Over 40 students from the University of Notre Dame have transformed a disused part of an inner city Dublin complex into a youth centre.
The University students from the United States, working over the weekend in partnership with Localise, the youth and community development organisation, have created a new youth centre for 10-15 year-olds in the south inner city. The centre is located at the Sophia Housing unit on 25 Cork Street, Dublin 8.
The Notre Dame students obtained materials and supplies for the project from their alumni while designers Emily Westbrooks and Alex Carberry volunteered their time and expertise to the project. Two disused offices were transformed into one youth space, providing a safe nurturing environment for local teenagers.
Derek Cleary of Localise said the work carried out at the weekend illustrated how young people were determined to give back to communities. “This was the first time our organisation has utilised foreign students in such a project. The enthusiasm and spirit of the students from America was tangible and they have left a great facility for those less well off in society,” he said.
Declan Dunne, CEO of Sophia Housing, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Localise team and the students from Notre Dame for creating a youth centre which will be of immense benefit to those living in the housing facility and the immediate community of Cork Street.”
Sophia Housing Association is a national social housing organisation supporting the needs of homeless people around the country. The organisation helps hundreds of people on the margins of society, providing good quality affordable housing, quality education, support services and a nurturing environment.