Volunteerism among young to be recognised: 'There is a huge need for a local connection'

David Giles is a student ambassador for this year’s The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, showcasing the commitment and dedication of young people’s volunteering efforts across

Ireland by encouraging students to apply for their 2020 awards.

I am 19 and in first year at UCC now, studying law and business. I’ve only been in college four weeks, and while it’s definitely hard, it is really stimulating as well. The content is really

interesting. I’m from Bandon, and I went to Hamilton High School, which is an all-boys school.

It was a great experience overall. It took a while to settle in at the beginning, because I was very much from the country and moving into the town environment was a big change. My bus stop was just outside Farnivane church, and I’d head away from there every morning. I had a few friends from primary school but it was a whole new environment and reality, so it felt like a very big shift to transition to secondary school.

I was always quite academic and driven in that way. I had never felt challenged in primary school by the academia, so then in secondary school it took a while to come out of my shell in that way. The school was extremely supportive in that way, and they definitely helped me to embrace that side of myself.

I loved English, and I had the most amazing English teacher. His name is Stephen McCarthy. Before I was in his class, the subject appeared to be a matter of right or wrong, and ‘you’re not supposed to say this or that’.

He taught us methods of expression rather than methods of abiding by the lines.

I grew up on a farm and there was always a sense of the importance of hard work at home. I have always been very driven, and then secondary school offered more of a platform to expand on that than ever before. I joined Foróige, which is a local youth club, and that was the start of my grounding in volunteering and working in the community. I’m the oldest in my family. All our neighbours and the people in my primary school would have been involved with the club, so it was almost a rite of passage for me. It has a very social element to it, and then it offers so many other opportunities for greater involvement, if you’re willing to pursue them.

Foróige sets you on the right path in every possible way.

They work in rural and dis-advantaged areas to support people, and to have the opportunity to be on projects that are helping people really puts your own life in perspective. I think that it is very

difficult for young people today. My school was outstandingly good at recognising this, and providing support for those who needed it. I think that there are real struggles for young people in daily life and outlets like Foróige help people to separate the importance of social media and all that it entails and surround themselves with community.

Everything with social media has gotten so much bigger and we see the world on a global scale now, and are comparing ourselves to people who live all over the world. I think with that, in so many ways there is a huge need for a local connection because of this. It can be something that’s very much forgotten.

Adults can help their teenagers and young people by encouraging them to become involved in things outside the realm of school. The school environment may be difficult but if you are involved in a number of different circles, then no matter how difficult one circle is, you know that there are going to be other opportunities and other people to interact with.

By joining groups and teams and community projects, your world becomes bigger and you get to meet the most incredible people.

In time, I would love to be a voice for those who have been forgotten by society. I would love to work with the homeless and the refugees; those who are marginalised in our

communities. I could see myself perhaps working in politics some day. I am not sure that I see myself practicing law, but rather knowing the legislative side of the world.

Students must register and apply via the online system by October 24. Their completed application is then submitted to their principal for review/submission with a deadline ofNovember 8. A judging panel, including people from charitable organisations, education and Pramerica, will select 20 finalists and two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year which will beannounced on February 5, 2020. Find out more here