This year has been challenging for everyone, young people included. However this year’s Localise Youth Volunteer Graduation was a powerful reminder of the positive impact of young people, celebrating and congratulating all those who have continued to care for their communities despite challenging circumstances.
On the 28th of April a Graduation Video as well as certificates were sent to all Localise participants, families, friends, schools and partners. Special guests Minister Paschal Donohoe, Minister of Finance along with Dublin City University President Daire Keogh lead the online congratulations 600 Localise Youth volunteers, adult volunteers and DCU students, who completed their Localise Youth Volunteering programme between Sep December 2020.
The Virtual Graduation celebrated the following community projects:
- Delivering handmade 260 handmade cards to patients and tokens of appreciation to 180 staff members of the Covid and Dialysis Units of the Mater Hospital.
- Providing 84 Care packages for the Community Midwifery team in the Rotunda Hospital along with care packages for all the new families on the week of Christmas.
- Designing and Decorating a Winter-Wonderland Movie room for the patients in Fairview Community Unit, along with creating over 160 Care Packages for staff and Patients
- Fundraising €6,400 to purchase shopping vouchers, providing essential supplies to over 250 families in the Swords region
- Creating artwork, cards and puzzle books for Nephin Nursing Home.
- Personalised Care packages were created for individuals in RiverValley Swords who living in isolation were receiving support from SVP.
- Gifts and virtual games were created for the residents AnovoCare Nursing home Swords
Localise Youth Volunteering Graduation Quotes:
Minister Paschal Donohoe “Over the many years I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the impact that Localise has made on all the young people who have been on the programme and how valuable it has been as part of their educational experience”
“None of this work would be possible without the core support and funding from the Office for the promotion of Migrant integration” Derek Cleary – Director Localise Youth Volunteering
When you see the work that young people can come together and do, especially under the supervision of Localise, it is incredible, it will take your breath away. Stephen 16, Youth Mentor
Daire Keogh President elect Dublin City University “Localise Volunteers are building a better world and we look forward to the brighter days ahead”
“We saw first-hand what we can do when we work together and the impact it has on our community. Localise has also provided us with lots of life skills, so it is as valuable to us as it is to our community.” Tara DCU student
Congratulations to all the Localise Youth Volunteers who when above and beyond this year to care in their community.