YSI Blog
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:
- Empower young people in their community to realise their potential as powerful catalysts for positive change
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to supporting young people in the learning and practice of social innovation
- Develop self-belief and confidence in young people and value their voice and opinions
- Value and celebrate staff members who support social innovation education within the school community
- Promote a culture of equality, inclusion, respect, fairness and innovation
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
- Abbey Vocational School, The Glebe, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
- Ardgillan Community College, Castlelands, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
- Clonkeen College, Clonkeen Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
- Coláiste Chiarain, Summerhill, Athlone, Co. Roscommon
- Fingal Community College, Seatown Road, Swords, Co. Dublin
- Ghaelcholáiste Carrigaline, Carigaline, Co. Cork
- Holy Child Community School, Pearse Street, Sallynoggin, Co. Dublin
- Le Cheile Secondary School, Hollystown, Dublin 15
- Lusk Community College, Raheny Lane, Rathmore Road, Lusk, Co. Dublin
- Manor House School, Watermill Road, Raheny, Dublin 5
- Meanscoil Muire gan Smal, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon Town
- Ramsgrange Community School, Ramsgrange, New Ross, Co. Wexford
- Royal School Cavan, College Street, Cavan, Co. Cavan
- Scoil Mhuire & Ide, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
- Scoil Mhuire, Greenhill, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
- St. Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
- St. Brigid's Secondary School, New Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry
- St. Finian's College, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
- St. Finian's Community College, Swords, Co. Dublin
- St. Joseph's College, Lucan, Co. Dublin
- St. Mary's C.B.S., Borris Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
- St. Mary's C.B.S., Millpark Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
- St. Mary's Holy Faith Secondary School, St. Brigids Road, Killester, Dublin 5
- St. Mary's Secondary School, Charleville, Co. Cork
- St. Patrick's College, Gardiner's Hill, Cork
- Ursuline College, Finisklin, Co. Sligo
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.
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.