Synergy Credit Union's Climate Change Schools Project Empowers St. Colman’s College Students to Drive Positive Change

Synergy Credit Union, in collaboration with SERVE, has launched a Climate Change Schools Project aimed at empowering students to become advocates for sustainability. The six-week programme, which is aligned with the Junior Cycle CSPE curriculum strand 2: Global Citizenship, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 - Climate Action.

Through interactive workshops and presentations, These transition year students were introduced to the interconnectedness of the SDGs and the critical role of addressing climate change in achieving global sustainability. They learned about responsible consumption and production, explored the impact of climate change on individuals and communities, and developed creative solutions to address climate-related challenges.

The project's success is evident in the enthusiasm and engagement of the participating students. 96 Transition Year (TY) students at St Colman's College in Fermoy recently completed the program and presented their climate action posters to representatives from Synergy Credit Union.

Pat Morrissey, Marketing Officer of Synergy Credit Union, expressed his delight at the program's alignment with the credit union's ethos of community-based support, inclusivity, and sustainability. He also expressed hope that the program's impact will inspire other credit unions to implement similar initiatives in local schools.

The 'Decade of Delivery' for the SDGs underscores the importance of raising awareness and understanding about these global goals. The SDG Champion Programme not only addresses this gap but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of the SDGs, highlighting the role of climate action in achieving all sustainable development objectives.

The program's multistakeholder partnerships involving Synergy Credit Union, SERVE and St Colman's College exemplify SDG 17 - Partnership for the Goals, demonstrating the power of collaboration in mobilising young people towards sustainable development.

The SDG Champion Programme is a valuable initiative that empowers students to become informed and engaged advocates for sustainability. By bridging the knowledge gap about the SDGs and fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of climate action, the program is equipping young people to be changemakers in their communities.