Entries by Serve

Thank you Dan Lynch

July 20, 2022 in , , /by

Thank you Dan Lynch

SERVE would like to say a huge thank you to our intern, Dan Lynch, for all his work with us over the past few months. Dan was on placement with us as part of his degree in International Development and Food Policy at University College Cork.

Dan first volunteered with us in 2021 as part of our TGAL programme, teaching online conversational English classes to children and young adults through SERVE’s partner, Centre for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS) in Vietnam.  

During his internship, Dan stepped up to support Team SERVE in everything that was needed – be it preparing promotional materials or coordinating volunteers.

It’s important that we mention Dan’s invaluable creative contribution to planning fundraising events, especially the upcoming 5-a-Side Soccer Tournament.

Above all, Dan painted new giant SERVE flip flops and even wore one proudly during our Flip Flop Appeal.  

The highlight of his SERVE placement was planning and taking part in our 4 Peaks Challenge in June, where he conquered Ireland’s highest provincial peaks and raised vital funds for SERVE’s work.  

Dan is now volunteering in kids’ summer camps in Argentina before returning to UCC in September for his final year.  

It has been a privilege to have worked with him, we wish him all the best in his future career in International Development and look forward to seeing him at our Soccer Tournament on Sept 10th! 

Thank you Dan Lynch

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Cork Life Centre visit SERVE HQ

June 29, 2022 in /by

Students of Cork Life Centre visit SERVE HQ

SERVE intern, Dan Lynch describes the absolute delight of hosing a workshop for the students of Cork Life Centre on site with support from EIL Seed Fund.

On Monday the 30th of May I had the wonderful opportunity to welcome six people from Cork Life Centre to Scala Youth Village in for a workshop on biodiversity and horticulture which was funded by the EIL Seed Fund.  

We began the day at 11am with a talk from Joe Byrne, who is an experienced gardener and horticultural educator – he has 50 years of experience nurturing biodiversity and ecologically sound approaches to gardening in Ireland and Australia. He previously coordinated the development of a spiritual reflection garden in another community centre in Cork. He also regularly facilitates training for young people interested in learning practical skills around gardening and biodiversity. 

Joe gave a talk to our group on the importance of biodiversity and its role maintaining a well-balanced and sustainable eco-system where local wildlife can thrive. Joe spoke to us about the indigenous plants and trees that we would be planting throughout the day and walked us through a step by step guide in how to prepare the land and plants to be planted to ensure that they can survive in the conditions provided.  

After the talk we walked around the Global Goals trail located on the ground of the Scala Youth Village. Along the walk we decided where we would plant the new trees and plants. We also spoke about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) which are displayed along the trail.

 It was fascinating to hear how each individual person was making efforts in their everyday lives to help contribute and work towards achieving the SDG’s within their local community.  

Once we had planted the new trees and plants we worked together to create birdhouses from recycled materials. Each person designed their own individual bird house and it was great to see the varying styles and designs reflecting the individuality of each person. The new additions of trees, plants and bird feeders has added great value to this trail for the public by helping to create space where people can come and walk through the trail enjoying local fauna and wildlife and also learn about the SDG’s and their values which are displayed on signs along the trail.  

The Project also held great value for our group leaders as we were able to engage with bright young people from the Cork Life Centre and help inform them about climate action, biodiversity and ecology. Our group leaders were also able to learn from the people of Cork Life Centre as they shared stories and information with us about their lives and past experiences working in relation to climate action.   

Students of Cork Life Centre design slates for the Global Goals trail at SERVE HQ in Scala


Students of Cork Life Centre planting


Students of Cork Life Centre listen to experienced gardener, Joe Byrne

SERVE 5-a-side Soccer Tournament

June 16, 2022 in , , , , , , , /by

5-a-side Soccer Tournament

Saturday September 10th 2022



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Days to Go

0 Days



September 10, 2022

12:00



Cork, Ireland

Nemo Rangers GAA Club



Admission

€20 per person

5-a-side Soccer Tournament

We are delighted to announce that on September 10th 2022, we will be hosting a SERVE 5-A-Side Soccer Tournament at Nemo Rangers GAA grounds near Douglas, Cork. 

SERVE’s 5-a-side Soccer Tournament will see 20 teams battle it out against one another in this day long event to win the inaugural SERVE Cup! We hope to have a human-sized foosball table accompanied by food, refreshments, and kid’s activities throughout the day too.  

