Athlone students come out on top in social enterprise contest
A student-led social enterprise created by two students from Our Lady’s Bower in Athlone has been crowned the overall winner of the Just Transition region Social Enterprise Finals.
'Study Den' is the name of the initiative by Bower students Drishika Gujjaru and Thamizhini Nalin Kumar Balaji which emerged victorious when the regional finals were held in Leinster House recently.
The finals brought together standout county-winning projects from Westmeath, Roscommon, Offaly and Longford, with students pitching their ideas to an audience of politicians and senior civil servants.
The overall prize was presented by the Minister with responsibility for Social Enterprise from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer.
The Bower students' 'Study Den', which was also announced as the county winner for Westmeath, is an eco-friendly café style study hub offering secondary school students an affordable, supportive space to study, collaborate and access academic support outside school hours.
There were also winning entries announced for student projects from the remaining Just Transition counties, with the event described as "a vibrant celebration of youth-led social enterprise and fresh thinking".
A social enterprise called 'Giving Tree 365', by students from Castlerea Community School, was awarded the county winner accolade in Roscommon. 'Giving Tree 365' was described as a year-round community initiative focused on kindness, inclusion and practical support for those in need.
Tullamore College students were recognised for their 'Community Hub' initiative winning the county award in Offaly. The students designed a space that brings people together through learning, wellbeing and shared community activities.
Meanwhile, Meán Scoil Mhuire students claimed the county winners award in Longford. Their project 'Teen Threads' is a sustainable fashion project promoting clothing reuse while raising awareness around fast fashion and waste.
Judges also awarded a highly commended distinction to 'Knot Wasted' from Tullamore College, which saw students create a project tackling wood waste by repurposing materials into practical and marketable products.
Each county winning team received a €250 prize sponsored by their respective local authorities, while the overall winning team from Our Lady's Bower was also rewarded with a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels, sponsored by Midlands-North West MEP Maria Walsh.
Gabrielle McFadden, Project Manager with Social Enterprise Exchange and organiser of the competition, sincerely thanked all those involved with the competition.
"Social Enterprise Exchange engaged with 500 transition year students and teachers throughout the year in the 'Just Transition' region of Westmeath, Roscommon, Offaly, Longford and Laois," Ms McFadden said.
"This competition would not have been such a success without the support of the individual local authorities, the transition year officers from each council, and the four judges, Steve Dolan GRD, Deborah Tierney Triest Press, Liam Ramsbottom Laois Partnership and Cathal Mahon Roscommon Partnership.
"I also want to thank Deputy Micheál Carrigy and his staff for their contributions to the competition," she added.