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National award highlights how Melanie brought hope to Nepal

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A society founded by an Ennis student and dedicated to helping underpriveledged children in Nepal has been ­presented with a national award.

Melanie Hennessy founded the Draíocht Society at NUI Galway in 2008 after being inspired following a trip to Nepal. Since then they have been involved in, amongst various projects, setting up an orphanage and community school in Talamarang, a small village high in the mountains of Nepal.

The society was one of three NUI Galway societies to be presented with an award at the Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) National Society Award.

Over 350 students and 48 adjudicators from across Ireland came together to celebrate the achievements of students involved in society organisations at the highest level. Presentations were made to 16 award winners, from nine different categories.

The Draíocht Society won the Best Civic Contribution Award for their outstanding work with underprivileged children in Nepal. In 2010 Melanie won the JCI TOYP Outstanding Young Person in the World.

Since then, a new generation of volunteers has been enthused by the society and the difference every individual can make in the world.

To date, the Draíocht Society has raised over €50,000, built the orphanage and school, and worked with the local community on educational, medical and entrepreneurial projects in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

NUI Galway Societies officer and BICS Awards coordinator, Riona Hughes, said, “The two-day event was a major success.

“It was all about celebrating, all of the societies who attended had achieved a very high standard in their own institutions and the judges were very impressed and had two very long days of deliberation which included interviews with all the nominees.

“The BICS Awards are the highlight of the societies calendar and affords them an opportunity to network and share ideas and we are already expecting great things next year.

“The enthusiasm, talent, generosity and vision of all the students present bodes well for the future of our country.”

 

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