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The 2010 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards Finalists
Alice Bradley,
14, from Killarney, Co. Kerry, a third year student at Presentation Secondary School in Miltown, Co. Kerry, is a caregiver for her elderly neighbour.
Having had many gifts in her life, Alice felt she could make a difference.
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Each evening Alice visits her neighbour to provide essential duties such as cooking meals,
lighting the fire, bringing in fuel and cleaning the house.
Alice is confident that she makes a big difference in her neighbour’s
life and she is now encouraging her friends to follow her example.
Although Alice is currently studying for her Junior Certificate and sometimes
finds it difficult to make time to visit her elderly neighbour, she never fails to be there each evening.
She feels happy and content helping her neighbour and sharing stories,
chats and laughs with her.
Alice has experienced hardship in her own life. And when her father passed away suddenly
this past June, it was her elderly neighbour who helped her through this difficult time.
Alice’s teacher, Kerry Harkin, says “Alice has been an inspiration to both her peers
and the staff in the school. She has faced considerable difficulties over the past year.
Even in those times when she feels sad about her Dad, she demonstrates her
maturity and selflessness by helping others.”
Rebecca Casey,
17, from Douglas, Co. Cork,
a sixth year student at Christ King Secondary School in Douglas, travelled to Navodari,
Romania in June 2009 as a volunteer with the Aurelia Trust. This charity seeks to
improve the lives of institutionalised people between the ages of 17 and 30, many of
whom have physical or developmental delay.
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Rebecca spent six hours a day for 10 days with the young people in the institution.
She also spent time with those who had moved from the institution and into residential
homes offering one-to-one care and stimulation. Rebecca also raised the money needed
to take the trip and she organised a series of events in her community.
Having spent 10 days in Romania, Rebecca found that she could see positive change
in the lives of the people she worked with, and as a result of this she hopes to
travel to Navodari on an annual basis. She also intends to continue fundraising for the Aurelia Trust.
Cáit Watkins, principal of Christ King Secondary School, says of Rebecca, “It does
not surprise me that Rebecca undertook this work as she has a beautiful personality
and this helped in garnering the support of her fellow students in fundraising for the trip to Romania.”
Karina Cronin,
15, from Ballydesmond, Co. Cork, a
third year student at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry, is a member of her
local Social Action Group. This voluntary organisation spearheads a range of
community activities for young and old.
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Karina uses her own talents as a gifted singer and dancer to entertain elderly residents of Rathmore.
She also supervises at the weekly youth disco. For Karina, giving is something special.
She says that volunteering “makes you happier in yourself by making a difference in someone else’s life.”
Despite being only 15 years old, Karina has developed the confidence to lead teams and inspire others.
Her willingness to get involved in any task is evident.
Jerh O’Donoghue, the president of Rathmore Social Action Group, describes Karina
as “a beacon who keeps the Social Action Group flag flying. Her dedication has
inspired over 40 new members to join in the last couple of months.”
Conleth Dolan,
18, from Lurgan, Co. Armagh, a year 14 student at Lismore Comprehensive School in Craigavon,
is a PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm) Suicide charity worker.
Conleth joined PIPS after his brother died by suicide over two years ago.
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This personal experience has had a deep effect on Conleth.
He has experienced his own suicidal feelings since the anguish of his brother’s loss.
However, Conleth has turned his pain into a force for good and found comfort and strength in PIPS.
He is now a committee member and uses his own experience to help others.
Conleth’s voluntary work with PIPS Upper Bann includes organising events around World Suicide Day,
fundraising and public relations activities. He intends to stay with PIPS and in fact his aim is
to “prevent more deaths in the community, as every single life is precious.”
According to Brendan Murray, principal at Lismore Comprehensive School,
“Conleth is a young man of remarkable resilience. His genuine aspiration to make a
difference for those with suicidal ideations has been challenging.
He began this journey at a time of personal turmoil and will testify
to the degree of healing he has achieved.”
Olivia Fitzsimons,
17, from Clonsilla in Dublin,
a sixth year student at Castleknock Community College, travelled to Kolkata in West Bengal
to lend a helping hand. Olivia worked with BeKind Ireland and coordinated a series of
fundraising activities to help send 12 students to Kolkata. As project co-ordinator Olivia
led her team and they raised a phenomenal €60,250.
