The initiative supports programmes that help young people build an entrepreneurial mindset, acquire leadership, financial and workplace skills, through mentorship and funding.
Enactus UL were the overall winners of last year’s Pathways to Progress programme and received €4,500 in seed funding along with mentorship from Citi Bank for their project SparkED.
This involved UL students partnering with local primary and secondary schools to equip young people with interpersonal and leadership skills through a series of workshops and presentations, and train volunteers for Limerick’s Gateway to Education.
Catherine Hallinan, project leader of SparkEd said It was amazing to see the progress of projects that thrived under the mentorship of CITI mentors.
“We were over the moon to win on the day. It will allow SparkEd to spark the light for a brighter future” she said.
Enactus UL public relations officer Maria Bennett said it equipped them with the tools and insight to develop the programme in the Limerick area.
“With help from Citi Bank, mentors and frequent Citi events we gained the knowledge to help our project reach its full potential, helping youth gain the skills they needed for a successful future.”
Outside of SparkEd, Enactus UL students are working with various organisations on projects such as Restart, helping integrate asylum seekers and refugees into the Irish community and the Planter, enabling communities in Malawi to plant crops in a more efficient and user-friendly way.
To learn more about Enactus UL or get involved with their projects you can email enactusul2013@gmail.com.
Students are invited to submit their ideas for ‘Pathways to Progress’, which they will then pitch in Dublin later in September where the successful ten teams will be chosen.
Application is now open and more information can be found at enactusireland.org.
