YSI Blog

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Twenty Six Schools Recognised as YSI Schools of Excellence 

Twenty six schools throughout Ireland were recently recognised under the YSI Schools of Excelllence Awards Scheme for their commitment to social innovation education.

They join a wider network of schools who have been awarded with the YSI Flag to clebrate their achievement in their continous participation in Young Social Innovators.


Minister of State, Patrick O'Donovan joins YSI Guide Eamon O'Mahony to raise the YSI School of Excellence Flag at Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick as students taking part in YSI 2021 look on. Insert, YSI Local Leader Breda Fitzgerald pictured with Minister of State, Patrick O'Donovan and YSI Guide Eamon O'Mahony (Dec 3rd, 2021)

Schools recognised under the awards scheme share YSI's vision vision that 'Ireland's young people feel inspired, empowered and equipped to change the world for good.' They are the important vehicles through which young people experience social innovation education and all of the benefits it brings to teenagers themselves, to schools and to local communities.

The YSI Schools of Excellence Awards were launched in 2014 by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny in partnership with YSI's public partners. They recognise schools for the way in which they:


Speaking about the recpients of this year's School of Excellence Awards, Rachel Collier, Co-founder and CEO, YSI said; "I would like to congratulate the twenty six schools receiving this award in 2021 and to thank the educators and the principals that continue to provide opportunities for young people to engage in social innovation education through YSI. Every community can be strengthened by providing young people with real and authentic opportunities to engage and be heard and this has never been so important. Through YSI, young people are given the space, time and tools to explore issues that matter to them, to have a voice and be heard, to take action, and to realise their own capacity to create change. Without the belief and support of our dedicated schools, we could not provide such opportunities to over 7,000 teenagers each year. We thank you for your commitment and dedication."   

The following schools are recipients of a YSI School of Excellence Award in 2021

Congratulations to all!

Every community can be strengthened by providing young people with real and authenitc opportunities to engage and be heard and this has never been so important. Through YSI, young people are given the space, time and tools to explore issues that matter to them, to have a voice and be heard, to take action, and to realise their own capacity to create change.

Rachel Collier, Co-founder and CEO, Young Social Innovators

If you are a YSI School of Excellence in 2021, share photos of your flag raising to educate@youngsocialinnovators.ie or share with us on social media @YSINow.