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While in Kolkata, Olivia worked on the frontline of the poverty-stricken streets.
She sat with people with leprosy, fed people who couldn’t feed
themselves and talked to the sick and the destitute.
Back home in Dublin, Olivia has inspired her local community to
engage with her and her fellow volunteers as they live out their motto,
“Caring with Conviction and Compassion for those less well off than
ourselves no matter what our circumstances.”
Olivia is planning to return to Kolkata in 2011.
To do so, she and her fellow volunteers must raise a massive €100,000.
Describing the depth of Olivia’s volunteering spirit while in Kolkata,
Brian Flanagan, director, BeKind Ireland, says, “It was rare to see her without a child in her arms.
Those children needed as much love as possible and Olivia touched the hearts of many,
on our passage to India.”
Aideen Fleming,
17, from Tullow, Co. Carlow,
a sixth year student at Tullow Community School, volunteers at the Cheshire Home
which works with adults with special needs. Aideen is motivated by the motto,
‘to give is to live’ and she undertakes a range of voluntary activities as she
feels so exhilarated by the feeling of giving something back.
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At the Cheshire Home, Aideen spends time with the residents who are physically and mentally disabled.
She befriended a lady named Mary who had a life-long wish to travel to Lourdes.
Aideen was so struck by Mary that she decided to challenge herself further and
become Mary’s caregiver on the pilgrimage to Lourdes. To raise money for the
trip for Mary and 12 other students, Aideen organised a series of events that raised a total of €6,000.
Aideen’s charity work also includes Daffodil Day, the Chernobyl’s Children’s Project,
the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Delaney Academy - a mission school in Ghana.
Being aware of the challenges faced by the people Aideen worked with has given her a
new appreciation for her own health and well being. Meanwhile, her various
voluntary activities have given her a new sense of dedication, commitment and fulfilment.
According to Patrick Flynn, principal at Tullow Community School
“Aideen is very generous with her time, always giving with a smiling and compassionate heart and
feels that she has received more than she has given”.
Seoighe Kearney,
17, from Mallow, Co. Cork, a
fifth year student at Davis College in Mallow, followed in the footsteps of her Dad
and joined the Niall Mellon Township Trust in South Africa. The mission of this
charity is to build homes for people who live in shanty towns.
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In order to join the Niall Mellon team, Seoighe had to raise €10,000,
so she embarked upon nine months of fundraising activities including bag-packing, flag days and quizzes.
When Seoighe travelled to South Africa with her fellow volunteers,
they built houses for 50 families and a school for the local children.
The Niall Mellon Trust was not the first brush with volunteerism for Seoighe.
Throughout her five years at secondary school she has been involved in various
charity activities, including fundraising for the ISPCA (Irish Society of Prevention
of cruelty to animals) being an invalid helper in Lourdes and volunteering with the Irish Cancer Society.
Speaking of Seoighe’s hard work in South Africa, Padraic O’Connor, a
foreman with the Niall Mellon Trust, says, “Seoighe is a very enthusiastic, vibrant young
lady who is full of life, always willing to help out and is a joy to have on any team.
As foreman, I would be delighted to have her on my team again.”
Jennifer Lynch,
18, from Creggan in Derry,
a year 14 student at St. Mary’s College in Derry, is a volunteer youth leader in her community.
Jennifer lives in an area of social deprivation with high levels of anti-social behaviour.
The local youth club has become an oasis for the young people of the area and so Jennifer
decided to become a volunteer.
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She gives 20 hours per week to the youth club and is the elected chairperson of the committee.
And for six weeks in the summer, she spends nine hours a day at the club.
Through her involvement with the youth club, she has gained new qualifications
in Participation, Young Adult Development, Sexual Health, Conflict and Resolution,
Peer Mentoring and Law and Order from the Open College Network (OCN) Jennifer also led
a scheme to develop a wildlife garden for a local primary school which has been featured
on RTE’s Glorious Gardens programme.
For the future, Jennifer intends to study youth work at university
and says she will also maintain her links with the youth club.
She says that it can be difficult to engage young people but that her training has helped her immensely.
