Annual Showcase Awards
What a Showcase we had this year...well done to all involved!
Young Social Innovators 2007
John the Baptist Community School, Limerick
"Belt Up and Be Safe"
The quality of the projects was exceptional, resulting in some tough decisions being made by our judging panel.
Ann Riordan chaired the YSI judging panel again this year and what a task that was...with 36 judges Ann had her work cut out! As Ann soon discovered the judges where overwhelmed with the amount of work the teams had put into their projects, the social issues identified and the passion to make a difference and change the status quo.
Believe it or not the judges actually hate having to pick winners as they feel each project (after getting through the preliminary round of judging) is a winner. However, it's Ann's job as Chairperson to make sure that the judges should highlight the projects where an extraordinary effort was put in.
The judges felt it necessary to give three organisations a special mention, these have not won an award, but the judges feel that a special mention is absolutely necessary to acknowledge the work:
- Youthreach Centre- Dominic Place, Dublin for their project entitled The Emotions of Poverty
- The aim of this project is to give a voice to young people who are experiencing poverty and to examine the way poverty affects how they feel about themselves. They linked in with the organisers of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Their research consisted of taking photos of Dublin’s poor and using case studies taken from the book Stories of struggle and solidarity. In response they developed a piece of drama that included mime, movement and song as a means of letting others know what happens to young people who are poor. This was performed at a youth forum hosted by President Mary McAleese. They plan to have an awareness event in the transition centre.
Click here to view their Project Page
- The aim of this project is to give a voice to young people who are experiencing poverty and to examine the way poverty affects how they feel about themselves. They linked in with the organisers of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Their research consisted of taking photos of Dublin’s poor and using case studies taken from the book Stories of struggle and solidarity. In response they developed a piece of drama that included mime, movement and song as a means of letting others know what happens to young people who are poor. This was performed at a youth forum hosted by President Mary McAleese. They plan to have an awareness event in the transition centre.
- St. Vincents Secondary School, Dundalk for their project entitled Teens but not Heard - Here Live and Loud
- This group set out to solve the problem of the lack of facilities for young people in their area. Their aim is to set up a creativity centre for young people between the ages of 12 and 19. They hope to achieve a better understanding of the needs of young people socially, creatively and physiologically. The main external link they made was with the Apple Tree Foundation. The team also made links with the second-level schools in the area and carried out a survey in these schools. They have been taken on board by the Apple Tree Foundation to help in setting up a youth creativity centre in the area.
Click here to view their Project Page - Tullamore College and their project - Gemini Ireland - Twinning Schools Across the World
- For this project, the YSI team established Gemini Ireland, which is a completely student-run organisation operating from their school in Tullamore. The goal of Gemini Ireland is to twin as many Irish schools as possible with schools in the developing world. The team want to assist in the development of education in parts of Africa, Asia and South America and so they encourage the schools registered with Gemini Ireland to raise funds for their twin schools. This particular school want to raise €2,500 for their own twin school. A representative of Self Help Development International came to speak to the class and the team also made valuable contact with TOUCH Ireland and UNICEF. Also, two teachers from St. Joseph’s College in Lucan, who spent time working with children in a disadvantaged area in Calcutta in India, came to the school to talk about the state of education in India. Gemini Ireland also has its own website.
Click here to view their Project Page
- For this project, the YSI team established Gemini Ireland, which is a completely student-run organisation operating from their school in Tullamore. The goal of Gemini Ireland is to twin as many Irish schools as possible with schools in the developing world. The team want to assist in the development of education in parts of Africa, Asia and South America and so they encourage the schools registered with Gemini Ireland to raise funds for their twin schools. This particular school want to raise €2,500 for their own twin school. A representative of Self Help Development International came to speak to the class and the team also made valuable contact with TOUCH Ireland and UNICEF. Also, two teachers from St. Joseph’s College in Lucan, who spent time working with children in a disadvantaged area in Calcutta in India, came to the school to talk about the state of education in India. Gemini Ireland also has its own website.
Young Social Innovators of the Year 2007 went to...
Challenge: Making our world safer
Organisation: St John the Baptist, Limerick
Project title: Dead is Easy – Belt Up and Be Safe
Project description: Road safety is the focus of this project. As part of Road Safety Awareness week, the group held a poster, poem and song competition. But the main work of the project is in the production of a DVD on road safety. Using Australian road safety commercials, which they showed to other students, the team developed a commercial along the lines of these hard-hitting Australian commercials. Research for the project included surveys, focus groups and developing links with other local community groups and An Garda Síochána. The production of the DVD, however, was not this group’s only activity. The group has promoted the project in the media in Limerick, they created their own website on road safety awareness and have fund-raised by holding activities at Christmas and even walking around in sandwich boards!
