Portmarnock students win gold in competition

STUDENTS from Portmarnock Community School had cause for major celebration last week after being crowned Young Social Innovators of the Year 2016.

The students received the Gold award at a ceremony for their project entitled ‘Global Citizens Mapping the Future’. 

The Young Social Innovators of the Year 2016 aimed to inspire greater global citizenship and create global citizens who will pursue humanitarian mapping. 

A total of 454 youth-led social innovation projects were created by young people all over Ireland as part of the initiative, which is supported by Ulster Bank. Sixty of the projects were selected to go forward for the prestigious title and awards.

Accepting the overall award of Young Social Innovators of the Year, the winning team said: “We are honoured and absolutely delighted to be awarded the title of Young Social Innovators of the Year. 

“We chose the subject title, global citizenship, because it’s something that is close to all of our hearts and an issue we’re passionate about. 

“Being involved in this initiative has been such a rewarding experience and it has really shown us the value we can create within our community and in wider society to make it a better place for everyone. 

“To have national recognition for our project is fantastic for us and our school, especially given the high standard of projects this year. 

“We’ll continue to advocate for these issues and hopefully achieve an even greater impact with this project.”

Speaking at the event  in Citywest, Taoiseach Enda Kenny  said: “The energy and creativity is astounding and I commend each and every one of you who participated in Young Social Innovators this year. 

“Making people’s lives better in a fairer society is what this initiative is all about and I firmly believe that the projects are doing just that, enriching our society and bringing communities that are more diverse than ever, even closer together.”

Co-founder and chief executive of Young Social Innovators, Rachel Collier, said: “YSI brings innovation and entrepreneurial skills to the heart of Irish education because it believes these skills are central to creating a more equal, fairer society. The Young Social Innovators of the Year 2016 Awards showcases the power of young people and offers them a unique opportunity to advance positive social change.”