A GROUP of schoolgoers from Clondalkin in Dublin who wanted to tackle the negative perception of youths in hoodies were among 300 pupils to be presented with a National Youth Volunteer Card yesterday.
The Localise Graduation Awards were presented by Government Chief Whip John Curran in DIT Kevin Street, Dublin, yesterday.
The student groups received the recognition on completion of a pilot programme set up by the Department of Education and Science in 2009.
The “Heroes in Hoodies” from Moyle Park College in Clondalkin wanted to demonstrate to their elderly neighbours that they had nothing to fear from youths in hoodies. They visited the local active retirement Monday Club with home-made treats, cards and specially designed hoodies they presented to members.
“We wanted to smash the stereotype that people should be afraid of hoodies,” said teacher Gary Kenny.
“We were presented with the hoodies to our great surprise and so we became catapulted into their lives,” said 82-year-old Breda Grace.
“The sheer enthusiasm was great because you could see they were so interested. I like that they were so personally involved,” she said.
The Holy Family Secondary School, Clontarf, invited members of their local retirement centre to mask-making and a jungle-themed lunch.
St Ailbhe’s School, Tipperary, held a “Back to School for the Afternoon” for elderly in their community, and each student partnered with a visitor. “It was like a day at the seaside,” said one elderly woman.