Jennifer’s vice-principal, Martine Mulhern, says, “Jennifer’s contribution to her community has
been nothing less than outstanding, benefiting all those she works with.”
Barry McCrory,
15, from Craigavon, Co. Armagh, a year 11 student at Lismore Comprehensive in Craigavon, is a representative on the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young people (NICCY). Coming from an area of social deprivation, Barry wanted to give a voice to the young people of Craigavon.
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His role involves being part of several committees including recruitment,
residential and one formed to meet local government Ministers.
Barry’s work involves him in consultations with young people which
are then included into government consultations.
Barry believes strongly in the adage “children are our future” and even at
school he is constantly championing the cause of young people.
He is the chairperson of the Student Council and has been instrumental
in three major changes in the school, including the installation of water
fountains, giving girls a choice to wear trousers and getting recognition
for sixth years through a specially designed tie.
Ken Smyth, NICCY participation manager, says, “Barry’s integrity and personal values
are very much aligned to NICCY’s values, whilst his personal interactions with
other members of the youth panel and NICCY staff are excellent.”
Susie McGagh,
18, from Dunmore, Co. Galway,
a sixth year student at Dunmore Community School, co-leads a local youth group
and has travelled to Romania twice to carry out voluntary work.
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Susie’s work in the youth group has had a very positive impact on her peers and her community.
The group provides a safe place for young people to reach out for help and to talk through problems.
In order to travel to Romania, Susie had to raise money so she set about organising a series of events.
She used the money she raised to bring a group of 50 children from orphanages,
social centres and extremely poor families to the countryside for the holiday
celebration of a lifetime. Susie also helps to coordinate the Christmas shoe box
appeal at her school and in her community.
Ray Clarke from the Samaritans Purse charity, which organises trips to Romanian orphanages describes,
Susie as “someone who demonstrates maturity rarely found in someone of her age.
I would be happy to have her as part of any overseas mission team in the future.”
Aidan McGrath,
16, from Swords in Dublin,
a sixth year student at Fingal Community College, is chairperson of the Fingal
Comhairle na n+g and Swords Youth Council. Spurred by the rising number of teen
suicides and the numbers of young people turning to anti-social behaviour and
substance abuse, Aidan decided to get involved in community work.
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Part of Aidan’s work was to develop links between local government and young people,
ensuring young people are involved in the decision-making process.
The bodies Aidan is involved with include the Joint Policing Committee,
the Community Policing Forum, The Regional Drugs Task Force and the County Council.
He was also involved in creating the Local Area Development plan and highlighted
the need for more youth facilities in his area. Aidan’s work has been featured in
local papers and he appeared on RT+ about his work to secure more facilities for
young people in his community.
Aidan says, “I hope that by standing up and speaking out as a leader for young people
in my area, I will encourage other young people to be heard on the issues affecting them.
I want young people to remember that although they may not have a vote,
they will always have a voice.”
Felicity McKee,
18, from Armagh, a year 14 student at St.
Catherine’s College in Armagh, is a committed volunteer. In her own words she was “never one
to stand by and watch from the sidelines when I saw inequalities.” Felicity is a member
of the Order of Malta and Youth Democracy and is also an avid fundraiser.
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Her work with the Order of Malta brings her to many events including the Oxygen concert,
rugby and hurling matches and a pilgrimage to Knock. Over and above this work Felicity has
also helped give a voice to young people by joining Armagh Youth Council. The problems
of drugs, alcohol and youth suicide are pressing issues that Felicity deals with in her
efforts to make a positive impact.
In fact, Felicity’s level of voluntary work is illustrated by her range of training
qualifications which include first aid, public speaking, negotiating and organisational
skills, suicide intervention training and teaching English as a foreign language.
Volunteering is a way of life for Felicity and she intends to pursue a career in the
public service as a result.
Her principal, Deirdre McDonald, describes her as a
“young person totally focused on the need to contribute to a better society.”
Oonagh Mitchell,
18, from Belfast, a year 14
student at Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College, Knock, is involved in befriending the sick
and elderly in her community. An intending medical student, Oonagh decided to get a real
insight into the caring roles within the community. She volunteered at a nursing home for
the elderly and also at the breast cancer unit of the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
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Oonagh realised through her volunteering that communication can make a
huge difference to those who feel isolated or alone, and spent much of her
time speaking to patients. She says she feels “humbled and privileged to hear
their stories. I feel that I gain as much from the experience as I give.”