Judges’ remarks: The students worked as a very effective team that approached the issue of road safety in a multifaceted way. The quality and volume of their work combined with innovative ideas and insight displayed allowed the project to shine out. The promotion, dissemination and evaluation of the outcomes of the project had great depth and breadth. The impact of the project in the community will continue into the future.
Click here to view their Project Page
Young Social Innovators of the Year 2007 Runner-up:
Challenge: Making Our World One World Challenge
Organisation: Gort Community School, Co. Galway
Project title: Tackling the Stigma & Discrimination of HIV/Aids
Project description: For this project the students set out to raise awareness and understanding within their school, the local community and, where possible, nationally, of the complex and challenging issue of HIV/AIDS. The project centres on tackling the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS. The group conducted a great deal of research and invited speakers to their school, including speakers from A.P.A. (AIDS Partnership with Africa) and the AIDS West Education Officer. They also completed and collated a questionnaire on HIV and AIDS-related knowledge and awareness in their school. Many guests from the community came to their World AIDS Day celebration on December 6th. The group organised micro-projects in order to raise awareness and understanding of the Millennium Development Goals and further peer education on stigma and discrimination in relation to AIDS.
Judges' remarks: The enthusiasm and commitment of the team members, the colour and vibrancy of the project’s presentation and the success of the project in achieving its aims are just some of the reasons why this project stands out. By thinking globally and acting locally the project has raised awareness and consciousness around a very important issue which affects millions of people around the world.
The winning team must be commended on its innovative use of a wide range of communication techniques incorporating art, music, film and workshops to educate the local and wider community about this important issue.
The Millennium Development Goals agreed by world leaders in September 2000 are an ambitious agenda for reducing poverty and improving lives which the Irish Government is committed to achieving in its work with its partners in the developing world. Generating awareness and a deep understanding of the issues behind these goals among Irish people is necessary if these goals are to be achieved.
The winning project has successful drawn attention to Goal 6 by raising awareness of the devastating effect HIV and AIDS have on millions of people’s lives, a disease from which 5 people die every minute.
Click here to view their Project Page
Young Social Innovators of the Year 2007 2nd Runner-up:
Challenge: Making our community better
Organisation: Moyne Community School & School Mhuire, Longford
Project title: Strengthening the Heartbeat of the Community
Project description: The focus of this project is to help spread awareness of heart disease and CPR. The team highlights the importance of having a defibrillator and speedy emergency response in schools and communities. By liaising with professionals, their fellow students and local people, the group hopes to assist in the provision of training in CPR and defibrillator skills at the local level. The group conducted a survey of their peers and interviewed a member of the Ambulance Service and an activist from the health campaign group ‘DARA’ who also gave a talk on the issue at the school. Furthermore, the group interviewed a Leaving Cert student from their school who was diagnosed with heart problems and they have also raised funds, thus enabling their school to buy defibrillators.
Judges' remarks: Deaths from heart disease have increased in the Midlands by 25% in the past 2 years. In response to this, the students sought to create information awareness of heart disease in Co Longford and to dramatically improve the emergency response by teaching CPR and raising money to purchase defibrillators.
They have succeeded admirably in the tasks they set out. They have trained 150 students plus others in the community in CPR. They have raised enough money to purchase a defibrillator for one school and are raising funds to purchase one for the second school. They are in negotiations to have VAT removed from defibrillators. Their ultimate aim is that every town in Co Longford will be a heart saving town and that Longford will be a heart saving county. The judges were particularly impressed by the co-operation between the two schools which were a considerable distance apart.
Click here to view their Project Page
Below is the list of Challenge winners:
Award was presented by: Norma Smurfit, Chairperson & Founder, The Famine Commemoration
Organisation: Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Project title: Don't "Cell" us Short
Project description: The aim of this project is to investigate the link between lack of education and the propensity to commit crime. The project also illustrates how the money spent on the prison service could be better used in improving education facilities. The group conducted background research on the issue and collected data on the prison service and the education system in Ireland. In the process of their research the group contacted a number of individuals who agreed to visit the school and talk about the issue. These included John Gormley TD, Frances Fitzgerald from Fine Gael and a member of the Clondalkin Youth Service. The students also developed links with Mountjoy Prison.
Judges’ remarks: This project clearly and unambiguously addressed the theme of this challenge of “Making a Fair and Just World”. They explored the link between lack of education and the propensity to commit crime. They illustrated how money spent on prisons would be better spent on education. They researched extensively through key bodies and individuals including politicians, those involved in education, youth work and the justice system.
