'In awe of their dedication' - Kilkenny students lead inspiring community projects

Transition Year students in two Kilkenny schools have demonstrated outstanding community spirit through innovative projects supporting local charities, in collaboration with Kilkenny Volunteer Centre.

At Loreto Secondary School, a Transition Year group took part in a creative wellbeing initiative as part of their wellness programme.

Two volunteers from Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, Margaret Paterson and Brenda Murtagh, visited the school to teach the students basic sewing and embroidery skills. Over the course of several weeks, the students designed and hand-embroidered beautiful toiletry bags.

Read next: 'Scandal' - Huge bill to clean up dumping at rural Kilkenny cemetery

The project culminated in a donation drive in support of Amber Domestic Abuse CLG. On Thursday, February 26, Aurellia Glynn from Amber Services addressed the students, speaking about the vital work of the refuge in supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

At Kilkenny College, Transition Year student Lilly Boland  organised a product drive in aid of Kilkenny Helping the Homeless.

She worked closely with Ms Jen Phelan, who teaches the school’s Volunteering in Action course, to co-ordinate the drive and addressed the school community over the intercom and at assemblies, with a call to action for food and essential item donations.

“I was in awe of Lilly’s contributions and her dedication to supporting those in need,” said Mary Pierce, Kilkenny Helping the Homeless.

TY Co-ordinator at Kilkenny College, Jeremy Clarke, praised Lilly’s efforts: “We are massively proud of the social awareness shown by Lilly in planning this product drive.”

Both initiatives highlight the powerful role young people play in strengthening their communities and reflect the positive impact of partnerships between schools, local charities and Kilkenny Volunteer Centre. They also demonstrate how structured support and encouragement can empower students to turn ideas into meaningful action.

READ MORE - WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY THIS ST PATRICK'S DAY

Paula Harte, Volunteering Development Officer with Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, said: “The level of community awareness, creativity and compassion shown by the students has been truly inspiring. It goes to show that with encouragement and the right pathways, students are more than willing to step up and become active, engaged participants in their communities.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, supporting local causes, or developing school-based community initiatives can contact Kilkenny Volunteer Centre for information and support: www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or phone 089-2584946.