Oonagh is now giving talks at her school encouraging students to volunteer their time too.
Dermot Mullan, principal of Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College, Knock, describes Oonagh as,
“an outstanding volunteer, a true role model for our young people wishing to
give service not just in the local school community but also in the wider community.”
Treasa Nf Shúilleabháin,
17, from Bantry, Co.
Cork, a fifth year student at Schull Community College, is a committed volunteer who is
involved in a variety of voluntary activities. Treasa is a founding member of the Bantry
Youth CafT Events Committee, has fundraised for the Belarusian Orphanage Project,
the Irish Heart Foundation and volunteers twice weekly at the Bantry Co-Action Centre.
As a member of the Lesotho Exchange committee, Treasa is hoping to be chosen as one of
the students to visit the country.
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During Transition Year, Treasa spent twelve weeks
teaching an elderly lady how to use a computer. She is also an avid sports fan
and is involved in coaching and preparing GAA teams throughout the year in the
community and in primary schools.
Treasa’s biggest challenge in carrying out her voluntary
work is actually finding time for all her voluntary activities.
She credits teachers and friends for helping her out with her big list of events.
School principal Timothy O’Connor says, “Treasa is an exceptional young lady with a
unique sense of community responsibility which manifests itself in a range of ways
and with the underlying characteristic of being a caring person.”
Conor O’Meara,
16, from Portumna, Co. Galway,
a fourth year student at Portumna Community School, is a passionate volunteer who offers his
time to the Red Cross.
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“Motivation is not why I volunteer, the fact is, volunteering is who I am,” says Conor.
Such is his passion for voluntary work that he is considering a career with the Red Cross.
Conor must undertake in-depth training as part of his volunteering activities and he has
completed his intermediate exams. He also attends major events including the Volvo Ocean
Race, horse riding events and football matches.
Conor also volunteers at a local crFche and helps out with the Homework Club,
gardening, cookery and sport. He also gives his time to the Portumna Scouts,
the local Tidy Towns Committee, is a member of the Student Council, Green
Flag Committee and the local Church choir.
While giving his time for other people, Conor had his own personal struggles.
He undertook all of his volunteer work during his Junior Certificate year,
and also while his mother was receiving treatment for cancer. Conor’s ability to
persevere and remain strong has helped him in his volunteering activities
as well as in his personal life.
Derry Long, principal at Portumna Community School says “Conor is a young man of
exceptional qualities of strength and resilience. His commitment to volunteering is exemplary.”
Aoife O’Regan,
17, from Clonakilty, Co. Cork,
a fifth year student at Clonakilty Community College, is instrumental in a campaign to
establish a Youth CafT in her community. Aoife’s campaign to establish a safe place for 12 to 18-year-olds
began in 2005 when she led a deputation to the local Town Council.
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A For=ige Club was set up in the town as part of this campaign and Aoife was elected chairperson.
Following that, a public meeting was held and a committee was formed to pursue the Youth CafT project.
Aoife was elected public relations officer and a series of fundraising events were organised and
the search began for suitable premises.
The campaign for the Youth CafT is ongoing and even Barry Andrews, T.D., and minister of
state for children, has visited Clonakilty to view the proposed building.
Fundraising for the facility takes up a lot of Aoife’s time as this is a critical
element of the project being fulfilled. However, she is committed and determined
to see it open for the young people of her area.
School principal Anne Dunne describes Aoife’s commitment to the Youth CafT project.
“Aoife was conspicuous by the way she threw herself totally behind the Youth CafT project.
Whilst others were deflated by the amount of bureaucracy that bedevilled the project,
Aoife continued to encourage those around her to persist while at the same time
lobbying those in the town (both business and political) to persevere with the idea.”
Rebecca Ramsey,
17, from Derry, a year 13 student at
Thornhill College in Derry, is a member of the charity Changaro Trust in Kenya.
Through her work with this charity Rebecca has visited Africa and has raised money
by organising various events.
