710 students from across Kilkenny, Kildare, Laois, Clare, Carlow, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath, Wexford and Waterford took part in the Young Social Innovators (YSI) Speak Out Tour last week, presenting innovative projects aimed at tackling pressing local and national issues.
The students addressed themes including body image and eating habits, the environmental impact of pollution and fast fashion, and concerns around energy drink consumption among young people. Teams also examined online gaming, gambling awareness, and discrimination.
Community-focused projects explored gender balance in sport, the lack of town facilities for young people, and broader social inequalities. Their presentations reflected a strong awareness of both global issues and the day-to-day realities facing young people in their own communities.
Each team delivered a two-minute presentation, sharing their research, action taken to tackle the social issue, lived experiences, and calls to action with a live audience and the YSI Speak Out Panel.
The energy and depth of discussion at the Kilkenny event highlighted the leadership potential of young people determined to make meaningful change.
