Social Inclusion Competition for Second Level Schools Awards Ceremony

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 1^st May 2009

On Thursday 7^th May 2009 at 11.00 in the Council Chamber Mayor Marie Corr will present the prizes to the winners of the Social Inclusion Project for second levels schools. The idea behind the competition is to raise awareness, enhance understanding of some of the key issues around poverty and inequality in our society, encourage students to get involved in their community and volunteer their services.

The competition provided the students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and also engage in action based learning and to create awareness and participate in Active Citizenship within their community.

It is very encouraging to see from the projects entered that Active Citizenship is alive and well here in South Dublin County. The range of subjects addressed in this competition demonstrates the diversity and complexity of Social Inclusion.

Some of the themes explored included poverty, disability, integration, older people, early school leaving, homelessness, equality and young people.

Social Inclusion is an absolute priority for this Council with policies initiated and driven by a dedicated Social Inclusion Unit and the County Development Board.

A lot of work has been done by the Council in partnership with the other agencies particularly with initiatives for Travellers and the new communities.

Tacking poverty and exclusion at national or local level requires an integrated multi agency approach.

Working in co-operation we can achieve our common goal of eliminating disadvantage and improving the quality of life for all residents of the county.

We hope that events such as this help us all to reflect on the imbalance in society and that everyones needs are different. Therefore we must ensure that we continue to build and support a more inclusive society for all.

For further information please contact Ms. Maria Finn, Social Inclusion Officer at 086 3803060 or email mfinn@sdublincoco.ie or Ms. Sandra Hickey, Staff Officer at 01 4149270 or email shickey@sdublincoco.ie