Students triumph in global award

A GROUP of Northside students were the toast of their school when they returned from the Philippines with a second place finish in a global award for teenage entrepreneurs.  

The Young Social Innovators of 2016, from Portmarnock Community School, were rewarded in Manila at the SAGE World Cup (Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship). 

The team made it to the final round and came second with their project entitled ‘‘Global Citizens Mapping the Future’.  

Delegations from 20 countries travelled to the Philippines to compete at the event.

The Portmarnock team, who won the national award in May, was given access to finance through the YSI Social Innovation Fund, sponsored by Ulster Bank, following a successful pitch at the YSI Den in March, through which, teams pitch for funding and/or mentorship to sustain social innovation ideas.

Colin McAndrew, a member of the winning team, said they were proud to represent Ireland at the SAGE World Cup and were delighted to be bringing home a trophy. 

“We believe we are making a real difference and are looking forward to developing our project throughout other schools in Ireland and beyond,” he said.  

“We’d like to thank our Principal and everyone in Portmarnock who supported us and especially our fantastic teachers and YSI Guides, Niall Fitzgerald and Colette Cronin, who have supported us every step of the way.”