Saturday, April 16, 2011

Sr Stan urges Government to listen to young people

One of Ireland's leading social innovators has described Irish teenagers as,”A powerful force for good who are keen to create a fair, just and inclusive society for all.”  

Urging the new government to listen to their views, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, the chairperson and co-founder of Young Social Innovators, Ireland's largest civic action programme for young people, said that they demonstrate a positive future for Ireland. 

Sr Kennedy made her comments at the organisations Speak Out events, an annual series of events that were held in several regions throughout the country.  

She said, “Young people say it as they see it, they're very fresh and they've no baggage, they see the cracks in the systems.” 

Last month, some 5,500 young people aged between 15 and 18 years of age where invited to Speak Out events all over the country to present details of the 350 social action projects they are undertaking to identify and implement solutions to issues which concern them.  

Sixty projects will be shortlisted for the 10th Young Social Innovators annual showcase that takes place in Dublin in May at which the Young Social Innovators of the Year will be announced. 

The winning team will receive a grant towards the completion of their project. 

Congratulating all teenagers who took part in the competition Sr Kennedy said, “I see young people who are deeply interested and engaged and want to create a fair, just and inclusive society.  For many of you, Young Social Innovators has provided you with your first experience of social action.  Through your projects you have seen the changes you can effect and the influence you can exert.  I would urge you to build on this experience and to continue to be a force for good.”