By signing up for this event, you will help combat the youth unemployment crisis in South-eastern Africa. You will be directly assisting young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to gain the skills they need for economic resilience, to finish their education and become employable and entrepreneurs.

Vital funds raised will help SERVE to provide graduate start-up kits to over 150 graduates to promote small enterprises such as hairdressing, beauty therapy, solar technology, electronics, carpentry, catering, welding, plus more!

Entry fee €20/person (Total €100 for team of five people).

 

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SERVE 5 a side soccer tournament

this event is in aid of:

Skills for Youth Resilience Programme

This programme focuses on tackling the unemployment crisis faced by marginalised young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique by directly providing educational, entrepreneurship and skills training programmes for up to 5,000 young people. All the proceeds from this event will be vital for the continued investment in training infrastructure and equipment needed to improve the standard of training and improve access for the most vulnerable through a Scholarship Programme and providing start-up kits to graduates.





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Novojavoriosk_SERVE_Redmptorists_Ukraine Donate to SERVE Ukraine Appeal Irish charity


Solidarity with Ukraine

Solidarity with Ukraine Irish Charity SERVE like so many other citizens and groups are deeply perplexed by the unfolding tragedy being inflicted on the Ukrainian


Meet Omega

By Rory Murphy As the years go by and the memories fade, I suspect one thing, above all else, will remain with me from my

SERVE volunteers win Global Citizen Awards

May 26, 2022 in , /by

SERVE volunteers Global Citizen Awards 2022
SERVE Volunteer Ibrahim Salaou won the Bronze Global Citizen Award 2020

Three SERVE volunteers win Global Citizen Awards

SERVE is thrilled to congratulate three of our volunteers for each winning a Global Citizen Award for their achievements in volunteering abroad with us! 

The three SERVE volunteer winners are Orlagh Henry (Silver – GCA2021), Ibrahim Salaou (Bronze – GCA2020), Niamh Harrington (Bronze – GCA2020). Our volunteers won their awards during the pandemic and recently received them in-person following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.  

 

The Global Citizen Award recognises the fantastic work done by overseas volunteers ever year. It aims to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlight the interdependence between the Global North and Global South, and advocate for human rights and global social justice issues. The GCA recognises changemakers who are passionate about transforming the world they live in to leave it a better place for the next generation. 

The GCA recognises changemakers who are passionate about transforming the world they live in to leave it a better place for the next generation. 

Congratulations Orlagh, Ibrahim, and Niamh!  

Ibrahim Salaou shared, “For me, achieving the award was a huge personal achievement. I’ve never experienced anything like this before and it was a huge blessing to be a part of the award ceremony. I was asked to speak at the ceremony and it went really well and had positive feedback afterwards!”

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The Global Citizen Awards ceremony

SERVE volunteer, Ibrahim Salaou, receiving the Bronze Award. Photo credit: Jorge Ruiz Villasante


Few of the GCA2020 and GCA2021 winners with guest speaker Ellie Kisyombe. Photo credit: Jorge Ruiz Villasante


SERVE volunteer, Ibrahim Salaou, speaking on behalf of the Bronze Award winners. Photo credit: Jorge Ruiz Villasante


SERVE volunteer, Ibrahim Salaou, receiving the Bronze Award. Photo credit: Jorge Ruiz Villasante

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Ibrahim's speech at the Global Citizen Awards ceremony

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Reflections on Africa Day 2022

May 25, 2022 in , , , , /by

We share a few reflections on Africa Day 2022 ....

SERVE celebrates joyfully the brimming possibilities sprouting up in communities in every corner of Africa.

We connect with citizens and civil society in Ireland immersed in cherishing and unleashing the potential of Africa.

We salute the Young Entrepreneurs that SERVE has resourced to commence exciting new businesses in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

We congratulate the youth of Assumption Parish in Zambia for being leaders of their community with enthusiasm and commitment.

We dance with the dance schools that dot the townships, communities, and homes of African villages and towns.

We stretch the arm of solidarity to help young African citizens overcome the barriers that frustrate their efforts to reach their full potential.

We encourage Irish society in all its structures from local to national to establish mutually supportive partnerships with African communities, charities, initiatives, and enterprises to forge new pathways to opportunities and human flourishing for African citizens.



