To celebrate its partnership with Young SVP, Electric Ireland has identified the next generation of potential leaders from across the country, in the ‘17 Under 17’ series. Hailing from Cork, Waterford, Sligo and Northern Ireland, each of the 17 secondary school students star in a stunning photography collection, taken by award winning South African photographer Kevin Goss-Ross. Each of the ‘17 under 17’ youths was chosen for their stellar work and contribution to their local communities in Ireland, through Young SVP, the National Youth Development Programme of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Taking inspiration from Forbes’ infamous ‘30 Under 30’ series, Electric Ireland turned the traditional model on its head, and instead of celebrating young professionals for their business achievements, celebrates teenagers for their social justice achievements. Students profiled in the ‘17 Under 17’ photo series, hold personal items that represent their motivation and drive to succeed for positive social change within the Young SVP programme.
To coincide with the release of the ‘17 Under 17’ series Electric Ireland has created a cutting edge short film titled #WhatDoYouSee. Available to view on www.WhatDoYouSee.ie, the film uses innovative technology to provide the viewer with a different perception of youth participation in the community. Young people are a group that is often underrated and whose contribution to communities is under-recognised.
For three years, Electric Ireland has been a partner of the Young SVP National Youth Development Programme that encourages young people into social action and promotes their social and personal development. Some of the projects currently in progress by the students that feature in Electric Ireland’s ‘17 Under 17’ include: befriending projects, direct aid projects and education projects.
Jim Dollard, Executive Director, Electric Ireland said: “ Electric Ireland is delighted to support Young SVP. It is a tremendous programme empowering young people in Ireland to make a positive impact on their communities. The ‘17 Under 17’ series celebrates the vibrancy and values of the young people in the Young SVP programme.”
Electric Ireland and Young SVP recognise that young people have huge potential and are an amazing asset to their communities when given the opportunity. Each of the teens who took part are influential in their own right, but also representatives of their peers.
Becca Gallagher, SVP National Youth Development Coordinator commented: “Young SVP is important because it provides opportunities for young people to build social awareness and supports them into positive action. Young people are passionate, dynamic and enthusiastic to get involved in their communities when given the chance. Young SVP allows them to have their voice heard.”
See the full ‘17 Under 17’ series on www.facebook.com/ElectricIreland, www.Twitter.com/ElectricIreland orwww.instagram.com/ElectricIreland