By comparing a day in prison with a day in school the students came to the realisation that there are worse places to be on a Monday morning than in school. Their presentation – both written and visual - was effective in communicating their message, research and teamwork.
Their innovation was evident in terms of their development and involvement in initiatives that tackle early school leaving which they identified as a key factor related to crime. For example, they developed a science module for a local primary school which included designing and building rocket ships, creating familiarity and links between first and second level schools.
Click here to view their Project Page
Award was presented by: Sylda Langford, Director General of the Office of the Minister for Children
Organisation: Our Lady's College, Drogheda, Co Louth
Project title: Are You a Teenist?
Project description: The central focus of this project is to decrease the amount of teenager prejudice in their town and to raise awareness about the issue. The team did a survey on teenage prejudice in all the second level schools in Drogheda. The results of the survey demonstrated that teenagers feel discriminated against in the town. They made links with local establishments such as the Scotch Hall Shopping Centre. They have written to the local newspapers and raised money to buy ID cards for TY students. They have also set up a website on teenage prejudice so that teenagers will be able to discuss their problems.
Judges’ remarks: The teenagers in this project experienced prejudice from the adult world. Their project involved raising awareness about this prejudice and the impact of this. Their overall aim was to encourage greater equality and respect.
To establish if this feeling of prejudice was shared by their peers, the students conducted surveys in local second level schools to ascertain the extent, if any, of this discrimination and where such discrimination occurred.
From this research, they identified the following as particularly problematic:
- Cinemas – charged adult rate to students at weekends
- Hotels –would not take bookings for graduation balls
- Shopping centres – discouraged young people hanging around
To address this they did the following:
- Held meeting with the security manager of local shopping centre where the students and security manager exchanged news on this topic. They agreed to meet on a regular basis.
- As a result of fundraising they got ID cards for all TY students.
This group was highly motivated and enthusiastic in addressing their chosen issue. They went about resolving their difficulties / issues by developing very mature partnerships with adults to bring about a real change for young people in their area.
Click here to view their Project Page
Award presented by: Minister Tom Kitt TD., Minister of State at the Dept of the Taoiseach and Government Chief Whip
Organisation: Ursuline College, Sligo
Project title: Safety Starts with S but Begins with You
Project description: The issue of personal safety in relation to rape is the focus of this group’s project. Research for this project involved a preliminary survey to find out what topic would be most relevant to the local community. Attacks on women in the local community highlighted brought the issue to the attention of the group. The team undertook surveys and internet searches and established links with local community safety groups. The group learned that few retail outlets in the area stocked personal alarms and so the group urged local shops, pubs and clubs to sell these personal alarms which might prevent an attack. Using posters and handing out flyers the group raised awareness of the topic and arranged for a self-defence module to be included in the P.E. curriculum in their school for T.Y. and senior students.
Judges’ remarks: The students displayed evidence of having worked effectively as a team to research and devise a creative and innovative project that impacted and has the potential to impact further on the area of date rape. They exhibited indepth knowledge of their topic and the team showed great belief, confidence and enthusiasm in their projects.
Click here to view their Project Page
Award presented by: Tom Kitt TD., Minister of State at the Dept of the Taoiseach and Government Chief Whip
Organisation: Loreto College, Crumlin, Dublin 12
Project title: All for One and One for All
Project descriptions: From their research, these students identified three main problems hindering greater integration in our community—lack of resources, ignorance and poor communication between Government departments and agencies. The students feel that by taking action in school they can help to counteract this. Their response included a number of different strands including: the design of a welcome pack for all students; holding regular multi-cultural weeks to celebrate diversity; and developing games or employing resources to inform Irish students about the countries from which other students in their school come. The students carried out their own research and discovered that 8% of their student body were non-Irish nationals. They developed links with the KWCD Partnership (Kimmage Walkinstown, Crumlin and Drimnagh), a social worker and the Refugee Council of Ireland, amongst others.
Judges’ remarks: This was a very engaging project demonstrating great team work. The team used the symbol of a shamrock as a framework to identify the 3 main problems hindering greater integration in our community: lack of resources; ignorance; and poor communications. The simplicity and creativity of the materials they used to inform other students about different cultures was inspiring.
The team created extensive links within the school and within the wider local partnerships. This project has great potential to live on and develop.
