Students tackling social issues 

STUDENTS from five Dublin schools have secured funding for projects that aim to tackle social issues.

The students at Lusk Community College; St Fintan’s High School, Sutton; Coláiste Pobail Setanta, Blanchardstown; Holy Family School for the Deaf, Cabra; and Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore, secured €2,850 in funding through the Social Innovation Den hosted by Young Social Innovators (YSI).

The students, who have been working on their social innovation projects since September, impressed the ‘dragons’ in the den with their professional pitches and their plan to effect change in their local areas.

The ‘Mind Your Mind’ team from Lusk Community College received €500 to create a wellbeing journal for young people. 

The north county Dublin teenagers are striving to support their peers in promoting and maintaining positive mental health.

The 'Touch Farming' team of St Fintan’s High School, Sutton, also received €500 for their project. 

Another innovative group of teenagers from Holy Family School for the Deaf, Cabra, is advocating for improved access to mental health services for deaf people. The team was awarded €500 to produce a film to raise awareness for their cause.

The teams pitching at this year’s dens addressed a range of issues including mental health, sustainable farming, direct provision, obesity, digital wellbeing, sexual consent and climate change. 

Almost 7,000 students throughout Ireland are involved in similar projects with Young Social Innovators in 2019.