Castlepollard students attend SVP Youth Day

Students from Castlepollard Community School gathered at Causey Farm on April 28, as part of the St Vincent de Paul North East and Midlands Region Youth Day.

Students and teachers from 18 regional schools gathered for a day of learning, connection, and celebration.

The event is for young people from counties Meath, Monaghan, Louth, Cavan, Longford, and Westmeath.

The team at Causey Farm curated the activities including ceili dancing, bread making, bodhrán workshops, animal farm, tractor trail and bog jumping, mineshaft tunnels, and mural painting.

In the lead-up to Youth Day, participating schools worked on SVP projects exploring themes such as poverty, social exclusion, and human dignity.

Through workshops, school campaigns, and community actions, students tackled issues like homelessness, food poverty, mental health, and inclusion, all while building empathy and awareness of the world around them.

During the Youth Day, teachers were invited to view some of the student work and were especially moved by a talk from Hannah Clarke, SVP North East and Midlands regional president.

Her stories about the powerful, non-judgmental work of SVP volunteers provided a an eye-opening insight into the reality of life for many in our communities.

Her words brought the mission of SVP to life in a way that left a lasting impact on both teachers and students.

She said that thanks to the incredible support of teachers and the enthusiasm of students, Young SVP continues to thrive, encouraging a new generation to engage with their communities, champion justice and fairness, and carry the spirit of SVP forward into their future schools, colleges, and lives.