YES campaign win for Coláiste Cholmchille, Inverin pollinator project
Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) congratulates Coláiste Cholmchille, Inverin, Connemara on their winning Youth Engagement in Sustainability (YES) campaign project “Helping Pollinators in the Environment”. Coláiste Cholmchille were supported on this project by their BITCI World of Work partner company Iarnród Éireann.
For their winning project, 16 students from Coláiste Cholmchille collected deposit return scheme bottles and planted a pollinator-friendly garden in a local pensioners’ area and agreed a maintenance plan to look after the garden long-term. Iarnród Éireann assisted Coláiste Cholmchille on the project by helping them to source compost, mulch and plants.
The nationwide World of Work programme provides industry insights to 2nd year DEIS students through corporate volunteers from a local company. The volunteers share their career experiences, overview of their daily duties and tasks and host a site visit to their company. The YES campaign, as part of the World of Work programme, is an initiative sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland which includes a session learning and exploring concepts of sustainability and a national competition that focuses on the theme ‘How can I make my world a better place?’
Over 2,875 students learned about sustainability and 350 students took part in the YES campaign as part of the World of Work programme in 2024-2025.
Kirsten Barrett, Regional Coordinator, Cork & World of Work Programme Lead, BITCI said “We congratulate Colaiste Cholmchille on their well-deserved success in the YES campaign, sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland. Their project was a brilliant example of sustainability in action. We also applaud Iarnród Éireann for their generous support with the project and their ongoing commitment to the World of Work programme, which is a testament to the enduring success of this initiative. These programmes have proven the pupils engage more in school and have increased self-confidence. Volunteers report enjoying the opportunity to share their experiences, feeling more integrated in the community and finding it a very worthwhile volunteering opportunity. It is a win-win situation.”
Peadar Ó Sé, Principal, Coláiste Cholmchille said “We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing sustainability and demonstrating creativity and teamwork throughout the YES campaign. Their commitment to making a positive impact on our school and community reflects the values we strive to instill every day at Coláiste Cholmcille.”
Alex MacDonnacha, 2nd Year Student, Coláiste Cholmchille said “Taking part in the YES campaign was a brilliant experience. We learned how small changes can make a big difference, and it was great to work together on something that helps our school and the environment.”
Gráinne O’Reilly, Social Sustainability Manager, Gas Networks Ireland said “A heartfelt congratulations to Coláiste Colmchille on their outstanding achievement in the YES campaign! Their project, “Helping Pollinators in the Environment”, stood out for its creativity and collaboration, and the tangible impact it has had on both the school and the broader community. In Gas Networks Ireland we are continuously inspired by the innovative ideas from young students through the YES campaign. The vision and hard work that goes into these entries not only challenge us to think outside the box but also provide us with fresh perspectives on how we can improve our own practices at work. When we witness such commitment to sustainability, it reaffirms our belief that sustainability is a deeply valued principle here in Ireland. Their efforts are a testament to the positive effect that collaborative partnerships can have.”
BITCI are leaders in sustainability and social inclusion. Operating since 2000, the partnering of corporate volunteers with local DEIS schools, with the intent of addressing education disadvantage and achieving greater equity of opportunities, remains vital to BITCI’s social inclusion objectives.
The World of Work programme is part funded by Tusla.
