Young social innovators’ programme

CLARE schools and youth organisations are being encouraged to participate in the Young Social
Innovator’s Social Innovators Action Programme 2013/14. The project-based programme, which is
supported by the Vodafone Ireland Foundation, gives 15 to 18 year olds opportunity to examine social problems in their communities and bring about the changes they wish to see. The closing date for entries is September 30.
Over 5,500 young people participated in last year’s Young Social Innovators’ programme. Projects
from Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon and Colaiste Muire, Ennis were among the 60 shortlisted for the
annual YSI Showcase and Awards last May. Colaiste Muire, Ennis won the national award for
Relationships & Sexual Health for their project entitled ‘Sexication’.
Rachel Collier, Co-founder and Chief Executive of Young Social Innovators said “Young Social
Innovators has given over 50,000 teenagers a chance to make a change to society. We have another
200,000 potential young social innovators aged from 15 to 18 in Ireland. To reach all young people, we are introducing a range of social innovation programmes for schools and youth organisations.” She continued: “Young people need to play a vital role in shaping the future of society. The ACTION
programme engages them directly and deeply in issues that matter to them, giving them the
opportunity, confidence and practical tools to make a real and lasting difference to their lives and those
around them, providing a tangible way to build much needed social capital at national and local level”.
All project teams involved in Young Social Innovators are invited to speak about their chosen issue at the regional “YSI Speak Outs” which take place in March. Full details can be found at
www.youngsocialinnovators.org