YSI Story
Our Story
The idea of young social innovators came about some time ago when the two co-founders, Sr. Stanisalus Kennedy and Rachel Collier, worked together establishing and developing Focus Point (now Focus Ireland) in the early 1980's.
Rachel's idea of young people becoming social innovators was greatly influenced by the experienceof developing the Leaving Home programme within Focus Point in 1987 and from realising the importance of designing social services around the needs of young people's lives rather than replicating traditional reponses to homelessness.
Sr. Stan recognised the potential of young social innovators and their potential to change Ireland. When, in 2001, Sr. Stanislaus set up Social Innovations Ireland (SII), an ngo aiming to look at new and emerging social needs in Ireland and ways to respond to these and, with the support of SII's Board, Rachel's idea became a reality with the establishment of a pilot programme that same summer. In 2005, the YSI programme, following its successful pilot of three years duration, extended to all second level schools and youth centres nationwide. Young Social Innovators subsequently grew to become an organisation in its own right in June 2006.
Taking on the planning, development and management of YSI, Rachel was assisted early on by a very active Board and volunteers with a huge amount of energy and creativity. Experienced educators translated a new educational framework into a relevant and flexible framework which could work both within and outside the existing curricula. The on-going support, goodwill and enthusiasm of teachers, parents, staff, volunteers and of course, young people, ensures that YSI continues to strengthen.
The YSI Vision
Young Social Innovators fires young people's passion to change the world for good.
The YSI Mission
Young Social Innovators' mission is to raise social awareness among 15-18 year olds in Ireland by providing social awareness education through action and platforms for young people and those guiding them, which will result in an enhancement of the personal sense of justice, responsibility and capacity innate to all.
Company Information
Registered Number: 412810
Charity Number: CHY 16909
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