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While in Africa, Rebecca worked in orphanages, cleaning and cooking and playing with the younger children.
She taught basic science in the schools in slum areas and worked in a HIV Aids clinic.
Back home Rebecca spends time promoting the work of the Changaro Trust both at school and in her community.
As a direct result of Rebecca’s voluntary work and fundraising, a total of 300 children will get an
education at a new school to open this year. The children will also be nourished by the food that
the Changaro Trust provides and the well that will be built. According to Rebecca, “the children
will have an escape from the vicious cycle of poverty.”
Rebecca loves being a volunteer and says the benefits of bringing happiness to other
people’s lives are widespread by. Despite the challenges of watching children in neglect and poverty,
Rebecca is determined to continue her work with the Changaro Trust.
Michelle Kennedy, Aurelia Trust Committee member says “Rebecca was a very positive influence on
everyone involved in the Tabara Project and we look forward to her involvement again this year”.
P.J. Ronan,
14, from Tullow, Co. Carlow, a second year
student at Tullow Community School, helped his brother fulfil his lifetime dream. P.J.’s brother
had planned a trip to Calcutta to work in an orphanage but just as he was about to embark on his
fundraising activities, he had to be hospitalised to have back surgery.
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Determined not to see his brother’s dream slip away, P.J. took over the fundraising project.
At the same time their father was diagnosed with cancer, which added to the boys’ stress.
However, P.J. took control of the situation and found the courage to involve others in his
fundraising. Through a series of events he managed to raise €3,000 which allowed his brother
to undertake three months voluntary work in the orphanages in Calcutta.
P.J. is now planning his own trip to Ghana and is involved in a range of voluntary activities.
His skills as a DJ are used frequently for local events; he is a member of the Green Schools
Committee and is the class representative on the Student Council.
P.J.’s generosity and courage took a lot of pressure off his family at a difficult time.
He also helped others through his work and sees a future for himself in volunteering.
School principal Patrick Flynn says, “P.J. does his voluntary work with a smile on his face and
feels that it is his duty to give and not to count the cost.”
Shane Walsh,
17, from Castlebar, Co. Mayo, a fifth year
student at Davitt College in Castlebar, undertakes all his voluntary activities at school by way
of caring for his friend Cian, who has special needs.
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Shane’s uncompromising friendship with Cian began five years ago when both boys enrolled at
Davitt College on the same day. During that time Shane has become Cian’s constant caregiver and
has ensured that his school experience resembles, as much as possible, every other student’s in the school.
Cian must be transferred from a manual wheelchair to a powered wheelchair each morning and evening.
Shane waits for Cian to arrive in the morning and from that minute until he finishes school,
Shane is looking out for him.
While Cian clearly relies on Shane, it is evident that Shane also values the friendship. He says,
“Cian and I have very interesting conversations. He is a really nice lad. Cian has made me realise
and appreciate how lucky my friends and I are.”
Cian’s family are delighted with how well he has fitted into school and greatly appreciate Shane’s help.
Shane intends to keep in touch with Cian and also plans to take a year out to do volunteer work
with Habitat for Humanity, who build houses for the poor in the Third World.
Bernadette Rowland, principal at Davitt College describes Shane as “an exceptional young man who has the
capacity to blend a deep sense of caring with intelligence and commitment. His tremendous kindness became
evident as soon as he began at Davitt College”.
Ileana Wright,
15, from Farran, Co. Cork, a fourth year student
at Scoil Mhuire, Cork City, visits her elderly neighbours regularly. Ileana is committed to her community
and in particular the elderly population. She is not afraid to take on any task and for one
neighbour she helps with farming duties.
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This elderly man does not want to give up farming, so in order to allow him to continue to enjoy
his love of the land, Ileana carries out the chores including drawing straw, hay and herding cattle.
Ileana hopes that her work will demonstrate that young people do care about elderly people and their lives.
She also volunteers at Faith and Light meetings for people with disabilities and she sings and
chats with the people there.
There is no doubt that Ileana has challenged herself immensely, learning new tasks and
staying positive in very sad situations.
School principal Regina Moran says, “Ileana is an excellent pupil, committed, intelligently
aware and she shows a spirit of enterprise and willingness to help.”
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