Click here to view their Project Page
Award presented by: Bill Cullen, President of the Irish Youth Foundation
Organisation: Moyne Community School and Scoil Mhuire, Co Longford
Project title: Strengthening the Heartbeat of the Community
Project description: The focus of this project is to help spread awareness of heart disease and CPR. The team highlights the importance of having a defibrillator and speedy emergency response in schools and communities. By liaising with professionals, their fellow students and local people, the group hopes to assist in the provision of training in CPR and defibrillator skills at the local level. The group conducted a survey of their peers and interviewed a member of the Ambulance Service and an activist from the health campaign group ‘DARA’ who also gave a talk on the issue at the school. Furthermore, the group interviewed a Leaving Cert student from their school who was diagnosed with heart problems and they have also raised funds, thus enabling their school to buy defibrillators.
Judges’ remarks: Deaths from heart disease have increased in the Midlands by 25% in the past 2 years. In response to this, the students sought to create information awareness of heart disease in Co Longford and to dramatically improve the emergency response by teaching CPR and raising money to purchase defibrillators.
They have succeeded admirably in the tasks they set out. They have trained 150 students plus others in the community in CPR. They have raised enough money to purchase a defibrillator for one school and are raising funds to purchase one for the second school. They are in negotiations to have VAT removed from defibrillators. Their ultimate aim is that every town in Co Longford will be a heart saving town and that Longford will be a heart saving county. The judges were particularly impressed by the co-operation between the two schools which were a considerable distance apart.
Click here to view their Project Page
Award presented by: Dr Gerard Loftus, Prof of Pediatrics at NUI, Galway
Organisation: St. Joseph's SS, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath
Project title: Feeling Low? Let Someone Know…
Project description: The goal of this project is to raise awareness of the help that is available to those suffering from depression. To do this, the group conducted a survey of schools in the local area and organised guest speakers from the Mind Yourself Project and the Midlands Bereavement Support Service. The group made links with the local paper who published an article on their project and with Mental Health Ireland. The team also created wallet cards which contain information on support services available. They hope to continue their work through a local Assist Programme and the possible publication of their survey findings in a magazine published by the Health Service Executive.
Judges’ remarks: The goal of this project was to raise awareness of the help that is available to those suffering from depression. These students clearly organised themselves very well from the start with various sub groups undertaking many different tasks e.g. talking with the local media; mental health Ireland, HSE and the National Suicide Awareness Programme. They clearly achieved their goal buy the production of very practical wallet aids which contain information on support services that are available. It is hoped that their endeavours will continue within their community long after YSI is over and to quote their own words “if we can help even just one person as a result of our project then we feel that this project will have been very worthwhile”
Click here to view their Project Page
Award presented by: Austin Gormley, Counsellor, Public Information & Development Education Section, Irish Aid
Organisation: Gort Community School, Co. Galway
Project title: Tackling the Stigma and Discrimination Surrounding HIV/ AIDS
Project description: For this project the students set out to raise awareness and understanding within their school, the local community and, where possible, nationally, of the complex and challenging issue of HIV/AIDS. The project centres on tackling the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS. The group conducted a great deal of research and invited speakers to their school, including speakers from A.P.A. (AIDS Partnership with Africa) and the AIDS West Education Officer. They also completed and collated a questionnaire on HIV and AIDS-related knowledge and awareness in their school. Many guests from the community came to their World AIDS Day celebration on December 6th. The group organised micro-projects in order to raise awareness and understanding of the Millennium Development Goals and further peer education on stigma and discrimination in relation to AIDS.
Judges’ remarks: The enthusiasm and commitment of the team members, the colour and vibrancy of the project’s presentation and the success of the project in achieving its aims are just some of the reasons why this project stands out.
By thinking globally and acting locally the project has raised awareness and consciousness around a very important issue which affects millions of people around the world.
The winning team must be commended on its innovative use of a wide range of communication techniques incorporating art, music, film and workshops to educate the local and wider community about this important issue.
The Millennium Development Goals agreed by world leaders in September 2000 are an ambitious agenda for reducing poverty and improving lives which the Irish Government is committed to achieving in its work with its partners in the developing world. Generating awareness and a deep understanding of the issues behind these goals among Irish people is necessary if these goals are to be achieved.
The winning project has successful drawn attention to Goal 6 by raising awareness of the devastating effect HIV and AIDS have on millions of people’s lives, a disease from which 5 people die every minute.
Click here to view their Project Page
Award presented by: Helen Johnson, CEO Combat Poverty
Organisation: Collinstown Park Community College, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Project title: Early School Leaving – What’s Your Story?
Project description: The aim of this project is to explore the issue of early school leaving and to highlight the causes and factors that contribute to students 'dropping out'. The team conducted a survey in the school to generate information on the topic. They also invited in people who had dropped out of school at an early age to discuss the factors that caused them to leave. They made contact with the Curriculum Development Unit to present their ideas on a programme to keep students in education.
