YSI Speakout
We took part in the YSI speak out that took place in the Royal Marine hotel. The aim of this event was to raise awareness on issues and challenges we face in Ireland today. We began our preparation two weeks before the Speakout. The topic we chose was homelessness. We demonstrated using a sketch and some props that people often don't need much to get them back on their feet. They just wanted to be treated with respect and a small bit of help. We also promoted the brilliant work that Peter McVerry Trust, Focus Ireland and The Simon Community do. I really enjoyed this event as I was intrigued by the ideas people had to promote their topics.
Bazaar
On Thursday The 14th of December the school herald the annual school Christmas Bazaar. This is another name for a Christmas fair. The school was filled with activities for all ages, shapes and sizes. Importantly food for all. All the proceeds go the charity. The YSI group organised a bake sale with the chosen charity going to be Tiglin after the touching talk they had given us a week previous. Everyone brought something in. Some bought, some baked. On the night of the Bazaar we had two tables in the upstairs halls. Everyone was given a half hour time slot which they had to fill so they could sell the treats. There was a great buzz around the school and it went very well we sold almost everything. Which was fantastic and everyone enjoyed the evening. The money went towards purchasing the items for the dignity bags.
Dignity Bags
Unfortunately I was not present when the dignity bags were put together as I was on work experience. I was involved in the raising of the money to buy the items in these bags and helped present these bags. We presented the dignity bags to Tiglin one morning in school. They brought the no bucks bus up to the school. We then brought the bags from the chapel out to the bus and we filled it. The happiness this brought to the three workers was touching. Just by this simple task we had done, they knew it would help massively with their time of need at Christmas.
Peter McVerry Trust
Francis Doherty
On Wednesday the 15th of November Francis Doherty, Head of Communications for the Peter McVerry trust came into to speak to the YSI group. Luckily we were able to get in contact with Peter McVerry who kindly agreed to send in a speaker to the school. Francis begun by informing us about what they do and how they aid the homeless. He talked about the numbers of people in emergency accommodation and how they are trying to decrease this figure. Unfortunately homelessness is a growing issue and we are not going in the right direction to fix it. We were given the shocking figures of how many empty properties there are and how these would benefit if they were on the market. By more properties being on the market it would make it more affordable. This would cause less people to go homeless as they could pay their rent and it would allow the state to purchase houses for the homeless. Many people are sitting on empty property so Francis has pushed hard and long for a solution. Now people who are sitting on property will be forced to either sell it or begin to rent their property. This will ensure all properties are being used and hopefully solve the homelessness crisis nut this is a very lengthy process and will take time. I found this talk very interesting.