” on the social issues that concern them as part of the Young Social Innovators’ “All Ireland Speak Out” tour.

They are all participating in the Social Innovation Action programme organised by Young Social Innovators which gives young people the skills and know-how to examine social problems and bring about the changes they wish to see in their communities and wider society. The audience heard interactive presentations from students on local, national and global issues ranging from teen suicide, diabetes, mental health, child poverty, homelessness, internet safety and disability rights.

Confidence and verve
Speaking at the launch of the YSI awards yesterday, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that extra- curricular activities carried out by young people would stand to them in later life. "Our young people would make you very proud because of the confidence, verve and their ability to stand on any platform and compete with their peers around the world," he said.

“Who are we as Irish people? We’re various, curious and inquisitive. We’re the best connectors on the planet and the fact that there’s 4½ million of us at home and 70 million worldwide leads us to understand the power of the community we have as Irish people,” he said. Mr Kenny said the young social innovators “have started something that can’t be stopped” and that they should be supported in all their endeavours.

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, co- founder and director of Young Social Innovators, said YSI is a powerful movement of young people who bring fresh perspectives and innovative practical solutions to social problems. Sr Stanislaus said she believed young people can help "fix society" if given the opportunity.

'Just society'
"I have great hope for a fairer and more just society when I see young people so it is up to us to give them encouragement," she said.

Vodafone Ireland chief executive Anne O’Leary said it was vital that companies step up at what she described as a “challenging time” for charities. (Vodafone Ireland is a charity partner of YSI.) “Unfortunately the sector as a whole has been impacted by some isolated incidents which has in turn meant that 66 per cent of the Irish population are less likely to donate time and money; a real blow to a sector already experiencing strain,” said Ms O’Leary.

This year’s programme culminates with the Annual Showcase of Young Social Innovators on May 7th in CityWest.

Last year, more than 350 student-led projects were undertaken, with the “Organ Donation in Education” team from Eureka Secondary School, Kells, Co Meath, taking the ‘‘Young Social Innovators of the Year 2013’’ title.