Raising awareness about the needs of Muslim students in Irish schools and how to facilitate their beliefs was one of many projects at the first Young Social Innovator Showcase Exhibition which opened yesterday.
At the two-day event in Citywest, 121 projects on social needs were presented by 1,867 transition year students from 74 schools. The Young Social Innovator of the Year will be announced today.
Fourth-year students from Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen, Co Kildare, exhibited their project on Islam in Ireland.
Amy Moran said they looked at whether schools had facilities for Islamic students.
"For example, Muslims pray five times a day and some schools didn't have the facilities for it," she said.
Aisling O'Callaghan said: "It is about learning respect; they are no different from us but there is a lot of stereotyping about Muslim people."
Their teacher Jenny Keogh said they thought that, although there were more Muslim students in Dublin than Kildare, it would become more of an issue in future.
Coláiste Éanna CBS, Ballyroan, Dublin, had a project on drug abuse, alcohol abuse and healthy living.
Alan McMullan said: "We found that they just didn't know the dangers, particularly with alcohol. Sometimes drinkers are as young as 12 and they have no idea. It's the same with drugs and fast food."
Seán Gillen said they wanted to raise awareness, and were putting out pamphlets on healthy living and on alcohol and drug abuse, he said.
Minister of State Noel Ahern, opening the exhibition, said the programme was vital for young people and it encouraged them to get involved in the community.
Sr Stanislaus Kennedy said: "These projects show how young people can make a difference on issues of concern to them. The Young Social Innovator programme is about effecting change and ultimately about shaping a better Ireland."