Judges’ remarks: This is a very interesting project brought alive by the enthusiasm of the young people in their presentation to the judges. It looks at the reasons young people from their school leave school early. They did original research within their own school community and shared their findings within school and local community organisations. They had speakers in who had personal experience of leaving school early. They highlighted the links between early school leaving and lack of opportunities in the future. They showed the complex range of reasons including teenage pregnancy, bullying, lack of money / costs of education. They plan to meet with the Curriculum Development Unit to put forward their ideas on how the LC Curriculum could be more interesting and relevant. They used innovative ways of encouraging younger students to see the benefits of staying in school.
Click here to view their Project Page
Award presented by: Pearse O’Kane, CEO, Bedminster
Organisation: St. Joseph's College, Lucan, Co Dublin
Project title: Rate your Car - Save the Planet
Project description: The focus of this project is to make car owners more aware about their cars and the effects they have on the environment. Through the internet and car brochures, the team researched the emissions of different types of cars. They then looked at the different types of emissions released by cars. They designed a survey, which asked questions about engine size and fuel consumption. It was distributed to teachers, parents and neighbours of their own school and a neighbouring school. They analysed the data using tables from carfueldata.org. The team then rated each car on a scale of 1 to 5. Based on this rating scale they designed a sticker, which cars should display.
Judges’ remarks: This group chose a very topical, catchy and innovative angle of car emissions. Using the popular notion of “Rate my …” they designed a questionnaire which facilitated the rating of cars and designed a sticker then for car windows.
Topic was well researched and they made good use of resources available. Their work created a buzz in their local community and even at the stand there is evidence of a curiosity regarding car ratings. This group presents as a confident, passionate, focussed team of four. They presented their project very well.
Click here to view their Project Page
There were over 50 entries for the inaugural Media Award and the judges were delighted with the variety and the standard.
Award presented by: Barbra Patton, member of Young Social Innovators Board of Directors
Organisation: Terenure College Dublin
Project title: Radio by Students For Students
Project description: This team felt that there was a huge demand for a radio show for students. They wanted to produce a radio show that would be appealing for students. The group surveyed students to see what they would like in a radio programme. They made connections with a local Dublin radio station, Dublin City Anna Livia FM. Following on from these contacts the team got signed up for a 13 week radio show. The programme revolved around raising awareness of the issues that affect teenager from all walks of life.
Judges’ remarks: The winning team used a very effective combination of photography and sound recording to animate the issue (in this case Disability) and their chosen media. Their weekly half-hour radio programme appeals to adults as well as to the primary teenage audience it’s aimed at and attracts among the station’s highest listener numbers.
The judges were impressed by the fact that the students do all their own research, production and presentation. They cover topics such as Teenage Discos, Underage Drinking and they feature great bands. To their surprise, among the most popular programmes have been those dealing with religion. These students have been so successful that their original contract for 13 programmes was extended to 20 and now to 26. Quite an achievement!
The programme is called “Student Talk”
The radio station is Anna Livia FM 103.2
Click here to view their Project Page
Two projects received High Commentations:
Challenge: Making our community better
Organisation: St. Mary's School, Mallow, Co. Cork
Project Title: Use your Vote to Rock the Boat
Project Description: The aim of this project is to highlight the importance of voter participation at elections in Ireland and to examine the possibility of online voting in order to increase participation. The students surveyed people over 18 years of age in their community to gauge whether they voted and if they would prefer to be able to vote online. Within the school the group held a mock online election. During the course of their research the students contacted an election observer who spoke on the importance of democracy and participation and the students also visited the Dáil, a visit arranged through contacting one of their local TDs. The group also intend to design a car sticker encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote at the forthcoming election.
Click here to view their Project Page
Challenge: Making our world healthier
Organisation: Loreto College, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Project Title: The Size Zero Epidemic
Project Description: The aim of this project is to raise awareness of anorexia and the size zero phenomenon that is prevalent in today’s society. The students conducted surveys among the local second level schools to uncover young people’s understanding of body-image related issues. They also contacted local, national and international media organisations such as Dove, Off the Rails and Beat FM, as well as creating links with local businesses, theatres and schools. The students organised a puppet show for children and created a calendar to help raise awareness. They also fund-raised and actively sought sponsorship from local businesses. The students have set up an anti-anorexic band on the Bebo website.
Click here to view their Project Page
Stand Out FETAC Award
This award is the only award voted for by the students at the YSI Annual Showcase and it represents their view for the best stand at the Showcase!
Award presented by: Collette Harrison, Head of Administration, Fetac
Organisation: Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Project title: Don't "Cell" us Short
