Schools in Castlepollard and Athlone take part in social justice showcase event

Students from Castlepollard Community College and Our Lady’s Bower Secondary School in Athlone were among the more than 300 who were involved in a Young SVP day last month.

The event in Emerald Park in Ashbourne, County Meath on May 16 brought together students from schools in the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) north east and midlands region to learn about social justice issues that face the charity.

Students from the schools in Westmeath as well as from schools in Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan were asked to leave their comfort zones and mix with like minded students from other schools to share ideas and opinions. The emphasis was to promote social action and to empower young people to help people in need.

Projects on the day were about befriending, education, awareness and direct aid.

Hannah Clarke, SVP regional president, said; “It’s important that young people see their ability to make change and make a difference, just like our founder Frederic Ozanam did as a young man.”

Clodagh Naughton, SVP youth development officer for the region, added: “I’m thrilled to say that our Regional Youth Day was an amazing showcase of the work the schools, students and teachers had done for SVP. The projects were of a high standard and showed the ways they could help in their community.

“Students, teachers, SVP members, volunteers, and staff all really enjoyed the day and are already looking forward to the next Youth Day Event in 2025.”

For further information about the Young SVP Programme contact Clodagh.naughton@svp.ie.