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Graduation Day 2022 celebrations at Young Africa

Graduates of Class 2022 at Young Africa Mozambique

Yong Africa student making a speech on Graduation day 2022

Certificates awarded to young people completing a residential Youth Leadership workshop in Assumption Parish, Mazabuka (2022)

Easter celebrations at Assumption Parish, Mazabuka, Zambia (2022)

Milimo Muchanga with the full group who attended the Youth Leadership Workshops with Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in Jan '22

Leadership & Life-Skills Workshop delivered by Darren Hennelly in Mazabuka, Zambia (2021)

Participants with their certificates after completing a workshop in Mzabuka, Zambia (2021)

Few students of Young Africa in class (from our archives)

Christian Brothers College (Cork) are SDG champions

May 17, 2022 in , , /by
Christian Brothers College SERVE SDG Champions
Few of the students from Christian Brothers College (Cork)

Christian Brothers College stars in SERVE SDG School Champions Programme

We believe in the power of development education for young people to empower them to become active Global Citizens. 

Our SDG Champions School Programme allows us to continue the invaluable connection with schools despite the ongoing pandemic.

Under the programme, students may apply to be part of their schools SDG Champions Team. On the Team, they have the opportunity to partake in challenges, training, and activities and be champions of change in their own school community.

SERVE supports the schools along the way and the SDG Champions Team members all receive a certificate of recognition of their steps towards becoming a more active global citizen. 

One of the schools to sign up are the Christian Brothers College in Cork. They have also signed up to our Pen Pals Project. 

Recently, the students visited us in Scala, Blackrock and talked to us about their ambitions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. One of their students highlighted the prevalence of inequality in food access and pledged to challenge world hunger in his day to day life. The average Irish household wastes 150kg of food every year while 10% of the world’s population continues to starve. This shows that we urgently need more education on tackling food waste in our day to day lives.

We thank Christian Brothers Cork for reminding us of the importance of food security. 

The students also hosted a bake sale and also completed a walking marathon to fundraise for our work. We’re extremely grateful for the dedication and solidarity in action.

A few photos






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Assumption Parish hosts annual residential youth workshops

May 16, 2022 in , , /by
SERVE SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS IN ZAMBIA
Certificate ceremony at Youth Leadership Workshop 2022 in Assumption Parish, Mazabuka, Zambia

SERVE supports annual youth leadership workshops in Assumption Parish

SERVE works closely with the Assumption Parish in Mazabuka, Zambia to support youth development. The latest initiative supported by SERVE was funding  a three day  youth leadership workshop for over 100 young people in April 2022.

The workshops discussed:

  • Goal setting
  • Self confidence
  • Communication and Critical Thinking
  • Drug awareness
  • Holistic Growth
  • Entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity

The workshops give the young people an opportunity meet their peers and train with mentors who can guide them towards a successful future. This will help nurture their creativity and leadership skills. 

The other achievement of these residential workshops is increasing the capacity of our partner liaison Milimo Muchanga and the team he works with in the area of project management. 

SERVE is extremely proud to have played a supporting role in creating this successful initiative in 2022, especially because it continues the work that our long term volunteer Darren Hennelley had completed with Milimo Muchanga in 2021. 

Please join us in congratulating Milimo Muchanga, his team and the facilitators for their fantastic work, and wishing the youth who participated this year the very best for their future.



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Few photos from the workshops









Carrigtwohill Community College supports SERVE Ukraine appeal

May 16, 2022 in , /by
SERVE thanks Carrigtwohill Community College for generous donation to Ukraine appeal
SERVE chairperson holding the cheque received from Carrigtwohill Community College

Cork school supports SERVE Ukraine Appeal

SERVE would like to warmly thank the Carrigtwohill Community College for their kind donation to our Ukraine appeal fund. Watching the war unfold from afar has been deeply upsetting for all of us, but the generosity of our donors has warmed our hearts and given us hope.

SERVE’s partner in Ukraine, the Redemptorists, have been working tirelessly since the beginning of the war to support civilians and provide them with shelter, food, and clothing. They have opened up their homes and their churches to provide a resting place for displaced families crippled with fear and anxiety. 

The funds raised by the Carrigtwohill Community College will go directly towards supporting the Redemptorists to help vulnerable Ukrainian people. 



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Earth Day 2022

April 22, 2022 in , , , /by

Earth Day 2022

Earth Day is a time to reflect on the many changes happening to our planet as climate change advances.  At SERVE, we recognise the importance of reflection and acknowledging the small steps we can all take to combat climate change. However, systemic change is also needed. The United Nations created the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 to focus the international community’s energy and attention on the tough challenges we face in making our world a better place.



