Six Projects From Tipperary Exhibited At Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards In Dublin
Six groups of young people from Tipperary exhibited their community action project at the Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards on 21st April 2018, in Citywest, Hotel and Conference Centre.
Darragh Hynes, aged 17, from Meath was named the overall national winner at the Awards. His Citizenship Project, which raised €2140 for St Francis Hospice through a culture night event, was chosen from over 200 community projects developed by young people.
More than 2,000 young people, representing every county in Ireland showcased their community action projects at the Awards, focused on improving the entrants’ local communities in areas such as equality, homelessness, inclusion, community events, mental health, culture and much more.
Commenting at the Awards, Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige said: “The Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards programme is designed to empower young people across Ireland to use their skills and talents to make a positive contribution to their local community.”
“The programme involves young people researching the needs of their community, organising practical action in response, evaluating the effectiveness of their work and reflecting on what they’re learning along the way. The projects entered were all about solving social issues in the community for the community.”
“The standard of entry this year was exceptional and we are so proud of all those who took part and everything these young people have achieved in their communities.”
The Awards were opened by Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton T.D. Today FM presenter Alison Curtis hosted, while Seo Linn and DJ Claire Beck provided music throughout the day.
This year was the fourth year Aldi has partnered with Foróige to support the Awards, having recently agreed a new three-year €900,000 partnership extension with the youth organisation.
Commenting at the Awards, Finbar McCarthy, Group Buying Director with Aldi added: “Aldi’s commitment to Foróige is underlined by committing to another three year partnership. Every year we have attended the Awards the standard of Citizenship Project entry has improved and the dedication and passion of these young people is very humbling.”
“We at Aldi are equally passionate about supporting local communities. In each of the communities served by our 130 stores across the 26 counties, we strive to act responsibly and to go above and beyond in our relationships with local residents, suppliers, as well as charity and not for profit organisations. Aldi’s Community Support Programme helps a diverse range of national and local intitiaves, benefiting communities in areas such as health and wellbeing, poverty, food waste and the environment, as well as youth citizenship. Every project here today serves as an important reminder that we all have the potential to be a good citizen, and that means action to bring about change for the better.”
Projects from Tipperary included:
Nenagh Youth Council, Tipperary
A Halloween fun night for the community
Nenagh Youth Council ran a Halloween fun night for the community so that they could socialise in a safe environment. The event involved fun Halloween games and activities such as face painting, mask making and a fancy dress competition. They showed the movie “The Nightmare before Christmas” which was supervised by project staff and volunteers. The event was a great success enjoyed by all.
The DEN Girls, Tipperary
An information stand for young people in the area
The DEN Girls wanted to provide an information stand for the young people of the area so that they would know what supports are available to them. The group contacted organisations which they felt would be useful to include information about and requested posters and leaflets. A prominant position was chosen in the local youth space and the information stand was established.
Teen Boys Group, Nenagh Foróige, Tipperary
A collaborative project to create a community garden
The Nenagh Teen Boys decided to work in collaboration with the Nenagh Tidy Towns and Nenagh Men’s Shed to create a community garden. The group worked together to source materials and plant flower beds in the unused plot of land that was to become their community garden. The group also established a plaque in the garden.
Our Genderation, Carrick on Suir NYP, Tipperary
An equality project to bring positivity to LGBTI+ discussion
Carrick on Suir NYP Our Genderation carried out an equality project to bring positivity to LGBTI+ discussion. The group feel that a lot of the coverage of LGBTI+ issues is negative and emotional so they wanted to bring some positivity to the discussion. They decided to make an awareness video about the positive developments in LGBTI+ issues in Ireland and also filmed some ‘Dear past me’ messages. They hope to promote the film through social media and beyond when it is completed.
Young Men’s Group, Carrick-on-Suir NYP, Tipperary
A bake sale to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society
Carrick on Suir NYP Young Men’s Group organised a bake sale for the Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Daffodil Day’. The group chose this project because many of them personally knew people who had been affected by cancer, and they wanted to give something back. The young people promoted the bake sale by handing out posters in the locality, and through social media. The community responded to the group, and they raised €270 for the Irish Cancer Society.
PIPER Girls Group, Tipperary
A booklet of positive thoughts to help make people smile
The Piper Girls Group wanted to bring some positivity to their area and decided to compile a booklet of inspirational quotes. The group compiled their favourite quotes which they researched online and designed the booklet. The members got their booklets printed and distributed them in their Foróige Club and the local Arts Centre.