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 Goal #13 (Climate Action) is the one we focus on today.

Goal #13 asks us to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Yesterday marked Ireland’s Earth Overshoot Day, meaning that Ireland has now used up a whole year’s allocation of natural resources. While a lot is already being done to combat the advancement of climate change, there is still a long way to go. 

At our home in Scala, Blackrock we created the Global Goals Trail as a physical reminder of the ongoing work that is required to improve our world. Climate Action is at the heart of the Trail as we also created raised garden beds, bird houses, and a composter to improve the biodiversity of the area. These are small actions that we can all take in our everyday lives to improve the environment, and we encourage you to do the same! 

Happy Easter from SERVE

April 8, 2022 in /by

Happy Easter from Team SERVE

In July 2016, when a truck intentionally drove into a crowd in Nice in France, a parent whispered words of hopeless grief “It feels as though someone has torn out my heart”.

In 2022 our human spirits are daily diminished as we are bombarded with terrible news about our own inhumanity to each other. The continuing attacks on the people of the Ukraine are relentless. Similar humanitarian tragedies prevail in Syria, Yemen, Mozambique, Burkina Faso but to name a few. The United Nations warns of a climate tipping point on emissions.

We are in liminal times, on the threshold of breakdown or breakthrough, so that something new can and will emerge. From where will the healing come? Inspiring leaders from a diverse set of backgrounds argue that we are called to a courageous commitment to action, contemplation and prophesy- to be present to the mysterious extremes of each human being, and to connect with, and be a light for the innocent millions caught up in a reign of prevalent darkness.

SERVE is dedicated to sending forth “tiny ripples of hope”. Our volunteer and development programmes energise creative alternatives to despair.

The celebration of Easter reinforces belief in the original blessing that is creation, that is humanity, that is unconditional love. Easter faith essentially stands by the hope that the ultimate future will be blessed.

Hope emerges when the future is utterly uncertain and unpredictable. In Hope in the Dark cultural historian Rebecca Solnit referring to the feeling of apprehension across the globe, writes, ‘We don’t know what is going to happen or how, or when, and that very uncertainty is the space for hope’.

The Easter story is told, as a blessing for those who feel overwhelmed by today’s defeatist perspective, giving them firm ground to stand on. Blessings to all the SERVE family and supporters.

—

Gerard O’Connor, SERVE Chairperson

“SERVE is dedicated to sending forth ‘tiny ripples of hope’. Our volunteer and development programmes energise creative alternatives to despair.”



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Redemptorist community & volunteers in Ivano Frankivsk delivering bread baked in monastery kitchen to deliver to elderly & fragile in their homes. (Photo on 19th March 2022)


SERVE Volunteers Run-a-Muck in March 202


Students of Christian Brothers College say hello to our partners in Vietnam & Zambia


Youth enjoying their meal together on Youth Day 2022 at Assumption Parish in Mazabuka, Zambia


Supplies sent to Badjao community after typhoon Rai


SERVE volunteers at Cork Global Goals Youth Village


Young Africa Graduates in 2021


Rory Murphy from Team SERVE delivering SDG Champions School Programme


Graduation Day in Young Africa from a few years ago


SERVE Volunteer Julia shares an important message


Leadership & Life-Skills Workshop delivered by Darren Hennelly in Mazabuka, Zambia (2021)

Irish Life Dublin Marathon banner


Run the Dublin Marathon for SERVE

Join Team SERVE in the Dublin Marathon 2025! Challenge yourself to run 42.195 km on October 26th while fundraising to support SERVE’s global development programmes. With Realbuzz perks like guaranteed entry, expert training plans, and a finisher’s pack, you’ll make every step count for solidarity and change. Sign up now and be part of something bigger!


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January 9, 2025


Empower Youth with SERVE’s Skills for Youth Resilience Programme

Empower over 12,250 youth in Zimbabwe and Mozambique with SERVE’s flagship initiative, the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP) 2024–2029. SYRP provides critical vocational training, life skills education, and post-graduation support to the most marginalised youth, including young women, rural communities, and people with disabilities. Through a focus on sustainability and resilience, the programme equips young people with practical skills in agriculture, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship, helping them build dignified livelihoods and brighter futures. Donate today to help transform lives and create lasting impact.


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January 8, 2025